TOOELE CITY ATTORNEY

Tooele City; Tooele (UT); On-site; USD 162,000 - 183,000; Full time

Job summary

Tooele City is seeking a mayorial-appointed City Attorney to provide top legal counsel and support for municipal operations. The role involves litigation, compliance, and legal guidance pertaining to issues such as development and employment law. Ideal candidates will have a JD, at least 5 years of legal experience, and strong leadership and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years of legal experience, with at least three (3) years in municipal or government law.
• Member in good standing of the Utah State Bar.
• Technologically proficient with a commitment to modernizing legal processes.

Responsibilities

• Serve as top general counsel and lead a dedicated legal team.
• Engage in litigation, contract preparation, and legal compliance.
• Advise City leadership on various legal matters and stay current with laws.

Skills

Litigation

Negotiation

Legal Drafting

Legal Research

Policy Review

Communication

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Bachelor's degree

Job description

TOOELE CITY ATTORNEY

Salary Range is $162,091 - $182,541

Full-time, Mayoral Appointee

FLSA Exempt Position

Nestled at the base of the beautiful Oquirrh Mountains, Tooele City is located 30 minutes west of Salt Lake City. We are seeking an experienced and knowledgeable attorney to join our executive leadership team.

This mayoral-appointed department head serves as the top general counsel to Tooele City Corporation and plays a key role in supporting transparent, effective, and forward-looking municipal operations.

You will engage in a wide variety of meaningful legal work including litigation, contract preparation and review, civil and criminal proceedings, the preparation of ordinances, resolutions, and other legal documents, and ensuring legal compliance across City departments. The role also involves advising on public sector employment law, supporting risk management efforts, and maintaining stewardship of the Tooele City Code, ensuring it remains current and responsive to the needs of the City.

As Tooele City continues to experience dynamic growth, you will be a valued partner in helping the City navigate the legal complexities of development including, but not limited to, providing guidance on land use, development applications, annexation petitions, bonding and bond releases, and local ordinances.

This position calls for someone who is committed to staying informed about changes to state and federal law, who brings strategic insight to policy and operations, and who offers timely, practical legal counsel to City leadership. When unfamiliar legal issues arise, the City Attorney is relied upon to conduct thorough research and deliver clear, well-reasoned advice to City constitutes.

You will lead a dedicated legal team that includes two Assistant City Attorneys-who handle misdemeanor prosecutions and support civil matters-as well as administrative legal support staff. Leadership, collaboration, and a strong sense of public service are essential to success in this role.

While regular office hours are Monday through Friday, the City Attorney is trusted to remain accessible for legal consultation outside of normal hours, as needed, except during approved leave. Attendance at City Council and Planning Commission meetings held on Wednesday evenings is expected.

Minimum Requirements:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Member in good standing of the Utah State Bar.
• Able to pass a comprehensive police background check and maintain Tooele City's confidence throughout employment.
• Demonstrated commitment to professional ethics, sound judgment, and discretion.
• Technologically proficient with a commitment to modernizing legal processes.
• Professional appearance, strong organizational abilities, and excellent emotional control.
• Strong litigation, negotiation, and legal drafting skills.
• Proven ability to present legal analysis clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Capable of building strong working relationships with elected officials, staff, and the public.
• Skilled in legal research, policy review, and development of legislation.

Our Ideal Candidate Will Also:

• Possess a minimum of five (5) years of increasingly responsible legal experience, with strong preference given to candidates with at least three (3) years in municipal or government law.
• Possess legal expertise and understanding of issues facing local government such as land use laws and regulations, employment law, contract law, civil rights, risk management, and criminal prosecution.
• Have prior experience advising elected officials, managing complex development-related legal matters, and interpreting or drafting legislation.
• Have leadership and/or supervisor experience.

Appointed Status:

This is a Mayoral-appointed, at-will position, subject to the terms and conditions of the Tooele City Charter.

First Review Of Applications:

This recruitment will remain open until filled. First review of applicants will begin on July 1, 2025. Apply now for best consideration!

DISCLAIMER - Tooele City is a drug and alcohol-free workplace. Positions deemed safety-sensitive and/or that require a CDL are subject to pre-employment drug testing and random drug/alcohol testing during employment. Background checks, including criminal history checks, are required for applicants age 18 and older. Criminal history records are not an automatic disqualification from employment with Tooele City. Our general background policies & procedures can be found on our website at: WWW.TOOELECITY.GOV click on City Departments, Human Resources, Personnel Policies and Procedures, Hiring and Job Assignments. To be employed in a position that requires driving, you must possess and maintain a valid Utah State Driver License (or obtain prior to hire), 12 months experience driving (not including time for learner's permit), and have a driving record acceptable for Tooele City's insurance and risk management standards. Tooele City is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants needing an accommodation in the application or selection process may contact the HR office.