THE OPPORTUNITY
This is a rare opportunity for a seasoned municipal law leader to serve as Grand Rapids’ chief legal officer at a time when the City’s ambitions, and the legal complexity that comes with them, are significant. The next City Attorney will advise an engaged, high-profile City Commission and a large, multi-faceted organization, providing clear, trusted counsel that protects the City’s interests while enabling effective governance. For a leader who combines strong people management with sound judgment, proactive communication, and the confidence to operate in consequential “gray space,” this role offers meaningful influence, visible impact, and the chance to shape how a major Michigan city navigates risk, innovation, and equity in the years ahead.
THE CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
The City Attorney's Office performs legal services for the City and provides legal counsel to every aspect of Grand Rapids City government. With 19 staff and an annual budget of $3.75 million, the City Attorney’s office is organized into three divisions:
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Municipal Affairs Division: Provides legal advice and counsel to the Mayor, City Commissioners, City Manager and all departments, Boards and Commissions of the City.
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Civil Litigation Division: Defends the City, its officers and employees in State and Federal lawsuits and administrative proceedings.
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Enforcement Division: Prosecutes City Ordinance violations in Grand Rapids District and Kent County Juvenile Courts and also provides training and consultation to City Departments which enforce ordinances.
THE POSITION
The City Attorney is appointed by the City Commission and serves at the will of the Commission as the City’s chief legal officer. Reporting directly to the Commission, the City Attorney provides strategic legal counsel, oversees all legal affairs of the City, and ensures that municipal operations, policies, and actions are legally sound and defensible. Key responsibilities include serving as principal legal advisor to the City Commission, City Manager, and senior leadership; providing executive oversight and direction for all legal matters of the City; representing the City in litigation before state and federal courts; directing the preparation and administration of the Law Department budget; preparing, reviewing, and approving ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and other legal instruments; and leading and managing the City’s Law Department, including supervision of professional staff.
The City Attorney is expected to be a highly experienced municipal law executive with the credibility to advise elected officials, the judgment to navigate politically sensitive issues, and the leadership capacity to manage a sophisticated public-sector legal function. The ideal candidate will serve as both guardian of the City’s legal integrity and a thoughtful partner to elected officials navigating complex and evolving issues.
QUALIFICATIONS
The following are the minimum qualifications for the position of City Attorney:
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Education: Graduation from law school.
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Experience: Ten years of experience as a practicing attorney, of which five years must be in municipal law work. Supervisory experience is required.
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Bar Status: Must be admitted to practice in the Courts of the State of Michigan at time of appointment.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The Grand Rapids City Commission will negotiate a highly competitive salary and executive benefits package with the selected candidate that is considerate of the candidate’s experience and qualifications. The salary range for the City Attorney position is $195,862 to $244,568, depending on qualifications. The City offers a 401(a) retirement plan beginning at six months of employment. Employees contribute 6% of salary, with an employer contribution of 7%. Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation and Roth IRA plans are also available.
For additional benefit information, interested candidates are encouraged to review the detailed recruitment brochure by clicking on the .pdf link on this page.
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply no later than Monday, February 23, 2026. Submit a comprehensive résumé and compelling cover letter below.
Confidential inquiries are welcomed to:
Greg Nelson | [email protected] | (916) 581-1426
