Assistant City Attorney IV

About the role

The Assistant City Attorney (IV) provides specialized legal services, including advice and representation for all City departments, requiring considerable experience, discretion and independent judgment. They provide the City Attorney, Mayor and Senior City staff with analysis of complex legal issues for assigned departments.

Responsibilities

• Engage in a broad range of legal representation of all City departments, officials and employees.
• Draft ordinances, regulations, contracts, proposals for state legislation and other legal documents.
• Draft, review, and assist in the administration of City contracts and other procurement.
• Conduct legal research, and provide oral and written opinions on major substantive, procedural, and administrative issues to major City departments, boards and commissions.
• Attend meetings of City Council 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.
• Participate as active member (non-legal role) in various City administrative and management projects.

Requirements

• 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 relationships 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.

Qualifications

• Education: Juris doctor or equivalent degree.
• Membership: Membership in Washington State Bar Association.
• Experience: Ten (10) years' experience in the practice of law.
• Admission: Admitted to Washington State Bar Association.