Assistant City Attorney

This position is eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). Click here for more information on PSLF.

Under the direction of the City Attorney and Deputy City Attorney, this position performs a variety of legal functions; provides legal counsel and expertise to city departments, committees and commissions; and represents the city in litigation, negotiations, and other legal proceedings.   This position requires knowledge of municipal, state and federal laws.

The work performed by this class requires incumbents to apply professional knowledge and expertise as well as established guidelines and alternatives to determine facts, analyze problems, and make decisions without immediate supervisory review; incumbents may respond to sensitive and complicated inquiries or problems related to departmental programs or policies. The work requires judgment in selecting the appropriate planning methods and procedures for accomplishing project assignments, and incumbents perform their daily work independently with limited supervision and alert their supervisor to potentially controversial issues.

Other duties may be assigned as needed.

1. Provides a variety of professional legal services for various divisions or departments within the city.  
2. Prepares and drafts a variety of legal documents and instruments including ordinances, resolutions, motions, briefs, contracts, and agreements; reviews contracts, and other documents for compliance with legal requirements. 
3. Serves in an advisory capacity to departments and divisions within the city; provides legal counsel and expertise as needed to protect the best interests of the city.
4. Researches and prepares opinions on various legal problems for city departments, governing boards or officials; drafts responses to inquiries regarding city legal matters.
5. Investigates claims and complaints by or against the city and recommends action to be taken.
6. Represents the city in administrative hearings and in municipal, state, and federal courts; defends suits and claims filed against the city.
7. Prepares cases and represents the city at hearings before boards and commissions as needed.
8. Negotiates contracts and other agreements with private parties, other governmental bodies, and state and county agencies.
9. Performs a variety of trial preparation duties including organizing case information, analyzing evidence and pertinent facts, interviewing witnesses, and developing arguments.
10. Ensures the maintenance of accurate and complete files and records related to litigation, legal opinions, and professional information.
11. Performs special projects requiring knowledge of municipal law and related legal issues.
12. Exercises sound and ethical judgment in the decision-making processes required of the position.

A combination of the experience, education, and training listed below which provides an equivalent background to perform the work of this position.

Experience:  

• One year of experience in municipal and civil law preferred.

• Juris Doctorate degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.

• Active membership in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association.
• Must possess, or obtain within one month of hire date, Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Awareness Certification and maintain certification at all times during employment.
• Must possess, or have the ability to possess within one month of hire date, a Washington State Driver’s License.

The physical demands and characteristics of the work environment described here are representative of those occurring in the performance of the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear.   The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The employee must frequently lift up to 10 pounds; occasionally lift and/or move 10 to 20 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.  This position is usually assigned to an office, and the noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. 

Work is performed mainly during City office hours; however, some travel will be required and incumbent must attend night meetings of the City Council or city boards and commissions. 

This position description generally describes the principal functions of the position and the level of knowledge and skills typically required.  It does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and it is subject to change as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.