Principal Assistant City Attorney: Internal Litigation Unit

City of Tucson - Attorney; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 64,747 - 96,432; Full time

Job summary

City of Tucson seeks a Principal Assistant City Attorney to provide advanced-level civil litigation services in the Internal Litigation Unit of the Civil Division. The role emphasizes autonomy, mentorship, and collaboration with the ILU team.

Requirements include a JD, at least five years of civil or criminal practice, and bar admission in Arizona. On-site at City Hall with potential remote/hybrid arrangements; background check required.

Qualifications

• JD required and admission to practice in Arizona.
• Minimum five years of civil and/or criminal litigation experience.
• Preference for government law practice with municipal civil litigation knowledge.
• Ability to work with autonomy and guide junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Litigates complex matters in federal and state courts, primarily tort and Section 1983 litigation.
• Serves as litigator for the City's ILU in State and Federal Courts; collaborates with other attorneys, paralegals, and legal secretaries.
• Provides legal analysis and advice to support Risk Management and City departments to reduce liability.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Litigation

Legal research

Oral advocacy

Education

Juris doctorate degree (JD)

Job description

Position Specific Summary

Position Specific Summary

Applicants must submit their completed application by 08-23-2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST

The Principal Assistant City Attorney position in the Tucson City Attorney’s Office provides advanced-level legal services within the Internal Litigation Unit of the Civil Division of the Tucson City Attorney’s Office. Performs advanced-level legal work in assigned areas of practice, in particular for cases in active civil litigation. Attorneys at this level work with a high level of autonomy and provide guidance and mentoring to lower level attorney personnel.

Work is performed in accordance with general policies and established standards of the legal profession and is reviewed by the City Attorney or their designee. This position does not supervise.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Litigates complex legal matters in federal and state courts in assigned area of practice, primarily tort litigation and federal civil rights (Section 1983) litigation. Supports litigation efforts in those matters by performing research, preparing and filing pleadings, making court appearances, trying cases, etc.

• Serves as litigator as part of the City’s litigation team (the ILU) for the City in State and Federal Courts. Identifies, analyzes, and discusses legal issues associated with cases, working closely with other ILU attorneys, paralegals and legal secretaries.

• Engages in legal analysis and provides advice to support the City’s Risk Management efforts; advises Risk Management and various City departments to reduce the City’s liability exposure.

• Performs other duties and tasks as assigned.

Working Conditions

Mostly office environment.

This position is on-site at City Hall. Remote or hybrid arrangement may be available.

All duties and responsibilities listed are subject to change.

Education

Juris doctorate degree (JD)

Experience

Five (5) years of relevant experience

Equivalency

Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

License/Certifications

License/Certifications: A valid and unrestricted driver’s license with two (2) years of licensed driving is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Member in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona
• License/Certifications: A valid and unrestricted driver’s license with two (2) years of licensed driving is required.
• Government law practice including a working knowledge of the legal subject matters involved with civil litigation in a municipal law practice.
• At least 5 years civil and/or criminal practice, to include jury trial experience.
• Civil litigation experience.

POSITION DETAILS

Job Profile

J0619 - Principal Assistant City Attorney

View full job profile including classification specifications and physical demands at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Tucson-Talent.

Compensation Grade

G113

Hourly Range

$47.08 - 70.61 USD

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Exempt

Position Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

Department

City Attorney

Department Link

https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Tucson-City-Court/City-Attorneys-Office

Background Check

This position has been designated to require a criminal background check. The City of Tucson is a Second Chance Employer.

Benefits

The City of Tucson offers a generous benefits package for benefit-eligible positions. The comprehensive, flexible, and affordable coverage is designed to optimize health and well-being, security and future, and peace of mind. Benefits begin with medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and FSA coverage, surpassing your standard 401(k) program by offering a rich pension plan plus optional Roth and pretax deferred compensation savings. With your well-being in mind, our paid time off program provides new hires with 38 paid days off in the first year of employment, with time off increasing steadily in subsequent years. We offer twelve weeks of paid parental leave, paid tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, off- and on-the-job training, and opportunities to forge connections with peers and the community through employee resource groups and paid volunteer hours. You can learn more about our benefits at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefit-Snapshot.