City Attorney

What does a city attorney do? – Tasks and work environment

A city attorney primarily works with legal advice and legal representation within the municipal or public sector. Tasks include representing the municipality in legal disputes, drafting and reviewing contracts, and assisting politicians and officials with legal issues related to municipal law, administrative law, contract law, and sometimes procurement law. The role often involves close collaboration with other lawyers, managers, and leadership teams, and high demands are placed on integrity, accuracy, and the ability to handle complex legal matters. The work environment is mainly office-based, often with a fast pace and periodic tight deadlines due to legal processes or political decisions.

Salary development over time

The salary for city attorneys has shown stable and positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 55,300 SEK per month, increasing to 57 000 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has reached 60 800 SEK, which represents an increase of approximately 10% over the three-year period. This salary increase is partly driven by increased demand for legal expertise in the public sector and the need for qualified lawyers with experience in public administration and complex legislation. Salary development is also influenced by the general salary structure for lawyers in Sweden, where competition for the most experienced candidates has led to higher salary levels.

City attorney salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 60 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 49,300 SEK/month (women), 55,600 SEK/month (men)
• Highest salary: 76,400 SEK/month (men), 65,700 SEK/month (women)
• Hourly wage: 366 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 89% of what men do (58 300 SEK vs. 65 400 SEK)
• Regional differences: Salary variations may occur depending on municipality and region, but exact statistics are lacking

Education and qualifications

To work as a city attorney, a law degree (4.5 years) from a university is generally required. Many employers also value work experience from public administration or other relevant legal work. In addition to formal education, specialized knowledge in administrative law, municipal law, and contract law is often sought, along with the ability to handle complex cases with integrity and analytical skills.

• Law degree: 4.5 years of full-time studies at university
• Internship/Trainee: Often advantageous to have internship experience in the public sector
• Specialized courses: Courses in administrative law, municipal law, and public procurement are appreciated
• Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for university studies, social sciences or legal focus in high school recommended
• Tips for choosing: Early focus on public law can provide an advantage in recruitment

Common benefits and compensations

City attorneys are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, and extra vacation days. Other common benefits include flexible working hours, remote work opportunities, and professional development through internal and external training. Compensation packages may also include various insurances and opportunities for educational leave.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a city attorney is generally high, especially in larger municipalities and regions where demand for legal expertise is strong. Challenges often include managing complex legislation, rapid changes in regulations, and balancing legal certainty with political decisions. Many city attorneys handle multiple cases simultaneously, requiring strong prioritization and stress management skills. The need to continuously update oneself on new laws and case law is evident, and the role often involves advising on issues that can significantly impact the municipality and its residents.

Tips for aspiring city attorneys

To succeed as a city attorney, it is beneficial to combine legal expertise with good communication skills and integrity. An active interest in public law and societal issues during studies provides valuable background. Precision is crucial when drafting complex contracts or legal documents, and stress resilience helps when multiple processes run in parallel. Building networks within the public sector, such as through internships or summer jobs, increases employment chances. Analytical ability is an important trait, especially when interpreting and applying legal texts in practical situations. Regularly updating oneself on new legal areas enhances marketability and demonstrates engagement. Finally, being solution-oriented and diplomatic is valuable, as the city attorney often acts as a link between law and politics.

Key facts about city attorneys

• Education level: Law degree (4.5 years)
• Salary range: 49,300–76,400 SEK/month
• Average salary: 60 800 SEK/month
• Work form: Full-time, office-based
• Job vacancies in the profession: 758 (May 2024)

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a city attorney, there are opportunities to advance to senior legal advisor, administrative manager, or other leadership positions within the municipality. Some choose to specialize in areas such as procurement law, environmental law, or real estate law. A career within the judiciary or as an advisor in government agencies is also possible. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate a steady need for professionals in public law and organizational law, although no specific assessment has been made for the title of city attorney. As of May 2024, 758 job openings were available in the profession, indicating ongoing demand for lawyers with public sector experience.

Frequently asked questions about city attorneys

• What is the average salary of a city attorney?
  - A city attorney has an average salary of 60 800 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become a city attorney?
  - A law degree (4.5 years) from a university is required.
• Are there gender differences in salary for city attorneys?
  - Yes, women earn on average 89% of what men do.
• What does the competition look like in the job market?
  - The competition is high, especially in larger municipalities, but there is strong demand for qualified lawyers.
• What are the job responsibilities of a city attorney?
  - Responsibilities include legal advice, contract management, and representing the municipality in legal disputes.
• How has the salary for city attorneys developed over recent years?
  - Salaries have increased by about 10%, from 55,300 SEK (2022) to 60 800 SEK (2024).
• What career options are available after a few years as a city attorney?
  - Advancement to senior legal advisor, administrative manager, or specialization in various legal fields is possible.