City of Napa - Deputy City Attorney

THE OPPORTUNITY 

The City of Napa offers a distinctive opportunity for a talented municipal attorney to help shape the future of its newly reestablished in-house legal team. As Deputy City Attorney, you will work closely with a new City Attorney to provide practical, solutions-oriented legal counsel across a broad range of municipal matters while helping build a collaborative, accessible, and highly effective office. With opportunities to develop expertise in litigation, land use, and other areas of municipal law, this position offers meaningful professional growth, the chance to influence how legal services are delivered, and the satisfaction of making a lasting contribution to one of California’s most celebrated communities. 

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. 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, an Assistant City Attorney, two Deputy City Attorneys, a Legal Analyst, and a Legal Assistant. 

THE POSITION 

Working under the general direction of the City Attorney, the Deputy City Attorney provides a broad range of professional legal services supporting the City of Napa’s municipal operations. The position advises City employees and officers, researches and analyzes legal issues, prepares and reviews legal documents, and represents the City in litigation and administrative proceedings. Through sound legal analysis and practical counsel, the Deputy City Attorney helps the City evaluate risk, resolve disputes, and advance its goals. 

The Deputy City Attorney translates complex legal issues into clear guidance that supports informed decisions and effective public service. The position offers opportunities to develop municipal law expertise through varied assignments that become progressively more complex and require greater independent judgment as experience grows. Key responsibilities include providing timely, practical legal advice to City employees, officers, and legislative bodies on matters affecting municipal operations; researching and interpreting laws, regulations, judicial decisions, and City codes and ordinances; drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts, ordinances, resolutions, administrative policies, deeds, leases, and other legal documents; representing the City in federal and state courts, arbitrations, mediations, and administrative proceedings. evaluating potential and actual claims, complaints, and legal risks involving the City, including governmental liability claims, personnel disputes, municipal code enforcement, and debt collection; providing legal advice at City Council meetings and other boards and commissions; and supporting the City Attorney across a varied legal workload and building effective working relationships throughout the organization.  

The City of Napa seeks a trustworthy and dedicated legal advisor who brings humility, a problem-solving mindset, and a genuine desire to help others accomplish their goals. The ideal candidate will thrive in an evolving environment, helping the City Attorney build her team and establish the office’s practices, priorities, and goals. 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE 

Any combination of education and experience that is likely to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities for the position is qualifying. The following is a typical way to qualify: