City Attorney - Winchester, Virginia

Winchester, Virginia, located just 72 miles west of Washington, DC, is an affordable, quirky, and laid-back community with a bohemian vibe and colorful past. As a regional employment and healthcare center, the City’s daytime population increases from approximately 28,000 to 45,000. Voted one of the friendliest towns in the Mid-Atlantic Region by Blue Ridge Country Magazine, you will feel the magic in this hub of Shenandoah Valley living.

The Winchester City Council has opted to re-establish the office of the City Attorney following a successful five-year period of utilizing an outside-contracted law office. The City seeks an attorney with experience serving as a legal advisor to municipal government bodies and their staff. The ideal candidate is comfortable handling legal affairs on behalf of a municipality, reviewing, drafting, updating, and maintaining municipal code, and prosecuting violations of municipal ordinances. This position serves at the pleasure of the Common Council.

Legal Representation. The City Attorney is responsible for managing all outside counsel retained to represent the interests of the City and acting as the lead counsel on behalf of the City, including, but not limited to, representation in civil and criminal matters in state court, federal court, and other administrative proceedings.

Legal Counsel. This position provides legal counsel to the City of Winchester and its employees on all legal matters related to the City's operations and interests. This includes advocating for and providing counsel to the City Manager and various City departments, agencies, and employees. The City Attorney is expected to attend Regular Council meetings and Work Sessions held on the second and fourth Tuesdays, beginning at 6:00 pm (Work Sessions immediately following when held).

Administrative. This position acts as the department head for the Office of the City Attorney, including managing any support staff or outside counsel, managing the department budget, and issuing administrative policies for matters related to the department.

Standards of Conduct. As a licensed, practicing attorney in the Commonwealth of Virginia, the City Attorney must adhere to the Professional Rules of Conduct as promulgated by the Supreme Court of Virginia. Additionally, as a direct appointee of the Common Council, the City Attorney is expected to display exemplary standards concerning conduct both in and out of the Office.

The City is committed to offering a competitive salary commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience. The City of Winchester has an attractive benefits package that includes Virginia State Retirement, life insurance, free employee-only healthcare, and full access to our Employee Clinic. Local residency is required within the first year of employment. Relocation will be reimbursed up to $7,500.

A law degree is required with considerable work experience in private or public law practice, plus four or more years of experience as an Assistant City, County, or Town Attorney and a member of the Virginia Bar, licensed to practice under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Member of Virginia Local Government Attorneys preferred. A working knowledge of Robert’s Rules of Order, the Freedom of Information Act, and the Dillon Rule is preferred. Experience in jurisdictional law and courtroom proceedings is also advantageous.

This position is open until filled; however, interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply no later than October 15, 2024. For more information, please contact Anne Lewis at anne.lewis@bakertilly.com or 703.923.8214.

For more information about the City, visit www.winchesterva.gov.

The City of Winchester is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other classification protected by law.