Salary : $227,604.00 - $314,088.00 Annually
Location : Torrance, CA
Job Type: Permanent Full-time
Job Number:Department: CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Opening Date: 05/21/2026
DESCRIPTIONWE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENTIN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION.The PositionThe Assistant City Attorney performs advanced professional legal work in support of the City Attorney's Office, with a primary focus on civil municipal law, legal advisory services, related litigation, and administrative matters. This position provides legal counsel to City officials and staff; drafts, reviews, and revises legal documents; represents the City in civil litigation and administrative proceedings; and assists with the management and operations of the City Attorney's Office.
The Assistant City Attorney position requires extensive knowledge of California municipal law, civil litigation, administrative law, and the legal principles governing local government operations. The incumbent must possess a thorough understanding of legal research and analysis, public agency governance, land use, public contracting, labor and employment law, ethics, the Brown Act, the Public Records Act, CEQA, and other laws affecting municipalities. In addition, the position requires knowledge of legal office administration, personnel management, and the principles and practices of effective supervision.
The Assistant City Attorney assists in developing legal and operational strategies, managing daily office functions, reviewing budget and financial information, and supporting relationships with elected officials, appointed officials, and other key stakeholders.
The position is further distinguished by the breadth and complexity of its assignments, the expectation of handling sensitive and high-profile matters, and the responsibility for providing practical legal guidance to elected officials, executive leadership, and department managers. While the position may interact with criminal prosecution functions, its primary focus remains civil municipal law and related legal services.
For more information about the duties of the position, click
hereTypical office hours include a 9/80 compressed work week schedule from Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., closed on alternate Fridays. Staff is also required to work some off Fridays, evenings, weekends, and holidays, as necessary in order to complete various duties.
The City offers ample opportunities for career growth throughout the organization with its 14 departments, which work together to provide quality service, enriching programs, and exciting events to keep the community safe and thriving. The City also proudly offers exceptional employee benefits and perks! Please click for more information on Employee Benefits, Discounts, & Incentives! QUALIFICATION GUIDELINESEducation/ExperienceGraduation from an American Bar Association-accredited law school and ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in civil litigation, municipal law, or related public agency legal work.
Experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable:
- Municipal advisory practice.
- Public agency litigation.
- Land use and planning.
- California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
- Public contracting and procurement.
- Brown Act and Public Records Act compliance.
- Labor and employment law.
- Ethics and conflict-of-interest law.
- Supervision of legal staff or coordination of outside counsel.
- Office leadership or lead attorney responsibilities.
License and/or Certificates- Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California is required.
Ideal CandidateThe successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to exercise sound independent judgment, maintain confidentiality, and navigate politically sensitive issues with professionalism, diplomacy, and integrity. Strong leadership and organizational skills are essential to coordinate office operations, supervise legal staff, manage outside counsel, prioritize multiple assignments, and ensure the timely completion of legal matters. The position also requires the ability to build collaborative working relationships, provide practical legal guidance and training to City departments, and effectively represent the City in negotiations, administrative proceedings, and civil litigation. Overall, the Assistant City Attorney must combine advanced legal expertise with strategic leadership, sound judgment, and exceptional communication skills to support the City's legal and operational objectives.
HOW TO APPLY & EXAM PROCESSInterested candidates must submit an online application and resume at
www.TorranceCA.Gov/Jobs First review of applications will be those received by
July 26, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Application submission will remain open until the position is filled.
Only those candidates who best meet the City and Department's needs will be invited to participate in the examination process which will consist of the following components:
Panel Interview (Weighted 100%): Tentatively scheduled on
August 5, 2026Department Interview: Tentatively scheduled on the week of
August 24, 2026The tentative test dates will be based on a sufficient number of qualified applications received by the first review date. If a sufficient number of applications are not received by the first review date, there is the possibility that the interview date may change to a later date.
SPECIAL NOTESVisit
www.TorranceCA.Govto find out more information about the City of Torrance.
As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a background check.
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
The City of Torrance offers a range of benefit programs for employees and their eligible dependents. Benefits may include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a variety of voluntary benefits. Programs and benefits amounts vary and are based on bargaining unit, family size, hire date, plan selection, and number of hours worked.
To view the current benefits for Executive and Management Employees bargaining unit, visit::
For additional information about the City's benefits, visit:
RETIREMENT BENEFITS - The City contracts with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) to provide retirement benefits. Retirement formula is based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS.
01
The following supplemental questions will be used to evaluate your qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Resumes are encouraged but will NOT be used in lieu of the application or supplemental questions. Please read each question carefully and provide a thorough and complete response. Do NOT state "see resume" or "see application" to respond to any of the following questions. Failure to respond to all questions will be considered an incomplete application and may not be considered for further processing. Do you understand the foregoing?
02
I UNDERSTAND that I am required to describe IN DETAIL my qualifying experience in the Work Experience Section of my application. In addition to including my qualifying experience, I UNDERSTAND that I should list ALL JOBS, regardless of duration, including part-time jobs, military service and any volunteer experience during my entire work history.I UNDERSTAND that when providing my work history, ALL DATES should be UPDATED, starting with my most recent job.I UNDERSTAND that answers that I provide to the supplemental questions should be reflected in the Work Experience Section of my application.I UNDERSTAND that if I am currently employed by the City of Torrance, I MUST provide my appropriate job classification/title and provide a description of my duties in the Work Experience Section of my application.I have read these statements in their entirety and understand them completely and to their fullest.
03
Do you possess a Juris Doctor Degree form an ABA accredited law school?
04
Are you an active member in good standing with the State Bar of California?
05
If you answered "yes" to Question 4, provide your California Bar number and date you were admitted. (If not applicable, type N/A.)
06
Do you have prior externship or legal clerking experience in Criminal Law?
07
If you answered "yes" to Questions 6, please provide additional details regarding any prior externship, internship, or legal clerkship experience, if applicable.
Required Question
