City Attorney

The City Council of the City of Franklin, Virginia is looking to attract a new City Attorney to be part of its leadership team and who understands the Big Picture. The City Attorney is appointed by the Council, and advises City Council on various municipal legal matters, yet works closely with the City Manager, the Administration, and a number of other stakeholders on a multitude of issues. We are seeking an experienced, professional attorney with previous experience working in a municipal setting or can demonstrate relatable experience while in the private or non-profit sectors.

The Franklin City Council is presently working with its new City Manager around the Council’s priorities, and those priorities will have an impact on the direction the City will be headed in the short-term thru long-term. The new City Attorney will play a vital role in that effort. Ideally, the Council would like (in addition to experience listed above) to consider those who have practiced law in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and have been exposed to land use, development, public education, economic development, transportation matters, utilities and/or power companies, litigation, to name a few in their previous legal work portfolio. More detailed information can be obtained in the City of Franklin, Virginia Community Profile. The recruitment profile provides background information on the community, its government operations, and its aspirations. It also outlines the qualifications, experience and characteristics determined to be necessary and desirable for successful performance as City Attorney.

More detailed information can be obtained at: City Attorney Recruitment

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter/letter of interest, resume, along with salary expectations and professional references, to the Franklin City Clerk. While the position is open until filled, priority consideration will be given to those that apply by July 31, 2026. Apply Here: City of Franklin City Attorney Recruitment

The Position of City Attorney

City Council appoints a City Attorney to serve as the chief legal advisor to Council and the City Manager, and other departments, boards, commissions and agencies of the City as designated by Council. Currently, only limited representation is provided to the Commissioner of the Revenue, the Treasurer and the Department of Social Services, concerning general administrative matters unrelated to the core functions of those offices. Though the City Charter provides that the City Attorney is the “chief legal officer” of “agencies of the city, including the school board,” the Franklin City School Board is presently represented by separate counsel.

The City Attorney serves at the pleasure of Council and performs the following essential functions:

Represents the City in complex legal matters.
Prepares and tries cases, including appeals, in state and federal courts; processes and litigates claims against the City; prosecutes suits, actions and proceedings for and on behalf of the City.
Provides oral and written legal opinions and advice on complex matters to City Council, City administration, and City departments on a daily basis.
Attends a variety of meetings, including meetings of City Council and various boards, commissions, committees and authorities.
Prepares, reviews and/or approves various complex legal documents on behalf of the City, including contracts, ordinances, resolutions, bonds, bids, deeds, leases and policies.
Researches, interprets and applies laws, court decisions, and other legal authority in the preparation of opinions, advice and briefs.
Advises on the purchase, sale, exchange and/or leasing of properties.
Reviews procurement matters to ensure compliance.
Supervises and reviews codifications of City Code.
Provides legal defense counsel in suits and actions brought against the City, except in cases where outside legal counsel is engaged.
Drafts, reviews and/or supervises the preparation of legislation affecting the City for consideration by the Virginia General Assembly.
Provides legal assistance and participates in employee relations matters.
Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
Engages, supervises and coordinates with outside counsel as needed, ensuring services are delivered effectively, efficiently, and in accordance with the City’s budgetary and policy guidelines.
Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of public law; maintains proficiency in municipal law through training, professional journals, and technology-based resources.
Performs other duties that may be required by ordinance, resolution, or City Council.

Issues, Challenges, & Opportunities

The City’s vision statement is: By the year 2030, the City of Franklin, Virginia will maintain our small city identity, heritage, and beauty while being a regional hub for economic opportunities, first-class education, a job-ready workforce, and balanced housing options.
Within the context of that vision, City Council’s priorities are focused on business development, building a stronger local workforce, enhancing educational opportunities, supporting well-managed, affordable residential growth, and improving City operations and service delivery.

Challenges and opportunities that the new City Attorney will address, to facilitate Council’s efforts to achieve its vision and priorities, include:

Developing positive working relationships with Council members, the City Manager and members of City staff and functioning as an integral and collaborative member of the City organization.
Advising City Council and Community Development staff concerning the City’s upcoming comprehensive plan update process and participating in the preparation of zoning and subdivision ordinances for Council consideration, subsequent to adoption of the City’s Comprehensive Plan update.
Reviewing the City Charter and advising City Council and the City Manager of the need for charter updates and amendments, based on consultation with Council members and the City Manager.
Ensuring that the City Code is updated with all ordinances adopted previously by City Council and maintaining currency of the Code.
Working with City Council and the new City Manager to establish a code of conduct for Council members.

