Legal Assistant, Constitutional and Complex Litigation / Torts Section | Civil Division

With more than 200 attorneys and professional staff, the Seattle City Attorney’s Office is one of the largest law offices in Seattle and is the third largest public law office in the state. Our office is committed to making Seattle a safe, healthy, empowered, and thriving community for everyone. The City Attorney’s Office has vacancies for skilled legal assistants in two sections:

The Constitutional and Complex Litigation Section (“CCL”) of the Seattle City Attorney's Office (CAO) and the Torts Section are looking for experienced legal assistants to join their teams. The CCL position will provide administrative support to litigation attorneys who represent the City in both State and Federal courts and advise City departments in matters relating to federal response, police action, affirmative litigation, public records, and a variety of other subjects. The Torts position will provide administrative support to litigation attorneys who represent the City in State and Federal court and advise City departments on matters related to personal injury, property damage, nuisance, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and a variety of other subjects. 

Legal assistants are part of a dynamic team of problem solvers. The pace of work is generally deadline driven. The groups take a collaborative, team-oriented approach and seek to build effective and lasting relationships with City departments and their leadership. Legal assistants are critical of this professional philosophy and are valued members of our enthusiastic and experienced team. Legal assistants in the section are asked to think creatively and strategically.

Legal assistants apply their knowledge of legal terminology, legal and regulatory procedures, proper document formatting, electronic filing systems, and general office practices in their daily work. That work requires them to be highly skilled with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Outlook, and Excel. The City Attorney’s Office heavily relies on electronic storage and filing. Legal assistants serve a critical role in these processes.
 
The CAO offers a generous benefits program that includes health benefits, life insurance, paid leave, paid parental and family leave, and the opportunity to participate in a defined-benefit retirement program.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Preparation of court documents for service and filing
• Tracking and updating the status of court cases nationwide related to various issues of material interest to the section (CCL only)
• Word processing, including proofreading and editing
• Managing litigation and client advice files, including electronic files
• Using a variety of applications for litigation support
• Assisting with attorney calendars
• Coordinating and arranging meetings
• Learning and using new databases and software as needed
• Tracking case assignments and deadlines
  

Minimum Qualifications
Requires two years of post-secondary coursework in legal secretarial or business skills and one year of litigation support work demonstrating familiarity with legal forms, terminology, and documents (or a combination of education, training, and/or experience which provides evidence of the ability to perform the work of the class).

Desired Qualifications
The successful candidate will have demonstrated the ability to perform litigation support, including: effectively

• Working on multiple projects simultaneously
• Providing timely products with great attention to detail
• Working collaboratively with other team members
• Representing CAO professionally and ethically at all times
• Professionally interacting with both employees and outside contacts
• Working independently, with excellent judgment and initiative
• Using a variety of software packages for litigation support, calendaring, and email-archiving
• Maintaining a records database

Application Process – For your application to be accepted, you must:

• Complete the online City of Seattle Application
  1. https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle
• Include the following required attachments (.pdf, .doc, or .docx format): 
  1. Cover Letter describing your interest in the position.
  2. Resume detailing your relevant experience. 

Application Submission Guidelines – All applicants must submit their applications by the closing date indicated in the job posting.  Applicant inquiries received via email or on websites such as Indeed will not be considered unless the individual has applied for the position through the Government Jobs site.  Note: The required documents listed in the "Application Process" section above must be attached to the application prior to the indicated job closing date to ensure consideration of the application.   Please contact the Office of Human Resources at Law_HR@Seattle.gov on or before the closing date indicated above should you need assistance with the online application process.

Race and Social Justice Initiative – The City of Seattle recognizes that every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism.  We seek individuals who will work toward the goals of the Race and Social Justice Initiative.

Compensation – The full pay range for this step-progression position is $34.92 - $39.18 per hour. New employees begin at Step 1 of the pay progression, at $34.92 per hour. Current City employees' starting rate of pay will be based on Personnel Rules regarding promotions. Advanced initial step placement may be considered under limited circumstances, but step salaries are not subject to negotiation. 

Benefits – The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package, including vacation, 12 official holidays, 2 floating holidays, sick leave, and paid parental leave, as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees.  Additional benefits include executive leave and eligibility for merit leave. City Attorney’s Office employees also have the opportunity to participate in a defined benefits retirement program. More information about benefits is available at https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.

Workplace Environment – Currently, the Seattle City Attorney's Office has a Flexible Work Arrangements Policy. Employees have the option to work a hybrid schedule (3 days in the office, 2 days remote). This is subject to change as circumstances and business needs dictate.

Office Location: Columbia Center, 701 5^th Avenue, Suite 2050, Seattle, WA 98104 

Who may apply – This position is open to all candidates who meet the minimum qualifications.   

The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, family or marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, pregnancy, or other protected characteristics.  The Seattle City Attorney's Office encourages people of all backgrounds to apply.

Questions? Contact our Human Resources team at LAW_HR@seattle.gov.