Senior Assistant City Attorney - Civil

About Longview: Longview, Washington (pop. 38,440) is located in Southwest Washington along the scenic Columbia River Basin 50 miles north of Portland, Oregon and 145 miles south of Seattle. Longview is a comfortable and affordable community with close proximity to larger city amenities as well as abundant outdoor recreational activities in the Cascade Mountains, Pacific beaches, and numerous rivers and lakes.

• Conducts and directs the development, review, interpretation, and enforcement of contracts for the City on a variety of subjects including real estate, development, intergovernmental interests, loans and financing, personnel, and other agreements.
• Address legal questions which arise during the development and implementation of City projects and programs.  Identify options and recommend direction to take concerning legal issues.  
• Learn ordinances, statutes, and court decisions relating to municipal entities; confers with and advises City departments in establishing policies by applying legal points and procedures; recommends changes in policies and procedures to meet current legal requirements; learn organization, procedures, duties, powers, limitations, and authority of the City Attorney's office, City government, and other public agencies.
• Provides research, advice, ordinance and resolution drafting, transactional document review, and litigation services in support of the City.
• Drafts and reviews legal opinions, contracts, ordinances, resolutions, leases, utility franchises, policies, legislation, and/or other legal documents; conducts related negotiations when applicable.
• Responds to subpoenas for testimony by City employees or for City documents, records, information, and/or related items.
• Serves as a liaison with third parties who have dealings with the City to clarify the City’s position and to encourage compliance with applicable ordinances, laws, and/or requirements.
• Represents or assists assigned Counsel in civil litigation, grievances, administrative proceedings, and/or audits in federal and state courts in assigned area of responsibility, which may include: preparing pleadings; conducting discovery; conducting mediations; trial; entering settlement negotiations; filing or defending appeals; and/or performing related activities.
• Participates in litigation activities, which may include: reviewing cases, consulting with litigator and opposing counsels, arguing motions, and/or performing other related activities.
• Prepares and reviews a variety of legal documents, offerings, and requests for information, which may include: court summaries, appellate briefs, court orders, position statements, authorization forms, pleadings, memorandums, legal opinions, briefs, contractual agreements, sentencing recommendations, petitions, and/other related information.
• Consults with and advises City employees, and/or other interested parties on legal procedures and cases.  
• Reviews or responds to public records requests, prepares memos, and legal opinions as needed.
• Assists the City Attorney, in municipal civil matters and by attending City Council meetings in the absence of the City Attorney.
• Performs other duties as assigned.  

• Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctorate degree.
• 3-5 years of professional legal experience.
• Licensed to practice law with the Washington State Bar Association.  
• Active membership in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association at all times during employment
• Valid driver’s license and maintain an acceptable driving record.
• Must successfully pass the City’s pre-employment fingerprinting and background check, subject to periodic re-evaluation during course of employment.  

• Trial practice, municipal and criminal law.  Courtroom procedures.  Knowledge and understanding of the structure of municipal governments.  General knowledge of business and accounting.
• Give quick and accurate responses when asked about pertinent statutes and able to research quickly resources available for documentation.  
• Be flexible as to hours of work to accommodate the schedules of the court and juries.
• Maintain knowledge of current laws, court rules, court opinions, and legal issues pertinent to the position.
• Knowledge of the Revised Code of Washington, Rules of Professional Conduct, Washington Administrative Code, various federal codes, and the Longview City Municipal Code.
• Legal research methodology using paper-bound and computer-based libraries.
• Municipal government organizational structure, operations, policies, objectives and jurisdiction.
• Principles, practices, and procedures of civil law including court procedures and rules.
• Legality and preparation of various documents and instruments.
• Conflict management skills.
• Performance of legal research and investigation, including the use of computer-based legal research systems.
• Organizing, analyzing, and evaluating case facts, evidence, and legal precedent.
• Case preparation and civil law techniques.
• Preparation and delivery of oral presentations and arguments.
• Correct use of English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary as it pertains to the job.
• Oral and written communications to effectively organize and express ideas and persuasive arguments.
• Good interpersonal and customer service skills to courteously deal with and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, City departments, vendors, local agencies and providers, and the general public.  
• Maintain professional composure and demonstrate tact, patience, safety, and courtesy at all times.
• Initiative to take action and be self-motivated.   Work well independently as well as in a team or cooperative setting.
• Communicate in a professional business-like manner, both orally and in writing.   Portray a professional image and attitude.
• Able to exercise discretion over sensitive and confidential issues related to the department and its business.
• Meet schedules and timelines.
• The ability to handle job stress and interact effectively with others in the workplace.