City Attorney Jobs

If you’re an experienced municipal attorney with a passion for public service and a track record for developing creative solutions to complex problems, this exceptional opportunity is for you.
Golden, Colorado is a vibrant community rich with culture, outdoor activities, scenic beauty, thriving businesses, and friendly people, but the City’s origins are largely thanks to another valuable resource – gold. A small amount of gold discovered in Clear Creek attracted more people to the area in the mid-19th century. Picturesquely situated in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Golden is home to over 20,000 residents who enjoy a high quality of life, world-class outdoor adventure opportunities, a flourishing arts and cultural scene, and a superior public education system. The City is located in Jefferson County and only 30 minutes from downtown Denver by car or light rail, providing convenient access to additional cultural, business, and entertainment attractions.
Golden is home rule city that operates under the council-manager form of government. Policy-making and legislative authority are vested in the City Council, consisting of the Mayor and six other members. The Council is elected on a non-partisan basis for four-year staggered terms, with elections every two years. Four Council members are elected by wards, two by districts (each encompassing two wards), and the Mayor is elected at-large. The City Manager is the Chief Executive Officer of the City and appoints the Deputy City Manager and the heads of all City departments. Golden is proud to have an involved Council that cares about the community.

The City Attorney’s Office serves at the pleasure of City Council. As legal counsel for the City, the City Attorney provides legal services to City Council, the City Manager, and all divisions and departments of the City relating to their official powers and duties. The City Attorney advises staff on programs and activities; prepares, reviews, and interprets ordinances, resolutions, agreements, contracts, deeds, easements, and other legal matters and documents, including the City’s Home Rule Charter; and provides advice on complying with federal, state, and local law. The City Attorney is appointed by and reports directly to Council.
The City Attorney has a breadth of experience in the active practice of municipal law with a successful track record for supporting programs and practices pertaining to real property and land use, finance, tax elections, employment, licensing, open meetings and open records, law enforcement and public safety, ethics, and other concerns typical to local government. The City Attorney is responsible for two direct reports: the Assistant City Attorney and Paralegal. Additionally, they oversee the prosecutor/prosecutorial function,
currently provided by an independent law firm.
In addition to responsibilities for planning, organizing, and directing all legal services, programs, and activities for the City, the City Attorney prepares, reviews, and interprets policies, ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases, land use matters, and other legal
documents as requested by City Council, City Manager, or division/department leadership. The City Attorney also prepares or supervises the preparation of civil cases for trial and investigates claims and complaints by or against the City, including trying or supervising the trying of cases before the county, state, and federal courts. As needed, the City Attorney facilitates arrangements with outside counsel, and manages or supervises special counsel. The position also provides advice on compliance with federal, state and local laws as appropriate, and prepares legal opinions and resolution recommendations for the City Council, City Manager, division/department leadership, and boards and commissions.
The City of Golden desires an attorney with a strong work ethic, collaborative style, and a keen ability to communicate, listen, and engage with city leadership. This role offers the right leader a tremendous range of opportunities to make an impact on the City of Golden now and into the future.
The ideal candidate is an experienced municipal attorney and seasoned leader with strong
communication skills and the ability to perform with confidence and integrity. With a proven track record for developing creative solutions to complex problems, the ideal candidate serves as chief legal advisor to the City Council, City Manager, and City leaders and departments. The City Attorney must communicate effectively and demonstrate political savvy, psychological toughness, and flexibility in a complex and autonomous environment. Competitive candidates will have demonstrated breadth of experience in municipal law and familiarity with Colorado law and legal issues. Additional characteristics being sought include:

• Extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations including knowledge of the principles of government regulation.
• Demonstrated personnel management skills including supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and respond to City management and City Council issues and concerns, including analyzing problems to provide alternative solutions in support of City goals.
• Demonstrated knowledge of municipal court procedures, criminal and civil law, trial and hearing preparation and presentation, and legal research and legal ethics.
• Demonstrated ability to establish, develop, and sustain key working relationships and work effectively with the City Council, City Manager, division and department heads, professional staff, and the public.
• Demonstrated knowledge of modern and highly complex principles and practices of public administration, current social, political, and economic trends and operating problems of a municipal government.

Juris Doctorate from a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association AND a minimum of ten years of increasingly responsible experience in the practice and application of municipal or county law in Colorado which included at least three to five years of direct supervisory experience. The position also requires a license to practice law in Colorado and membership in good standing with the Colorado Bar Association. A valid driver’s license and good driving record is also required.
The City of Golden is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce.
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. The City may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.
The City of Golden offers a competitive hiring range of $160,000-$190,000. Actual salary will be dependent on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. As well as offering competitive pay, a caring work environment and a great location, the City of Golden has an exceptional benefits package including a 401(a) and 457 plan with City match.
To be considered for this exceptional career opportunity, submit your résumé, cover letter, and a list of six work related references (who will not be contacted without prior notice) by June 15, 2023. Résumé should reflect years and months of employment, beginning/ending dates, as well as the size of staff and budgets you have managed. Please submit your materials to: https://www.cpshr.us/recruitment/2213
For additional information about this position please contact:
Gloria M. Timmons
CPS HR Consulting
Tel: 916.471.3461
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.cpshr.us/search
Candidates deemed to have the most relevant backgrounds will be invited to participate in a preliminary screening interview with the consultant. Those individuals determined to be best suited will be invited to participate further in a formal assessment process. Applicants selected as finalists for this position will be subject to a comprehensive background check.