Principal Assistant City Attorney: Internal Litigation Unit

City-of-Tucso; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 134,903,000 - 202,327,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Tucson seeks a Principal Assistant City Attorney to provide advanced legal services in the Internal Litigation Unit, focusing on tort and federal civil rights matters. You will operate with a high level of autonomy, guide junior staff, file pleadings, and appear in court in State and Federal venues.

Requires a JD and at least five years of civil/criminal practice with jury trial experience; active Arizona State Bar membership and a valid driver's license are required.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate (JD) required.
• At least five years civil and/or criminal practice, including jury trial experience.
• Active bar membership in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona; valid driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Litigates complex matters in federal and state courts, focusing on tort and Section 1983 cases.
• Serves on City’s litigation team (ILU) and handles pleadings, research, and court appearances.
• Advices City departments and Risk Management to reduce liability exposure.
• Mentors junior attorneys and supports internal litigation objectives.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Litigation

Legal research

Oral advocacy

Education

Juris Doctorate (JD)

Job description

Posting Close DateApplicants must submit their completed application by 08-23-2026 at 11:59 p.m. MSTApplication and Special InstructionsAs part of the application process, all applicants must submit a chronological resume and a cover letter at the time of application. Applications that do not include both documents by the recruitment closing date will be considered incomplete and will not receive further consideration for this recruitment.This position is on-site at City Hall. Remote or hybrid arrangement may be available.Applicants must submit a legal writing sample created within the last three years, not to exceed ten pages. The sample may be submitted with the application or must be provided prior to the panel interviews.Interview InformationHighest-scoring applicants will be invited to a panel interview to be held in-person at City Hall on September 4, 2026.Candidates who perform successfully in the panel interviews will be invited to an in-person second interview on September 16, 2026, at City Hall.The eligibility list established from this process may be used to fill positions as they become available over the next six (6) months.Recruiter Contact InformationIf you have any questions, please contact Ankita Bhargava at [e-mail] Specific SummaryThe 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 ResponsibilitiesLitigates 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 ConditionsMostly office environment.All duties and responsibilities listed are subject to change.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSEducationJuris doctorate degree (JD)ExperienceFive (5) years of relevant experienceEquivalencyAny combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.License/CertificationsPreferred QualificationsMember in good standing with the State Bar of ArizonaLicense/Certifications: A valid and unrestricted driver’s license with two (2) years of licensed driving is required.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: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 DETAILSJob ProfileJ0619 - Principal Assistant City AttorneyView full job profile including classification specifications and physical demands at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Tucson-Talent.Compensation GradeG113Hourly Range$47.08 - 70.61 USDThe City of Tucson considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)ExemptPosition TypeRegularTime TypeFull timeDepartmentCity AttorneyDepartment Linkhttps://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Tucson-City-Court/City-Attorneys-OfficeBackground CheckThis position has been designated to require a criminal background check. The City of Tucson is a Second Chance Employer.ABOUT USBenefitsThe 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.CitizenshipThe City of Tucson employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The City of Tucson does not offer visa sponsorship.The City of Tucson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability EmployerThe city does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy), national origin, veteran status, age, disability, genetic testing, or any other protected status. If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, you may file a complaint with the City of Tucson's Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Arizona Attorney General's Office of the Civil Rights Division (ACRD).ADA Accessibility Compliant FormThe City of Tucson is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or who require religious accommodation; please contact Human Resources at [e-mail] NameNoelle SmithRecruiter [e-mail] general Human Resources questions please contact 520-837-4190.