City Attorney bei City of Morgan Hill, CA

About the Department

THE COMMUNITY 
Located in the southern part of Santa Clara County, the City of Morgan Hill is a community that is rich in history and character and one of the most desirable communities in Silicon Valley due to its thoughtful planning and small-town feel. Home to approximately 46,000 residents, the 12.94 square-mile community boasts beautiful trees and grass-covered hills containing award-winning wineries, pick-your-own farms, golf courses, hiking trails, and vast open space. The City has year-round recreational activities, including cycling, golfing, hiking, swimming, and boating, and has invested in world-class recreational facilities such as the Outdoor Sports Center that offers eleven multi-use fields and the Aquatics Center that has an Olympic-size pool. These recreational facilities along with the twenty-two parks, nine miles of trails, and an all-inclusive Magical Bridge playground promote an outdoor lifestyle that brings balance to the fast-paced culture of Silicon Valley. The energetic yet quaint Downtown offers visitors and residents a memorable culinary experience, unique shopping, and signature festivals like the Fourth of July Freedom Fest celebration.

THE CITY 
The City of Morgan Hill is a general law city, governed by a five-member City Council, which operates under a Council-Manager form of government. Morgan Hill is a full-service City with approximately 215 employees and a 2025/26 adopted budget of $256.0 million. 

THE CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE 
The mission of the City Attorney’s Office is to provide vigorous, cost-effective legal representation to the City of Morgan Hill. The City Attorney, directly appointed by the City Council, is responsible for administration of all legal affairs of the City. The City Attorney is supported by an Assistant City Attorney, Deputy City Attorney, a Legal Specialist, and a part-time Risk Management Analyst

THE POSITION 
The following duties are performed personally or by contract with special counsel, in consultation with and at the direction of the City Council and/or in coordination with other City staff. Additional duties may be assigned.
1. Represent and advise the City Council and all City officers and employees in all matters of law pertaining to their offices; 
2. Attend meetings of the City Council, attend other boards and commissions as deemed necessary by the City Attorney, provide advice or opinion verbally and/or in writing whenever requested to do so by the City Council, boards, commissions or other officers of the City; 
3. Approve the form of all bonds given to and all contracts made by the City, endorsing approval thereon in writing; 
4. Prepare proposed ordinances or resolutions for the City, and amendments thereto; 
5. Prosecute on behalf of the people all criminal cases for violation of the municipal code and state law as appropriate;
6. Author and administer the department budget, submitting the same to the City Council for its approval; 
7. Ensure that in his or her absence or disability, an acting city attorney is duly designated and available to the City Council and staff; 
8. Perform such other legal functions and duties incident to the execution of the foregoing powers as may be necessary, and perform such other legal services as may be required by the City Council or imposed by law; 
9. The City Attorney shall have control of all legal business and proceedings, including the employment, in the City Attorney’s discretion, of other attorneys, appraisers or other technical and expert services to assist with or to take charge of any litigation or matter; 
10. Manage and collaborate with Risk Management Pool and implement policies regarding risk management matters. 

Other Qualifications

FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION AND TO APPLY
If you are interested in this outstanding opportunity, please apply online here.

Filing Deadline:
October 19, 2025

Following the closing date, resumes will be screened according to the qualifications outlined in the detailed job flyer. The most qualified candidates will be invited to personal interviews with Bob Murray & Associates. A select group of candidates will be asked to provide references once it is anticipated that they may be recommended as finalists. References will be contacted only following candidate approval. Finalist interviews will be held with the City of Morgan Hill. Candidates will be advised of the status of the recruitment following selection of the City Attorney.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Mr. Gary Phillips at: (916) 784-9080