Deputy City Attorney

About the role

This position provides comprehensive legal services to the City, advises the City Council, staff, committees, and commissions, and represents the City in litigation.

Responsibilities

• Participate in City's short and long-range planning to consider legal issues.
• Negotiate large real property acquisitions.
• Attend City Council sessions and other meetings.
• Provide legal advice and guidance to City policies, decisions, and activities.
• Draft and interpret City ordinances and resolutions.
• Represent the City in various court levels and tribunals.
• Manage administrative hearings and litigation.
• Supervise and evaluate the work of assigned legal staff.
• Coordinate seamless collaboration between City departments.

Requirements

• A law degree with admission to practice law in the State of Washington.
• Five (5) years comprehensive legal experience, including legal management and administrative duties.
• Land use and planning, as well as governmental law experience preferred.
• Public Records Act compliance preferred.

Qualifications

• Admission to Washington State Bar Association at time of hire and throughout employment.
• A valid Washington State driver’s license with a safe driving record.

Skills

• Principles and practices of administration, supervision, and training.
• Theory, structure, and practice of municipal law.
• Civil and criminal litigation and appellate techniques.
• Code enforcement, land use, community development, and public works codes and ordinances.
• Public Records Management and Disclosure.
• Research methods and report writing techniques.
• City organization, operations, policies, and objectives.
• Complex legal record keeping techniques and requirements.
• Effective public speaking techniques.
• Modern office practices, procedures, and equipment.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Ability to plan, direct, and coordinate comprehensive legal services for the City.
• Provide sound and effective legal advice to guide City policies, decisions, and activities.
• Represent the City at various court levels and tribunals in civil litigation.
• Design and execute effective trial and appellate strategies in complex cases.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with elected officials, business leaders, advisory boards, the news media, and the general public.
• Understand the City's political environment and sensitivities.
• Listen effectively to verbal communication.

Benefits

Includes medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and retirement plans. Combination leave, medical leave, military leave, jury duty leave, and shared leave are also available. Salary increases are based on merit or performance.