City of Opelika - City Attorney

The City of Opelika, Alabama is seeking qualified applicants for the full-time, classified position of City Attorney. The job vacancy will occur on November 3, 2025, when the current employee leaves the position.

The City Attorney works under the direction of the Mayor and is the legal adviser and attorney for all officials, officers and departments of the City and represents the City in litigation and administrative proceedings. Work involves drafting and reviewing ordinances, resolutions, policies and procedures and contracts prior to consideration by the City Council to ensure compliance with state, federal and local laws. Emphasis is placed on municipal law, civil code enforcement, land use, zoning, employment relations and legislative interpretation. Duties include directing the City Attorney’s Office, preparing department budget, coordinating with outside counsel regarding litigation on behalf of the City, researching legal issues and preparing oral and written legal opinions for the City Council, Mayor, Department Heads and staff. The City Attorney must be skillful in managing situations requiring diplomacy, fairness, firmness and sound judgment.

Minimum qualifications for the position:

  • Graduation from an accredited college or university
  • Graduation from an accredited school of law with a juris doctorate degree
  • Licensed to practice law in the State of Alabama
  • Membership in good standing with the Alabama State Bar
  • Seven (7) years of professional experience as a practicing attorney, including trial experience
  • Applicants are required to submit to a background check as a condition of employment
  • Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test.
  • The employee must establish his/her principle residence in the corporate limits of the City of Opelika within six (6) months following employment
  • Appointment to the position (classified-exempt) will be subject to a six (6) month probationary period as required by Section 4.7 of the City’s Personnel Manual.

The starting pay range for this position is $139,568 to $153,525, depending on qualifications, experience and overall career history. The City of Opelika provides a comprehensive benefits package to all classified employees, including participation in the Alabama Employees’ Retirement System (ERS).

To be considered for this position, a completed City Application Form must be submitted by April 30, 2025, to the City of Opelika Human Resources Department, 608 Avenue A/P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 36803. For a copy of the full job description, or to obtain all necessary application materials, please visit https://www.opelika-al.gov/221/Human-Resources.

The City of Opelika provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. The City will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. The City of Opelika is a drug and alcohol free workplace.