Assistant City Attorney/Senior Assistant City Attorney - Civil Division

Are you interested in a meaningful job where you are engaged in social concerns and the betterment of the Kent community? Would you enjoy performing impactful work that directly affects the environment, the safety of area residents, and Kent's economic vitality and growth? What about joining a team that collaboratively assists leadership in finding creative solutions to significant challenges, while maintaining efficiency and accountability in government? Do you desire an easier commute, free parking, the potential for partial remote work, and an office location that is close to bus and train lines? How about ditching billable hours?

If so, then consider the City of Kent and this new opportunity to join the Civil Division of the Kent City Attorney’s Office. The City of Kent is looking for an experienced attorney to join a dynamic and talented team of legal professionals who work cooperatively and collaboratively together. * This position offers excellent work/life balance with no need to closely track or bill hours.

Kent offers competitive pay, a sound retirement system, and excellent medical benefits.

Applicants must be admitted to practice and in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association. Some prior civil legal experience is required, with a preference for municipal legal experience. Candidates must have excellent written and oral communication skills, and must be able to work as part of a cohesive and collaborative team in a fast-paced environment.

Writing samples will be requested for those invited to interview.

*Candidates who possess municipal civil legal experience of five (5) years or more will be considered for hiring as a Senior Assistant City Attorney.

**A cover letter and resume are required with your online application in order for your application to be considered complete.

Please note that you cannot attach documents after you have submitted your online application.  Additionally, uploading your resume to auto-fill portions of the application does not automatically attach it to your application. If you experience problems attaching documents, please contact Human Resources at (253) 856-5270 and we will do our best to assist you.

Applications will be reviewed and interviews scheduled upon receipt.

SALARY:

Assistant City Attorney - Civil:

$8,538.00 - $13,417.00 monthly, depending on experience

Senior Assistant City Attorney - Civil:

$10,017.00 - $14,222.00 monthly, depending on experience

There is one (1) benefited position that will be filled by this recruitment process. This is a non-represented position that is exempt from overtime.

For a listing of benefits, please use the following link: 

Employee Benefits | City of Kent (kentwa.gov)

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Under the direction of the Deputy City Attorney, or designee, the incumbent assists the City Attorney’s Office by providing a variety of professional, legal services to the Chief Administrative Officer, Mayor, City Council, City Administration, City staff, and boards, committees, and taskforces. Incumbents are distinguished as Assistant City Attorneys and Senior Assistant City Attorneys based on their experience, with Senior Assistant City Attorneys assuming advanced legal work that includes serving as a lead or mentor to others both within and outside of the City Attorney’s Office, and performing more complex professional attorney services requiring specialized legal knowledge and municipal government experience.

Work is characterized by professional legal work that requires the incumbent to lead and provide City staff with advice in their efforts to make decisions involving a wide variety of complex municipal legal subjects including, but not limited to, the following: land use; building codes; environmental law; real estate transactions; public/private partnerships; public works; utility services; solid and hazardous waste; construction matters; labor, employment, and civil service; public safety; public finance; code enforcement; ordinance and resolution preparation; property rights; municipal liability; public records disclosure; campaign issues; parliamentary procedure; public bidding and procurement; interlocal agreements; contract negotiation; court procedures; and governmental relations.

Incumbents appointed as a Senior Assistant City Attorney must demonstrate exceptional work ethic and initiative; the desire and ability to drive projects to conclusion; excellent and advanced technical knowledge, and leadership and analytical skills; and must be able to effectively train, lead, and mentor others in a variety of complex legal subjects. Senior Assistant City Attorneys may be assigned to serve as acting Deputy City Attorney in the Deputy’s absence. Results of the incumbent’s work are considered to be technically authoritative and are normally accepted without significant change. Appointment as a Senior City Attorney is at the sole discretion of the City Attorney who shall determine whether the incumbent’s experience or work performance warrants hiring as or promotion to the role based on the incumbent’s demonstrated ability to counsel City staff and officials on legal issues, including the impact those legal issues may have with regards to Council initiatives and greater City interests.

