Town Attorney

The Bar Association of San Francisco; Roseville (CA); On-site; USD 325,000 - 355,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Los Gatos seeks a knowledgeable, strategic, and ethical legal advisor to serve as Town Attorney. The successful candidate will partner with Town staff, Council, and community to deliver practical solutions and outstanding service.

The role requires leadership in municipal law and collaboration with a variety of stakeholders. Required: Juris Doctor from an accredited law school, active membership in the State Bar of California, and extensive municipal law leadership experience.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in the State Bar of California.
• Extensive executive- or senior-level municipal law experience.
• Experience as Town Attorney, Assistant Town Attorney, or in an equivalent capacity.
• Ability to address large-scale projects and significant land use and housing matters.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice to Town Council and staff on municipal matters.
• Lead and manage land use and housing projects.
• Represent the Town in legal matters and draft ordinances.
• Foster a collaborative and ethical approach to public service.

Skills

Municipal law leadership

Strategic thinking

Collaborative teamwork

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

The Town of Los Gatos (population 33,000) is nestled at the base of the Sierra Azules, and is located approximately 60 miles south of San Francisco, in the south-western portion of Santa Clara County where the Santa Clara Valley meets the lower slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Los Gatos is bounded by the City of San Jose to the north and east; the City of Campbell to the north; the cities of Monte Sereno and Saratoga to the west, and unincorporated County of Santa Clara to the south. The Town of Los Gatos is a general law city operating under the Council-Manager form of government. The five members of the Town Council are elected at large to four-year over-lapping terms. The Mayor and Vice Mayor are selected by the Council on an annual basis. The Town Council enjoys a high level of civility and a collaborative relationship between Council members and Town staff.

The Town Council seeks a knowledgeable, strategic, and highly ethical legal advisor with exceptional integrity who enjoys working with a highly educated and engaged community. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative public attorney who partners effectively with Town staff to develop creative, practical solutions that advance the Council’s goals and deliver outstanding service to the community. Extensive executive- or senior-level municipal law experience serving as a Town Attorney, Assistant Town Attorney, or in an equivalent capacity is required. Candidates should demonstrate a strong record of leadership and the ability to address complex and evolving municipal issues, including large-scale projects and significant land use and housing matters. The selected candidate must possess a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and maintain active membership in the State Bar of California.

The annual salary range for the Town Attorney is $325,000 - $355,000; placement within this range is dependent on qualifications and experience. Filing Deadline: November 15, 2026