City Attorney
Mosaic Public Partners Napa, CA, USA
- Location: Napa, CA, USA
- Categories: Legal Services
- Job Type: Full Time
- Posted: Jan 30, 2026
Job Description:
City Attorney
Description
THE CITY OF NAPA
Nestled in Northern California’s wine-country region yet just an hour from the Bay Area’s tech-hubs, Napa offers a blend of small-city charm and global relevance. Its population hovers around 78,000–80,000, with a median household income over $100,000 and a median age near 41. The city is composed of 26 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character, from historic Victorian homes near downtown to more suburban-style enclaves on the outskirts. Napa is the heart of the region’s world-renowned wine region, which is home to over 475 wineries, as well as a culinary industry boasting several Michelin starred restaurants and farm-to-table venues.
What stands out about Napa is the quality of life. Residents benefit from nearly year-round mild Mediterranean climate, a walkable downtown, and easy access to nature and open space. The local economy is anchored not just in tourism and hospitality but in a skilled workforce, giving the community stability beyond just being a destination. That economic diversity means the city is more than just its vineyards - it’s home to healthcare, manufacturing, professional services, and retail alongside wine production. For someone considering relocating, Napa checks a lot of boxes: community scale living with regional access, high educational and income markers, a lifestyle oriented toward both work and play, and the chance to be part of a place that values both its history and its future. In short: it’s a community that’s growing and evolving - not standing still.
THE CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
The City Attorney’s Office provides sound legal advice and support to City officials, working collaboratively to implement policies set by City Council, and diligently advocating the City’s interests. The Office advises the City Council, appointed commissions, and City staff in the conduct of City business and the preparation of legal documents and represents the City‘s interest in civil litigation and administrative proceedings. In addition, the City Attorney’s Office advises City officials regarding actions that are authorized or required to establish, implement, and enforce City laws and policies; and prepares legal documents to implement those City laws and policies, including ordinances, resolutions, regulations, and contracts. The City-related entities represented by the City Attorney include the Housing Authority of the City of Napa, and the Public Financing Authority of the Napa Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District.
With a budget of $1.9 million, the City Attorney’s Office provides its services through a staff of six positions: the City Attorney, two Assistant City Attorneys, a Deputy City Attorney, a Legal Analyst, and a Legal Assistant.
THE POSITION
The City Attorney serves as the chief legal advisor to the City of Napa, working under the policy direction of the City Council. As a key member of the City’s executive leadership team, the City Attorney plays a vital role in shaping policy, mitigating risk, and ensuring that all municipal activities align with applicable laws and regulations. This is a hands-on leadership position that oversees the full scope of legal services for the City, including civil litigation, administrative hearings, and risk management. The City Attorney provides legal counsel to the City Council, City Manager, City departments, and various boards and commissions. The role also involves extensive collaboration with external legal counsel, partner agencies, and the broader community. Key areas of responsibility include leading and managing the City Attorney’s Office; advising the City Council and staff on complex legal issues and emerging risks; representing the City in legal proceedings and administrative matters and overseeing outside counsel as needed; serving as a resource and educator to City staff and officials through in-house training and legal updates; and drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide range of legal documents, including contracts, ordinances, resolutions, and development agreements.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The Napa City Council will negotiate a highly competitive salary and executive benefits package with the selected candidate that is considerate of the candidate’s experience and qualifications. The salary range for the position is $216,731 to $316,200, depending on qualifications. The City offers an outstanding benefits package which includes retirement benefits provided by CalPERS. In addition to the CalPERS retirement benefit, the City will contribute $1,322 monthly to a 401(a) retirement plan with an employee match of $300 monthly.
For additional benefit information, interested candidates are encouraged to review the detailed recruitment brochure at www.mosaicpublic.com/careers and the benefits overview.
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS
Apply Immediately – This recruitment will close once a strong pool of candidates is established. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter and résumé online at:
Confidential inquiries are welcomed to:
Greg Nelson | greg@mosaicpublic.com | (916) 581-1426