Assistant Attorney

Why Tumwater?

Tumwater is more than just a city, it’s a vibrant community rooted in history and filled with opportunity. Located at the southern gateway to the Seattle‑Tacoma metro area, Tumwater offers the perfect blend of small‑town charm and big‑picture vision.

Surrounded by the natural beauty of Puget Sound, prairie landscapes, rivers, and evergreen forests, we’re just over an hour from ocean beaches, the Olympic Peninsula, and Mount Rainier. Whether you’re into hiking, kayaking, brewery‑hopping, or live music, you’ll find easy access to it all.

Here in Tumwater, we’re building a future that’s highly livable, connected, and inclusive. With safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, and a deep sense of civic pride, it’s not just a great place to live, it’s a great place to grow your career.

Play a key role in shaping the legal foundation of a growing, dynamic community. The City of Tumwater is seeking an Assistant City Attorney to join a collaborative and service‑oriented team dedicated to supporting transparent, effective, and forward‑thinking local government.

In this role, you’ll serve as a trusted legal advisor to the Mayor, City Administrator, City Council, and City departments, providing guidance on a wide range of municipal issues—from contracts, land use, and environmental law to risk management, public works, and procurement.

This position offers a unique balance of advisory work, problem‑solving, and partnership. You’ll help City leaders navigate complex legal matters, draft and review legislation and contracts, and support projects that make a tangible difference in how the City serves its residents.

If you’re a skilled attorney who values teamwork, public service, and the opportunity to engage with diverse and challenging work, this role provides the chance to grow your legal career while contributing to a city that’s truly invested in its people and its future.

Note:

The City is also open to considering candidates who may not meet every listed qualification. Individuals who demonstrate strong potential, transferable skills, and a commitment to public service may be considered for an in‑training opportunity, with support provided to develop and grow into the full scope of the role.

*** Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, and one writing sample (10‑page max) in addition to the online application. The sample may be a standalone piece or part of a larger document. Personally identifiable information must be redacted. Only one sample will be accepted, and links to documents will not be considered. Failure to include these will result in an incomplete application.***

• Provide timely and accurate legal advice to the Mayor, City Council, City Administrator, boards, commissions, and departments on a wide range of municipal issues.
• Research, interpret, and apply federal, state, and municipal laws related to areas such as land use, building codes, environmental law, real estate, property rights, public/private partnerships, utilities, public works, procurement, labor and employment, public safety, finance, and code enforcement.
• Advise City staff on the implementation of new legislation and regulations, offering training and written guidance as needed.
• Support leadership decision‑making through sound legal reasoning and practical risk assessment.

• Conduct thorough legal research and analysis to evaluate issues arising in the development and execution of City programs, projects, and policies.
• Draft clear and well‑reasoned legal opinions, memoranda, and correspondence grounded in applicable law and public policy.
• Assist in policy formulation by identifying risks, outlining alternatives, and providing recommendations to enhance compliance and effectiveness.

• Attend City Council, committee, board, commission, and staff meetings to provide real‑time legal guidance and ensure procedural compliance.
• Communicate complex legal concepts clearly and confidently in both formal and informal settings.
• Remain responsive and available to assist elected officials and staff, sometimes on short…