CITY ATTORNEY

CITY ATTORNEY

The City of Santa Fe invites applications for the position of CITY ATTORNEY. The City Attorney will report directly to newly elected Mayor Michael Garcia and will lead a City Attorney’s Office, comprised of 20 authorized positions and spanning three programs: a legal program (including 2 Senior Assistant City Attorneys, 4 Assistant City Attorneys, a Contract Administration Manager, and 3 Paralegals), an Office of Legislative and Policy Innovation (including a Manager, a Legislative Assistant, a Policy Analyst), and the Office of Records Custodians (including an IPRA Manager and 4 Public Records Specialists). The Charter establishes the City Attorney position.

The City operates as a Strong Mayor city. The Mayor serves as the City’s Chief Executive and also chairs a Governing Body, consisting of the Mayor and 8 City Councilors. He will appoint the City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk, subject to consent by a majority of the Councilors.

The City Attorney provides legal advice to the Mayor, Governing Body, and to City staff and other officials. The City Attorney is also charged with preparing legislation, prosecuting certain offenses, and defending the City as required against claims and in litigation. The City Attorney serves as a key member of the City’s senior administrative team.

The Mayor seeks a City Attorney with experience in leading a high-achieving legal team, possessing strong knowledge of municipal and State of New Mexico law. The City Attorney must be licensed to practice law in the State of New Mexico.

The City: Santa Fe is the capital city of New Mexico with a residential population of roughly 90,000, which swells on a daily basis thanks to a strong tourism and business economy. Known for its rich culture, history, arts, museums, food and hostility, Santa Fe was recently designated by Travel & Leisure Magazine as the #1 place to visit in the United States.

Santa Fe is home to a proud multi-generational population, as well as new arriving residents. As such, a major focus of City leadership is to balance growth in ways that enhance both economic opportunity and housing affordability so that Santa Fe retains its cultural richness and its access for its historic population.

Recruitment Process: Interested candidates may submit a current resume and compelling cover letter to the City’s Human Resources Department through the City’s online job portal. The first screening of resumes will occur on or about January 2, 2026. Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to interview for the position. Finalists may be asked to participate in public processes. All applicants should be aware that candidate applications are subject to public disclosure.



Position Qualifications: The job description for the City Attorney position is attached for review, as is a description of City Attorney authorities under the City’s Municipal Code.

Salary/Compensation: Salary for the position will be established based on qualifications, within a range of $145 to $165,000. The City also offers a very competitive package of benefits, including group medical and State PERA pension benefits.



The Mayor and City Councilors welcome candidates who wish to join a new Administration dedicated to a safe, healthy, and prosperous community for all citizens.

Code : 344-3

Type : INTERNAL & EXTERNAL

Location : CITY ATTORNEY

Group : EXEMPT AT

Job Class : CITY ATTORNEY

Posting Start : 12/02/2025

Posting End : 12/31/2025

SALARY RANGE: $75.50-$79.33