Assistant City Attorney III

City of Spokane•City of Spokane, WA

16h•Onsite

About The Position

The City Attorney's Office advises and represents all city elected and appointed officials, departments, employees, boards, committees, and commissions on all civil legal matters pertaining to municipal law and the City of Spokane. This position plays an integral role in all municipal law involving the City. The incumbent works independently, subject to guidance by the City Attorney or Senior Attorneys, and may supervise junior attorneys and support staff in specific projects or areas of expertise. This position will remain open until filled, with applications reviewed as received.

Requirements

Make difficult and complex decisions quickly.
Express legal concepts in clear and concise language for the City Council, Mayor, City officials and staff and the general public.
Demonstrated expertise in specific areas of municipal law.
Prepare legal analyses and recommendations.
Analyze and understand complex problems; identify and implement solutions.
Present matters clearly and persuasively before public bodies, arbitrators, management, and employee groups.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Use a personal computer and software necessary to effectively perform the duties of the position.
Organize and manage own work and supervise support staff and junior attorneys.
Foster and maintain effective professional relationship with City officials and staff, colleagues, and general public.
Exercise good moral character and integrity in matters pertaining to professional responsibilities.
Perform in the Courtroom with an emphasis on the preparation and presentation in trials.
Juris doctor or equivalent degree.
Membership in Washington State Bar Association.
Five (5) years' experience in practice of law required.
Member of the Washington State Bar Association.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of municipal law and the practices and procedures of the City government is helpful.
Three (3) years' experience in municipal law recommended.

Responsibilities

Engage in a broad range of legal representation of all city departments, officials and employees.
Conduct legal research and provide oral and written opinions on major substantive, procedural, and administrative issues to City departments, boards, and commissions.
Draft ordinances, resolutions, regulations, contracts, proposals for state legislation and other legal documents.
Attend meetings of the City Council and City boards and commissions as the legal advisor to the City officials and governing body.
Analyze changes in state and federal laws and court decisions and provide legal guidance to City departments for compliance with new requirements.
Provide legal assistance and guidance to other attorneys within specific areas of expertise.
Conduct independent legal research, render oral and written opinions on major substantive, procedural, and administrative issues to major City departments, boards, and commissions.
Draft, review, and assist in the administration of City contracts and other procurement.
Prepare and conduct major litigation before federal, state, and local courts, and administrative agencies and other adjudicative bodies.
Negotiate and recommend settlement of claims filed against the City.
Analyze changes in state and federal laws and court decisions and provide legal guidance to City departments as to method of compliance with new requirements.
Provide legal assistance and guidance to other attorneys within specific area of expertise.
Participate as active member (non-legal role) in various City administrative and management projects.