The City of Spartanburg is searching for its next City Attorney following the March 27 retirement of Bob Coler, who served as the city’s chief legal officer since December 2018. Coler stepped down to spend time with family and plans to open a small private law firm.
During his tenure, Coler guided City Council and city staff through a range of consequential legal challenges, including the approval of a hate crimes ordinance in 2025 and the redevelopment of a downtown communications tower that drew public scrutiny before being rebuilt in a prominent location. His departure leaves a significant institutional void as Spartanburg continues to navigate a period of rapid growth and development.
In a comment ahead of his retirement, Coler offered a piece of advice for whoever succeeds him: “Listen. Then listen some more before making decisions or setting a course for resolving an issue. There are often many sides of a City legal issue. There are residents, visitors, investors, home owners, renters, business owners, etc. who may be impacted by a city’s decision. You cannot gather too much information.”
What the City Is Looking For
The City has posted the position through the Municipal Association of South Carolina with an application deadline of April 24, 2026. The City Attorney serves as the chief legal advisor to City Council, the City Manager, and all municipal departments. The role covers legal oversight of city operations, policy development, contracts, risk management, compliance, and representation in litigation.
Candidates must hold a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and be a member in good standing of the South Carolina Bar. The city is seeking someone with substantial experience in government, administrative, property, contract, environmental, and employment law. The position is full-time and based in the City Manager’s Office.
City Council will make the final hiring selection and will interview the most qualified candidates directly. The process will comply with the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act. The incoming City Attorney will advise City Council directly and maintain open communication with the Mayor and all Councilmembers.
City leadership has indicated they prefer the new City Attorney to reside within city limits and become an active member of the Spartanburg community — a signal that the city views the role as a community leadership position tied to the city’s ongoing growth.
The salary will depend on qualifications and experience. Benefits include medical, vision, and dental insurance through the SC State Health Plan, state retirement, 18 days of general leave, 11 holidays, life insurance, and short- and long-term disability coverage. Applications can be submitted at governmentjobs.com/careers/spartanburgsc.
What’s Happening
Q: Why is Spartanburg hiring a new City Attorney?
A: Bob Coler, who served as City Attorney since December 2018, retired on March 27, 2026, to spend time with family and open a private law practice.
Q: What does the Spartanburg City Attorney do?
A: The City Attorney serves as the chief legal advisor to City Council, the City Manager, and all city departments, overseeing contracts, litigation, risk management, and compliance with state and federal law.
Q: When is the application deadline for the City Attorney position?
A: Applications are due by April 24, 2026. Candidates can apply at governmentjobs.com/careers/spartanburgsc.
Q: Who will make the final hiring decision?
A: Spartanburg City Council will make the selection and will interview the top candidates directly, with the process conducted in compliance with the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act.
