Are you an experienced municipal attorney who can provide independent legal counsel, guide complex public projects, and advise elected officials with integrity and sound judgment? If so, apply to be the city of Clearwater’s next City Attorney! We’re looking for an exceptional, steady, and collaborative leader who is: • Well-versed in municipal and governmental law • Skilled in navigating land use, development, and complex legal matters • Experienced in leading and strengthening a legal team
Clearwater is a vibrant coastal city of 120,000 residents located on Florida’s Gulf Coast in the heart of the Tampa Bay region. Internationally known for its award-winning white sand beaches, Clearwater combines a thriving tourism economy with strong residential neighborhoods and an active arts and cultural scene. The city operates under a Council–Manager form of government, and the Mayor and four City Council Members are elected at-large. The City Council appoints the City Manager and the City Attorney. The City Attorney’s Office provides comprehensive legal services to the City Council, City Manager, and all departments. The office advises on municipal law, land use and development, contracts, public records, ethics, litigation management, and governance matters.
Reporting directly to the City Council, the City Attorney plays a critical role in major public projects and policy direction. The ideal candidate is an experienced municipal attorney with a strong background in public sector law and governance. They demonstrate independence, ethical strength, and the courage to provide objective advice even when opinions may be difficult or unpopular. This individual is even-tempered, confident, and collaborative, working effectively with elected officials, executive leadership, and professional staff.
Required qualifications include: • Juris Doctor from an accredited law school • Member in good standing with the Florida Bar • Minimum eight (8) years of professional attorney experience, including at least five (5) years in public sector/governmental law • Supervisory and leadership experience
Preferred qualifications include: • Ten (10)+ years of relevant municipal law experience • Significant land use and development experience • In-house government counsel experience • Board Certification in City, County & Local Government Law
The salary range for this position is $200,345 – $320,553, depending on qualifications.
