Attorney

Karras Consulting is assisting the City of Bellingham with this search. If you are interested in this position, submit a cover letter and a resume by visiting  and clicking on “view open positions.”

The City Attorney will provide strategic leadership, direction and oversight to the City Attorney’s Office and its employees. They will develop and implement programs and policies and support the City’s goals to enhance organizational effectiveness, foster a positive work environment and contribute to the City’s long-term successes and financial stability. The City Attorney serves as a member of the City’s executive management team and will work collaboratively with the Executive Department, City Council and other City departments on strategy and policy to ensure that the City’s mission and core values are incorporated into operational activities and services.

They will coordinate and provide comprehensive professional municipal legal services for the City with a focus on option-based advice. The City Attorney will effectively engage and collaborate with community members; local, state, federal agencies; and tribal nations to ensure City government is effectively serving its community and partners.

The annual salary range for this position is $177,624 – $214,932. Employees receive step increases biennially in accordance with the E-Team Handbook and City policy. The City places new employees within the published salary range based on qualifications and professional experience in accordance with City policy.

At the City of Bellingham, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that helps you thrive in both your career and personal life. Join our team and enjoy peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are well cared for. Here’s a closer look at the outstanding benefits that come with being part of our team. You can find more details on our employment benefits page and labor agreements page.

• 20 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time
• 12 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday per year
• 40 hours of sick leave upon hire + 8 hours accrued monthly
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt‑out program
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security
• Optional 457 deferred compensation savings plan and 401(a) Retirement Savings Plan up to 3% with employer match

Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE and require employees to be in paid status at least 120 hours/month.

• Leadership
  :
  Serves as a member of the City’s senior leadership team. Provides information and advice to the Mayor, City Council, and leadership team on strategic planning and accomplishment of City mission goals and objectives. Coordinates the Department’s activities with those of other City departments and offices to ensure a consistent approach towards common projects and interests and the cost-effective delivery of services.
• Legal Department Management
  :
  Plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates the work of the Legal Department, including providing legal counsel to the elected officials and City departments, prosecuting crimes and misdemeanors under municipal law, and overseeing the City’s risk management and liability and property and insurance programs.
• Legal Counsel
  :
  Directly or through staff, researches federal, state and local laws and regulations, and issues legal opinions and provides option-based legal counsel to the elected and appointed officials of the City and to various City boards and commissions. Maintains close liaison with the Mayor, City Council, City departments, boards and commissions. Staffs or attends all regular City Council meetings, and committee meetings to provide legal guidance to elected officials.
• Legal Documents
  :
  Drafts legal documents on behalf of the City, including ordinances, resolutions, code provisions, contracts, and other legal instruments. Approves as to form and content all City legal documents prior to execution by the Mayor or other approving authority.…