Attorney

Position Details

THIS POSITION IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

The expected salary upon hire will be between $188,605 and $224,003 annually, dependent upon experience, as the top step of the scale is reserved for the end of the probationary period (12 months).

The City of Auburn is looking for a municipal Attorney
, who is an experienced, unifying leader and is deeply committed to the success of the City. The ideal candidate will be a strategic big-picture thinker
, have a passion for public service
, and will lead by example to gain the confidence of the public and staff.
Integrity that aligns with the City's organizational values is essential.

The City Attorney must be able to practice law before state and federal courts, administrative services, and bring a strong network of contacts within Washington State. The ideal candidate will demonstrate high ethical standards and recognize appropriate times to reach out to outside counsel. The City Attorney must be accessible
, approachable
, personable
, and possess strong writing skills
. Confidence and objectivity are qualities important to success in this position.

Auburn operates under a strong-mayor form of government. The City of Auburn government consists of an elected mayor and seven council members. Elected officials serve 4-year terms. As the elected leader of the City, the Mayor is the executive branch, and serves as the full-time chief executive officer responsible for the day-to-day operation of the City. The City Attorney reports directly to the Mayor and is a vital member of the City’s executive management team.

The City Attorney's Office represents the City in its day-to-day operations and provides legal advice to the Mayor, City Council, City administration, and boards and commissions that make up the municipal government of the City of Auburn. The department has four divisions:
Civil, Prosecution, City Clerk's office, and Real Estate.

The City Attorney serves as a member of the City’s executive management team, providing professional municipal legal work and executive-level, administrative work with responsibility to plan, direct, and coordinate comprehensive legal services for the City.

• Counsel to the Mayor, City Council, staff, committees, and commissions
• Providing legal advice to guide City policies, decisions, and activities
• Supervising and directing representation of the City at various court levels and tribunals in criminal and civil litigation and in administrative hearings
• Drafting and interpreting City ordinances and resolutions
• Negotiating real property acquisitions

• Have graduated from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association; AND
• Be licensed to practice law in the State of Washington at the time of appointment; AND
• Have seven (7) years of municipal law experience including progressively responsible leadership and management experience;

• Have equivalent experience which provides the applicant with the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job.

• Have experience working with a strong-mayor form of government, elected officials, or a board of directors

• Visionary and strategic leadership.
• Comprehensive knowledge of municipal law including criminal, administrative, contract, land-use, insurance, real estate, torts, public information, and labor relations law.
• Customer service and the ability to mentor, coach, and direct the work of staff.
• Cultural competency that enables effective working relationships in cross-cultural situations.
• Successful planning…