Work is performed under limited supervision. The supervisor sets the overall objectives and resources available. The incumbent and supervisor work together to develop the deadlines, projects, and work to be completed. The incumbent is responsible for the work, plans and carries out the assignments, resolves most conflicts that arise, coordinates work with others, and interprets policies on own initiative in terms of established objectives. The incumbent keeps the supervisor informed of progress, potentially controversial matters, or far-reaching implications. Work is reviewed in terms of feasibility, compatibility with other work, or effectiveness of results. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Maintain current knowledge of laws, legislation, regulations, court cases, and issues affecting municipal governments in areas relating, but not limited to, land use; building codes, environmental law; real estate transactions; public/private partnerships; public works; utility services; solid and hazardous waste; construction matters; labor, employment, and civil service; public safety; public finance; code enforcement; ordinance and resolution preparation; municipal liability; public records disclosure; campaign issues; parliamentary procedure; interlocal agreements; contract negotiation; court procedures; and governmental relations. 

Prepare, review, amend, and approve a variety of legal documents including, but not limited to, ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, easements, leases, licenses, settlement agreements, briefs, letters, legal opinions, discovery related documents, training materials, and other legal documents and instruments.

Provide legal advice and training to City officials, employees, departments, boards, commissions, the City Council, and Council committees.

Interact and effectively and confidently communicate and make presentations to the City Council, City committees and boards, public interest groups, employees, elected officials, and departments. Attend and effectively and confidently participate in committee meetings and council and board meetings regularly, both during and after regular work hours. Be available and able to assist employees and elected officials with little advanced notice.

On rare occasion, provide litigation services for the City; organize case information; perform discovery and investigation; analyze evidence and the law; develop litigation strategies; perform research; prepare briefs; effectively present the City’s case and oral arguments in a wide variety of judicial and non-judicial forums; and perform appellate work. Most tort litigation is performed by outside counsel, but incumbent may be assigned on occasion to defend or prosecute smaller claims not covered by the City’s insurance.

Provide legal research and prepare a wide variety of legal documents. Research and writing should demonstrate thoughtful, reasoned analysis based on law and public policy, as well as correct legal formatting and proper use of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Develop policies and provide policy guidance to employees, City departments, elected officials, etc.

With respect to the City’s Risk Management Program, evaluate claims filed against the City; make appropriate recommendations regarding defense, settlement, and legal strategies. The incumbent must be able to recognize civil or criminal situations that may create potential liability for the City and may perform some or all of the following duties:

• Collect, analyze, and evaluate risk data as necessary and recommend appropriate countermeasures; review current and proposed facilities, programs, and other activities by the City for risk management implications; perform internal audits to reduce property damage and general liability claims; review and analyze loss history runs from third party administrators and other insurance coverage loss exhibits; review, coordinate, research, and provide information and material to assist third party claims administrators as needed.

• Evaluate costs and benefits of alternate insurance programs, including self-insurance; administer and negotiate insurance renewal contracts for general liability, excess worker's compensation, cyber risk, property, contents, auto physical damage, and fidelity bonds; evaluate retention levels and coverages for self-insurance general liability, unemployment, property, and worker's compensation; develop and coordinate systems and procedures for the review of all contracts to minimize risk exposure; review all reports and recommendations from third party administrators for appropriate changes in procedures, operations, or coverages; and monitor costs, benefits, and risk education or assumption to the City.

• Serve as a technical advisor to City leadership on matters of policy and practice relating to property, casualty, liability, and worker's compensation insurance coverage, coordination and payment of claims, and impacts of compliance with regulations or insurance issues as necessary.

• Serve as the City’s official coordinator for responding to grievances related to program and facility accessibility issues and accommodations required by the American with Disabilities Act of 1990.

• Monitor cases handled by outside counsel. This includes, but is not limited to, reviewing and editing written materials and court filings; preparing exhibits and other documents; responding to discovery demands; and providing guidance and direction regarding the manner in which litigation should proceed. 

• Represent the City’s interests during the Washington State legislative session; prepare documents; and make presentations to legislators and legislative committees.

• Represent the City in code enforcement matters before the hearing examiner and in various courts.

• Review requests for documents under the Public Records Act, ensuring that the City responds as required by law and appropriately applies exemptions.

• Act as an effective negotiator on behalf of the City in various legal matters.

• Conduct and oversee investigations of employment and other matters; represent the City when investigated by various state and federal agencies; and prepare appropriate responses to inquiries.

• Provide assistance to the Criminal Division as necessary.

• Provide legal representation and advice to various inter-local agencies including, but not limited to, Valley Communications, the Valley Narcotics Enforcement Team, the Valley Special Response Team, etc.

