Assistant Attorney

Under general direction from the City Attorney, the Assistant City Attorney (IV) provides specialized legal and litigation services, including advice and representation for all City departments, requiring considerable experience, discretion and independent judgment. Provides the City Attorney, Mayor and Senior City staff with analysis of complex legal issues for assigned departments. Assists in development of policies and procedures. Develops expertise in specific areas of municipal law such as litigation/tort defense, land use/real estate, public utilities, or police legal advisor.

Works directly with elected officials, department heads, city boards and commissions and outside agencies.

Works independently subject to guidance by City Attorney or Senior Attorneys. May supervise junior attorneys and support staff in specific projects or areas of expertise.

The following Responsibilities and Requirements are skills the individual who holds or desires the position must be able to perform, unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation.

• Draft ordinances, regulations, major contracts, proposals for state legislation and other legal documents.
• Draft, review, and assist in the administration of City contracts and other procurement.
• Conduct independent legal research, render oral and written opinions on major substantive, procedural, and administrative issues to major City departments, boards and commissions.
• Attend meetings of major City boards and commissions as legal advisor to City officials.
• Prepare and conduct major litigation before federal, state, and local courts, and administrative agencies and other adjudicative bodies.
• Negotiate and recommend settlement of claims filed against the City.
• Analyze changes in state and federal laws and court decisions and provide legal guidance to City departments as to method of compliance with new requirements.
• Provide legal assistance and guidance to other attorneys within specific area of expertise.
• Conduct negotiations on behalf of City administrative staff, City boards and commissions.
• Participate as active member (non-legal role) in various City administrative and management projects.
• The individual who holds or desires the position may develop a focus on a specific area of municipal law depending on their experience including litigation/tort defense, land use/real estate, public utilities, or police legal advisor.
• Perform other related work as requested or required.

• Make difficult and complex decisions quickly.
• Express legal concepts in clear and concise language for the City Council, Mayor, City officials and staff and the general public.
• Knowledge of municipal law and the practices and procedures of the City government is helpful. Demonstrated expertise in specific areas of municipal law.
• Organize and manage own work and supervise support staff and junior attorneys.
• Foster and maintain effective professional relationship with City officials and staff, colleagues and general public.
• Exercise good moral character and integrity in matters pertaining to professional responsibilities.
• Prepare legal analyses and recommendations. Analyze and understand complex problems; identify and implement solutions.
• Present matters clearly and persuasively before public bodies, arbitrators, management and employee groups.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Use of a computer and software necessary to effectively perform the duties of the position.

Work is conducted primarily in an office setting. It involves frequent attendance at meetings and may include irregular hours and potentially out-of-town travel. Incumbents in this classification are expected to communicate verbally, in person, and by telephone. A computer terminal is used and requires the use of repetitive arm‑hand movements.

Any combination equivalent to the experience and education that would likely provide the relevant knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. Generally, this will include:

• Juris doctor or equivalent degree.

• Membership in Washington State Bar Association.

• Ten (10) years' experience…