City Attorney

Min 5 yrs required

Full-time

No

City Attorney
The candidate will be responsible for the preparation and review of City ordinances and resolutions and provides legal advice and support for all departments of City government as well as to elected officials and advisory bodies of the City. Will also be responsible for conducting and supporting all litigation involving the City including supervision of criminal prosecution by the City Prosecutor. Provide guidance to the Mayor, City Administrator, City Council and the City’s executive team on matters of procedure, legal interpretation, and policy implementation. This includes preparation and review of legislation, contracts; advising on personnel matters, land use and other regulatory functions; and providing litigation and technical support. Attend City Council meetings and meetings of other City bodies as needed, including City Council committees, Planning Commission, and advisory boards. Act as parliamentarian as required. Conduct investigations or interviews related to legal matters involving the City. In collaboration with the City Administrator, address complaints and resolve problems. Assist all departments in preparing Council agenda materials relating to legislation, contracts and other matters; review agendas for completeness and to identify legal issues and problems. Direct or participate in drafting and review of letters, ordinances, contracts, resolutions, policies, real estate documents, and other legal documents enacted by the City to assure proper wording, limit the City’s liability, assure they carry out the City’s intent and to assure compliance with applicable laws, and to protect the City’s interests; draft opinion letters as required or requested. Function as a member of the executive team of the City by attending staff meetings and assisting the City Administrator and other department heads regarding executive functions. Litigate on behalf of the City in civil or administrative actions, including code enforcement matters, and serve as liaison with outside counsel on specialized legal matters. May assist Human Resources with negotiations with assigned bargaining groups; and respond to labor group issues as necessary; assist as requested in employee relations issues, personnel policies and other personnel matters involving legal interpretation or advice. Participate in the City’s short and long-range planning to assure proper consideration of legal issues; identify optional positions for the City on legal matters; negotiate large real property acquisitions. Attend and participate in City, County, regional and State wide legal task forces, committees, associations and organizations on a variety of issues. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Job #: 19-0005. Submit a letter of interest, not to exceed one page, that addresses how you meet the minimum and/or preferred qualifications for the position and a current comprehensive resume.

The candidate should have a Doctoral Degree in Law from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association with admission to practice law in the State of Washington. Must have 5+ years of experience in municipal law and related area and progressively responsible managerial and administrative duties and be a member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association. Should preferably have 2+ years of full-time experience as an administrator and member of municipal management team. Strong background in and knowledge of general municipal law, Open Public Meetings Act and Public Records Act, land use, zoning, annexation, labor law and contract law required. Demonstrated ability and experience to handle litigation and advisory legal matters for the City independently and with competence is desired.

Legal