
- Summary
- Land Use Attorney (Civil Division)The Civil Division of the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is in search of an enthusiastic and equity and social justice minded attorney to join our team in the Land Use Section. The Land Use Section provides legal representation to King County regarding land use and other environmental issues. The section advises on policy and code development, project review and regulatory enforcement. Contemporary policy issues include climate change, urban development, transportation, and environmental protection. Attorneys in the section represent the County in litigation in all levels of state and federal court and before various administrative agencies. Regular section clients include the King County Executive, Council, Department of Permitting and Environmental Review, and various other agencies.
The Civil Division provides comprehensive legal services to King County government, including all County elected and appointed officials, department heads, and with the managers of numerous county agencies and departments. Serving in its role as an in-house law firm for the County, the Civil Division works closely with its clients in solving a wide range of legal problems by providing legal advice and representing King County and its employees in lawsuits filed in state or federal courts. The Civil Division is composed of about 65 lawyers organized into eight specialized sections: (1) Contracts, (2) County Services, (3) Transportation & Real Property, (4) Employment, (5) Involuntary Treatment Act, (6) Land Use, (7) Natural Resources, and (8) Litigation.
We value diversity and strive to hire a workforce that reflects the community that we serve. It is essential to our mission that we create and maintain an office that is diverse and inclusive. All PAO employees are expected to participate in PAO equity work and attend equity trainings and discussions. PAO employees are expected to comply with race, equity and social justice principles, and to work with PAO colleagues and management to identify opportunities for improvement. - Job Duties
- The attorney in this position will primarily provide legal services to King County agencies regarding land use issues. A focus on race, equity and social justice is woven through this work. The duties will likely evolve over time and include work in the areas of permitting, civil enforcement, and code development/review. This practice will include client advising, the adjudication of various types of appeals, and litigation regarding a variety of land use issues. Issues may involve the King County Code, the Growth Management Act, the State Environmental Policy Act, and various other land use laws. The primary clients are the King County Department of Local Services – Permitting Division, the King County Executive’s Office, and the King County Council. There are also opportunities to collaborate with others in the Civil Division on client-driven projects as well as contributing to Division and Office-wide continuous improvement goals.
- Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Rather than focusing on specific substantive experience, we are seeking applicants with strong potential for professional development and growth and a demonstrated commitment to equity and social justice. Although any relevant experience is a plus, candidates with an interest in land use, environmental and municipal law are encouraged to apply regardless of professional experience.
Special Requirements:- Member in good standing with the Washington State Bar.
- Must submit to a criminal history check.
- U.S. Citizenship or a lawful permanent resident (per RCW 36.27 and 29A.04 and Article VI of the WA Constitution).
- Supplemental Information
Location: The Civil Division is located in the Columbia Center in downtown Seattle. Attorneys enjoy a hybrid work schedule that allows telecommuting three days one week, two days the next, with in-office work required on Wednesdays. If a successful candidate is new to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, they may be required to work in-office three days every week for six months.
Application Process:
Salary: $89,416.91 - $148,165.68 commensurate with 0~11 years of experience.
1) Attach cover letter & resume to completed online application
2) Provide writing sample
For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact:
Darren Carnell
Section Head
(206) 477-1099
This position is open both internally and externally. This would be a lateral transfer for internal candidates.
The Prosecuting Attorney's Office is dedicated to making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
- $84,427.20 - $148,158.40/year