Associate City Attorney

The City of Lakewood is a qualified member of the PERS WA State Retirement System. Position to remain posted until filled. 

Under the direction of the City Attorney, prosecute criminal matters, code violations, impound and forfeiture cases, and contested civil infractions before Lakewood Municipal Court and Pierce County District Court; Represent the City in Municipal Court and Superior Court on appeals. This is a front line attorney position that requires independent thinking, sound reasoning, quick and accurate analysis and judgement, and direct dealing with Defense Attorneys, Law Enforcement, Victims, Witnesses, and Court Administration. Attorneys in this position will receive on the job training and are initially assigned less complex criminal legal matters and will assume responsibility for more difficult and complex assignments as experience is gained.          

May include but are not limited to the following:
 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:  May include but are not limited to the following:

Advisory:  Assist the City Attorney as directed in advising the Police Departments on new cases and procedures, communicate with law enforcement and the court system, and meet with police officers in preparation of bench and jury trials.

Meetings:  Participate in meetings and advise departments on matters related to Municipal Court prosecution such as court relations, code enforcement, and special emphasis programs, which may occasionally require attending evening meetings or city council meetings.

Attendance:  Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.  Court is both Virtual and In-Person. Telework is available when In-Person Court appearance and/or In-Person work/meetings are not required and job expectations are being met. 

Prosecution:  Represent the City of Lakewood in both criminal and civil violations of Lakewood’s Municipal Code and RCW’s adopted within; Responsible for all aspects of prosecution including investigation, arraignments, pre-trial hearings and motions, suppression hearings, bench and/or jury trials, sentencing, review hearings, and appeals; Document Preparation such as motions, briefs, memorandums, jury instructions; Fill-in, Edit and Review Court Orders, such as Plea, Sentencing, Review, and Protection/Trespass Orders; Make Charging/Filing decisions; Maintain good communication with victims, witnesses, law enforcement, defense attorneys, pro-se defendants, and court staff; Negotiate criminal cases to resolution; and Manage Criminal Appeals [based on time and experience in position].

Research:  Conduct necessary legal research to adequately represent the city in court for both criminal and civil matters; Understand and defend the constitutionality of city ordinances; Screen police reports to identify incidents wherein charges should be filed; and Possess basic knowledge of current law, legislative updates, and court opinions/decisions.

Safety:  Actively commit to workplace safety through everyday actions and leadership.
 

Other Duties:  As assigned, which may involve civil legal work, administrative hearings, and presentations to the City Council and residents.

PREFERED:

    REQUIRED:

• A law degree from an accredited university required; and
• Admission to Washington State Bar Association, at time of hire and throughout employment in this position; and 
• Valid Washington State driver's license with a driving record that meets an acceptable standard for safety, at the point of hire and throughout employment.

KNOWLEDGE OF:  

• Washington State, Pierce County, and other local laws and regulations;
• Rules of evidence and local Rules of procedure;
• Principles, practices, and procedures of criminal law;
• Sentencing Guidelines/Mandatory Minimums for Misdemeanor Charges;
• Computer-Based File Tracking System, such as Lawbase;
• Court Administration systems such as OCourts, JABS/JIS, and NCIC

ABILITY TO:       

• Effectively organize and prioritize large caseloads and meet schedules and deadlines;
• Work independently with little direction and communicate work load status;
• Efficiently and appropriately prepare, manage, and resolve cases within legal requirements and office standards;
• Understand city codes, RCW’s, legal precedents and apply facts to standards, determining best outcomes for the City in resolving cases;
• Respectfully and competently represent the City in hearings, conferences, negotiations, meetings, and other legal proceedings;
• Litigate cases in a professional manner using persuasive and affective oral and written presentations and arguments;

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Works primarily indoors in a climate-controlled office environment with low noise levels.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES      

Constant use of sight, hearing, and speech abilities necessary to perform essential functions and communicate with others. Frequent fine finger manipulation and use of hands and arms in reaching, handling, fingering, grasping while operating office equipment and computers, preparing written documentation, handling paperwork, etc. Frequent and extended sitting at times while doing desk activities.  Frequent bending, twisting at waist, knees, neck while working at desk, worktable, or moving from sitting to standing position.  Frequent standing in combination with walking (short distances) throughout work shift in office areas.  Occasional pushing/pulling force up to 10 pounds opening doors, drawers, etc.   Ability to lift/carry boxes up to 20 pounds.  Requires mental acuity to ensure thorough mental analysis of situations in a fast-paced environment.  Ability to operate a motor vehicle for transportation to off-site meetings/events. 

HAZARDS

Contact with dissatisfied or abusive or potentially dangerous individuals. Driving a vehicle during adverse weather conditions.

FLSA DESIGNATION

Exempt, not eligible for overtime.

UNION AFFILIATION

Non-represented.