City Attorney

About the role

The City Attorney is the chief legal counsel for the City of Bothell and serves as the primary legal advisor to the City Manager, City Council, staff, committees, and commissions. The position involves leading the Legal Department, providing legal advice on citywide policies and initiatives, and ensuring the City receives high-quality legal representation.

Responsibilities

• Engage as an active member of the executive leadership team and provide strategic input on citywide policies and approaches.
• Develop an understanding of the organization and promote alignment with the City’s strategic priorities and initiatives.
• Partner with executive leadership team members and staff across the City to provide sound legal advice on ongoing initiatives and Council priorities.
• Quickly come up to speed on the current and future work of the Legal Department and identify opportunities for modernization and automation.
• Build a collaborative and supportive working relationship with the Municipal Court Judge, Court Administrator, and Court staff.
• Champion, support, and implement the City’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
• Lead the Legal Department and manage staff, assess potential additional resource needs, and provide policy direction and technical advice.
• Collaborate to ensure the Legal Department continually strives to provide the highest-quality legal services to the City of Bothell in furtherance of its residents' public health, safety, and welfare.

Requirements

A minimum of seven years in the practice of municipal law, ideally with a successful track record as a City Attorney, Deputy/Assistant City Attorney, or experience in a private law firm advising municipal governments with a full range of municipal services. Direct leadership experience managing attorneys and paraprofessional legal personnel is essential. A broad, diverse municipal government background, with legal expertise in more than one area, is required. Specific knowledge of contracts, criminal justice, employment, land use, and procurement law is ideal. Extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local statutes, regulations, rules, and ordinances applicable to City activities and functions, including municipal liability, data security, public meetings, public records, and public financing, is required.

Qualifications

• A Juris Doctor from a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association or an equivalent combination of education and professional legal experience.
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Washington and be in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association or licensed in a state with the ability to be admitted to the Washington State Bar by motion.

Skills

• Strategic systems thinking
• Local government law experience
• Intellectual curiosity
• Ability to navigate controversial issues with ease
• Effective communication and customer service skills
• Mentoring and developing employees
• Political astuteness and relationship-building with elected officials

Benefits

The City of Bothell offers competitive benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and a comprehensive wellness program.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $120,000 - $150,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience.

Schedule

The City Attorney works a standard Monday through Friday schedule, typically 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.