Qualifications, Education, & Experience

Juris Doctor degree from an American Bar Association accredited and approved law school.
At least five years of progressive experience practicing law sufficient to successfully accomplish the duties of the position of City Attorney.
Five years of service as legal counsel in the public sector in Virginia is preferred.
Admission to the Virginia State Bar and licensure to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia or eligibility for the same within a reasonable period of time after appointment.
Also admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Virginia and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or eligible for admission within a reasonable period of time after appointment.
Broad familiarity and experience with governance, municipal finance, employment and land use law with local government(s) of comparable size, complexity, and responsibilities as the City of Franklin, as well as knowledge of Virginia state law and government. Experience with airport, economic development and utility law preferred.
Comprehensive knowledge of local government, including rules of procedure, and state and federal law.
Thorough comprehension of judicial procedures, rules of evidence and methods of legal research.
Comprehensive skill in formulating legal opinions, conducting complex litigation and professional judgement.
Strong written and oral communication skills, and analytical, research and problem-solving skills.
Strong supervisory, organization and time-management skills.
Ability to read, analyze, interpret and apply the most complex legal principles, precedents and documents.
Ability to present or respond orally or in writing effectively, persuasively and/or appropriately to highly complex, controversial and/or sensitive matters.
Ability to render immediate legal advice when necessary.
Ability to deal with competing priorities, varied instructions, and abstract/concrete variables.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all public officials, staff and the general public.
Ability to exercise the highest degree of confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
A demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development through membership in Local Government Attorneys of Virginia, Inc. (LGA) and participation in conferences, seminars, and continuing legal education programs.
Residency within the City is preferred.
Any combination of education and experience that qualifies an applicant may be considered in lieu of the more specific criteria listed above.

Personality Traits and Desired Characteristics

Absolute integrity, ensuring ethical, equitable, honest, fair, and open interactions with members of City Council, City employees, community members and court officials.
Professionally competent, with confidence tempered by humility.
Decisive in decision making, adhering to timelines; able to keep things moving.
Able to lead as a team player while being approachable and solution minded; to multi-task among many responsibilities; and to set priorities and expectations of self.
Possess an understanding of the political environment and able to present in that light.
Able to work cooperatively with other City officials and employees in an impartial manner.
Maintain regular and equal communications with members of City Council; ensure accessibility and approachability; keep Council informed of legal matters and respond promptly to inquiries.
Exercise sound independent judgment and render straightforward advice; refer not only to the law but to other considerations such as moral, economic, social, and political factors that may be relevant to a situation.
Able to provide legal advice and legal support to City Council and the City Manager in an assertive but respectful manner.
Provide well-researched, succinct, prudent, and clear legal options to City Council; proactive in approach to work; able to present well.
Understand that decision-making responsibility and authority rests with City Council as a whole body; fully advise and guide Council concerning the potential legal consequences of a decision and respect and support Council’s decision.
Respect and understand the City’s history, with a dedication to serving the City of Franklin.
Well-rounded in exposure to local government operations.
Excellent communications and interpersonal skills, including the ability to listen effectively, understand differing views, and collaborate.

Performance Expectations

Immediately engage with staff, City Council, court officials and members of the local bar; achieve familiarity with active projects.
Obtain working knowledge of City Charter and City Code, and City policies and procedures.
Maintain strong, consistent, and equal communications with the City Council.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation will be dependent on qualifications and experience. The City’s pay plan identifies a range of $124,059 to $193,843 for the position. The anticipated hiring range is in the mid-$150,000’s. The successful candidate will be offered a generous benefit package including participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS), health insurance coverage, paid time off, professional membership and development, and other benefits as identified in a negotiated employment agreement.

Application Process

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter/letter of interest, resume, along with salary expectations and professional references, to the Franklin City Clerk listed below. While the position is open until filled, priority consideration will be given to those that apply by July 31, 2026. Inquiries relating to the City Attorney position may be directed to:

David S. Freeman
Franklin City Clerk
email: [email protected] or City Attorney Recruitment Hotline at: 757-562-8671

Apply Here: City of Franklin City Attorney Recruitment

For Additional Information, please visit: www.franklinva.gov

The City of Franklin is an Equal Opportunity Employer