Municipal Law - Litigation - Defense Attorney in Kent, WA

Government

Kent, WA

Municipal Law - Litigation - Defense Attorney in Kent, WA

Attorney

2-5 yrs required

No

Job Title: Assistant City Attorney/Senior Assistant City Attorney - Civil Division

Job Responsibilities:
Under the direction of the Deputy City Attorney or designee, the incumbent provides a variety of professional legal services to the Chief Administrative Officer, Mayor, City Council, City Administration, City staff, and various boards, committees, and taskforces. The role is distinguished between Assistant City Attorneys and Senior Assistant City Attorneys based on experience, with Senior Assistant City Attorneys handling more complex legal work, serving as a lead or mentor, and performing advanced professional attorney services requiring specialized legal knowledge and municipal government experience. Major responsibilities include:

- Providing legal advice and guidance on complex municipal legal subjects such as land use, building codes, environmental law, real estate transactions, public/private partnerships, public works, utility services, solid and hazardous waste, construction matters, labor and employment, public safety, public finance, code enforcement, ordinance and resolution preparation, property rights, municipal liability, public records disclosure, campaign issues, parliamentary procedure, public bidding and procurement, interlocal agreements, contract negotiation, court procedures, and governmental relations.
- Preparing, reviewing, amending, and approving a variety of legal documents including ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, easements, leases, licenses, settlement agreements, briefs, letters, legal opinions, discovery-related documents, training materials, and other legal instruments.
- Providing legal advice and training to City officials, employees, departments, boards, commissions, the City Council, and Council committees.
- Interacting and communicating effectively and confidently with the City Council, City committees and boards, public interest groups, employees, elected officials, and departments.
- Occasionally providing litigation services for the City, organizing case information, performing discovery and investigation, analyzing evidence and the law, developing litigation strategies, performing research, preparing briefs, and presenting the City's case and oral arguments in various judicial and non-judicial forums.
- Developing policies and providing policy guidance to employees, City departments, and elected officials.
- Evaluating claims filed against the City and making appropriate recommendations regarding defense, settlement, and legal strategies.
- Serving as a technical advisor to City leadership on matters of policy and practice relating to property, casualty, liability, and worker's compensation insurance coverage, coordination and payment of claims, and impacts of compliance with regulations or insurance issues.
- Representing the City's interests during the Washington State legislative session, preparing documents, and making presentations to legislators and legislative committees.
- Monitoring cases handled by outside counsel, reviewing and editing written materials and court filings, preparing exhibits and other documents, responding to discovery demands, and providing guidance and direction regarding litigation proceedings.
- Responding to public inquiries regarding municipal legal requirements, public records, and consumer complaints, providing appropriate information, assistance, or referrals.
- Periodically attending continuing legal education training to meet the Washington State Bar Association requirements and improve professional skills.
- Working productively in a team atmosphere with other attorneys and support personnel, contributing to team goals and objectives as determined by superiors.

Education and Experience Information:
Assistant City Attorney:
- Education: Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree in law.
- Experience: Prefer five (5) or more years of civil legal experience, with at least two (2) years of municipal civil legal experience.

Senior Assistant City Attorney:
- Education: Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree in law.
- Experience: Minimum of five (5) or more years of municipal civil legal experience.

Licenses and Other Requirements:
- Must be a member of the Washington Bar Association and in good standing throughout the duration of employment.
- Valid Washington State Driver's License, or the ability to obtain within thirty (30) days of employment and maintain an acceptable driving record.
- Multilingual skills are desirable.
- Demonstrated experience leading a major project and/or team from commencement to successful completion of the project.
- Must successfully pass the City’s pre-employment fingerprinting and background check; subject to periodic re-evaluation during the course of employment.

Salary Information:
- Assistant City Attorney - Civil: $8, - $13, monthly, depending on experience.
- Senior Assistant City Attorney - Civil: $10, - $14, monthly, depending on experience.

This position offers competitive pay, a sound retirement system, and excellent medical benefits. It is a full-time, non-represented position that is exempt from overtime. The role offers an excellent work/life balance with no need to closely track or bill hours.