Description
THE OPPORTUNITY
The City of Lodi is entering a pivotal new chapter marked by the City’s long-term vision for economic growth and infrastructure investment and the recent appointment of a new City Manager. This transition creates a rare opportunity for a forward-thinking City Attorney to help shape the next era of leadership – serving as a key advisor at the highest levels of the organization while establishing a modern, responsive, and solutions-oriented legal function. Lodi is seeking a City Attorney who can bring strong legal guidance to ensure sound contracts and development agreements, land use compliance, and business-friendly policies. At the same time, major infrastructure investments within the City’s Sphere of Influence, including upgrades to water and wastewater systems require a City Attorney capable of managing complex regulatory, environmental, utility, and public-private partnership matters while protecting the City’s long-term interests.
ABOUT LODI
Historic, charming, and culturally diverse – Lodi is home to over 67,000 residents. The city is ideally located 34 miles south of Sacramento, two miles north of Stockton, and 90 miles east of San Francisco. The residents of Lodi take immense pride in their community, surrounded by lush parks, wineries, museums, a regional boating and recreational lake, and rich agricultural land. The City is committed to managed growth balanced with the protection of its historical assets and small-town ambiance. Lodi is home to several large manufacturing and technology, general services, and agriculturally based companies and has an excellent balance of jobs to residential housing ratio. It also has a community hospital, numerous health care facilities, and a growing hospitality industry. By all measures, the quality of life in Lodi is exceptional, providing an ideal location in which to live, work, and play.
THE CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
The City Attorney’s Office provides the City legal services, advises the City Council and its boards and commissions; prepares and reviews ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and other legal documents; prosecutes violations of the Lodi Municipal Code; represents the City in front of Boards, Commissions, administrative hearings, and court proceedings. The City Attorney’s Office oversees the Risk Management function for the City, which includes the Worker’s Compensation program, General Liability, and property insurance. The Office and its attorneys provide legal assistance for the Council’s key priorities of addressing homelessness, affordable housing, land use and planning, and economic development. Lastly, the City Attorney’s Office oversees litigation efforts that are handled both in-house and with contract counsel.
The City Attorney’s Office will operate on a FY 2026 budget of $1.47 million which includes a staffing level of 7 FTE’s. The Council-appointed City Attorney leads the team and is supported by an Assistant City Attorney, a Deputy City Attorney, two administrative support staff, and three Risk Management staff members.
THE POSITION
The City of Lodi is seeking an experienced municipal legal professional to serve as its City Attorney. Reporting directly to the City Council, the City Attorney serves as the City’s Chief Legal Officer and is responsible for all legal affairs of the organization. This executive-level position provides comprehensive legal counsel to the City Council, City Manager, boards and commissions, and all City departments. The City Attorney oversees all legal services, whether provided by in-house staff or outside counsel, and establishes the priorities and direction of the City’s legal office.
The City Attorney manages complex and sensitive legal matters across a broad municipal landscape, including litigation, claims and risk management, regulatory compliance, and governance. The position requires sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to provide clear and practical legal guidance on issues impacting City operations.
The City of Lodi seeks a trusted legal advisor and organizational leader who brings strong municipal law expertise, sound judgment, and a highly collaborative management style. The ideal candidate will serve as both a steady legal guardian for the City and a practical, solution-oriented partner to the City Council, City Manager, executive team, and departments – helping the organization move forward efficiently while managing risk thoughtfully and transparently.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The starting salary for the City Attorney is up to $280,000, depending upon qualifications. In addition, an excellent benefit package is provided as outlined below. Key benefits include retirement provided through CalPERS. Classic CalPERS members are eligible for a 2% @ 55 formula, while PEPRA members are at the 2% @ 62 formula. The City also matches up to 3% of the employee’s base salary in an optional deferred compensation plan. The City’s work schedule is Monday – Thursday 7:30 am – 5:30 pm; Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, with every other Friday off.
For additional benefit information, interested candidates are encouraged to review the detailed recruitment brochure at www.mosaicpublic.com/careers.
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS
Interested candidates should apply no later than Monday, June 29, 2026. Submit a comprehensive résumé and compelling cover letter online at:
www.mosaicpublic.com/careers
This is a confidential selection process. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established. Confidential inquiries are welcomed to:
Greg Nelson | greg@mosaicpublic.com | (916) 581-1426
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination equivalent to experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical combination is:
Education: Equivalent to graduation from a college or university with an appropriate law degree.
Experience: Five years of experience in the active practice of law in the State of California, which includes two years in a lead or supervisory capacity. Extensive experience in a municipal setting and in the active practice of law is desirable.
Bar Status: Must be a current member of the California State Bar Association.
