Assistant Solicitor

Assistant City Solicitor

City of Cambridge, Massachusetts — Cambridge, MA, United States

• Posting Date: 1/27/26
• Department: Law Department
• Job Code: M088 ()
• Sequence #: 710
• Hours per Week: 37.50
• Number of Openings: 1
• Type of Employment: Regular

The Law Department provides legal representation and advice to the City and its officials in areas such as zoning, environmental, employment, civil rights, contracts, tax, real estate, and torts. Staff attend City Council meetings and provide advice to boards and commissions. The department drafts ordinances, legal documents, and verbal/written opinions.

Assisting the City Solicitor, Deputy City Solicitor, and First Assistant City Solicitor, the Assistant City Solicitor will prosecute and defend civil litigation, handle transactional matters, draft legislation and legal instruments, render advisory opinions, and supervise clerical, paralegal, and investigative staff. The ideal candidate is a motivated attorney with municipal law and litigation experience, and expertise in at least one of the following areas: employment/labor, zoning, real estate, construction, contracts, personal injury, civil rights, or environmental law.

• Prosecute and defend suits in which the City is a party in state and federal courts and administrative agencies.
• Handle transactional matters in which the City is involved.
• Provide representation and advice to the City Manager, City Council, department heads, and other City officials on legal issues, rights, obligations, and practices under applicable laws.
• Draft advisory opinions to the City Manager, City Council, School Committee, department heads, and boards/commissions/committees.
• Draft and review legislation and a wide range of legal instruments.
• Perform work as required and at the direction of the City Solicitor.

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Member of the Massachusetts Bar, admitted to practice in Massachusetts state and federal courts.
• Thorough knowledge of Massachusetts and federal law.
• Experience with the Massachusetts Public Records Law, Open Meeting Law, and Conflict of Interest Law.
• Minimum of three years' experience practicing law.
• Substantial experience in civil litigation and some experience in municipal law, employment/labor, zoning, real estate, construction, contracts, personal injury, civil rights, and/or environmental law.
• Experience performing legal research, preparation, and trial of cases.
• Strong oral communication and legal writing skills.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to manage multiple projects, shift gears quickly, and respond to emergencies.
• Ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups of various identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

• At least five years working as an attorney in a municipal law department.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the City of Cambridge's government structure and operations.
• Experience representing municipal elected and appointed officials, employees, committees, commissions, and boards.
• Experience with case management, document management, e‑discovery software, and other legal‑field software.

Ability to access, input, and retrieve information from a computer. Answer telephones and maintain multiple files. Must read and analyze large quantities of information. Must lift and/or move up to 10 pounds t have sufficient mobility to travel between the office, meetings, and courts.

Primarily an office environment with fluorescent lighting, air conditioning, computers, and standard equipment, plus occasional meetings in other locations. This position may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule under the City’s Telework Policy.

• Resume
• Cover Letter

The City of Cambridge has a diverse population of 120,000 residents and is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. The City encourages applicants from all backgrounds and is an affirmative action equal‑opportunity employer.

The City of Cambridge is an affirmative action/equal‑opportunity employer that does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, or any other protected category. Women, minorities, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The City is committed to advancing a workforce culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.