• Respond to public inquiries regarding municipal legal requirements, public records, and consumer complaints; provide appropriate information, assistance, or referrals.

• Periodically attend continuing legal education training to meet the Washington State Bar Association requirements and to improve professional skills.

• Work productively in a team atmosphere with other attorneys and support personnel, team goals, and objectives as determined by superiors.  Be available to assist other attorneys and support staff in order to meet deadlines.

• Actively support the vision, mission, values, and goals of the department and the City.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES:

Perform related duties as assigned.

Fill in for other attorneys in their absence as assigned. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Revised Code of Washington, the Washington Administrative Code, various federal codes, and the Kent City Code

• Legal research methodology including use of computer-based research tools

• Municipal government organizational structure, operations, policies, objectives, and jurisdiction

• Principles, practices, and procedures of civil and criminal law including court procedures and rules, as well as risk management, asset protection, and general liability

• Financial and legal requirements for developing, implementing, and administering self-insurance plans

• Insurance industry policies and procedures regarding claims and reserves, insuring agreements, underwriting and brokerage methods

• Injury and damage claim investigation and adjustment techniques for municipalities

• Principles of supervision and training

• Modern office practices, procedures, and equipment including personal computer related software

• Effective oral and written communications skills

• Correct use of English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary as it pertains to the job

• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy

• Conflict management skills

SKILLED IN:

• Legality and preparation of various documents and instruments

• Performance of legal research and investigations, including the use of computer-based legal research systems

• Organizing, analyzing, and evaluating case facts, evidence, and legal precedent

• Case preparation and litigation techniques

• Preparation and delivery of oral presentations and arguments

• Correct usage of English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary as it pertains to the job

• Using oral and written communications effectively to organize and express ideas and persuasive arguments

• Effectively using interpersonal skills in a tactful, patient, and courteous manner

• Effectively using Microsoft computer programs

ABILITY TO:

• Serve as an attorney for the City

• Work with and for a highly proficient team of attorneys and support staff

• Maintain professional composure and demonstrate tact, patience, safety, and courtesy at all times

• Formulate recommendations to Department Directors and project consequences of recommendations

• Analyze, organize, and evaluate case facts, evidence, and legal precedent

• Appear in court proceedings and in other forums on behalf of, and as the attorney for, the City

• Plan, develop, implement, maintain, evaluate, and modify a comprehensive and integrated risk management, loss control, property and general liability program

• Work effectively on several projects concurrently and accomplish tasks with numerous and frequent interruptions

• Work independently with minimal supervision and make decisions within broad guidelines

• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action

• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others

• Meet schedules and timelines

• Read, interpret, apply, and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures

• Compose, proofread, and edit general legal briefs, correspondence, routine reports, contracts, etc.

• Communicate orally and effectively present information before the court, jury, and other groups

• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide

• Apply common sense understanding to solve practical problems and deal with a legal issues

• Travel to various areas within and outside of the city, superior court, appellate courts, etc.

SKILLS FOR THE POSITION MAY BE GAINED THROUGH EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, RELEVANT JOB EXPERIENCE OR A COMBINATION, SUCH AS:

Assistant City Attorney

Education:    Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree in law; and

Experience:  Prefer five (5) or more years of civil legal experience, with at least two (2) years of municipal civil legal experience.

Senior Assistant City Attorney:

Education:    Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree in law; and

Experience:  Minimum of five (5) or more years of municipal civil legal experience.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be a member of the Washington Bar Association and in good standing throughout duration of employment

• Valid Washington State Driver's License, or the ability to obtain within thirty (30) days of employment and maintain an acceptable driving record

• Multilingual desirable

• Demonstrated experience leading a major project and/or team (as determined by the City Attorney) from commencement to successful completion of the project

• Must successfully pass the City’s pre-employment fingerprinting and background check; subject to periodic re-evaluation during course of employment.

MACHINES, TOOLS, AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Typical business office machinery and equipment including, but not limited to, computer and related software, calculator, telephone, copy machine, and fax machine.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to sit and talk or hear normally with or without mechanical assistance; occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms; occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with or without assistance.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed in an office, public forums, and courtroom environment. The incumbent may be exposed to individuals who are irate, distraught, or hostile. Incumbent may be expected to occasionally work nights and weekends. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet.