Assistant City Attorney/Senior Assistant City Attorney - Civil Division

City of Kent, Washington•Cocoa, FL

2d•$8,769 - $14,606•Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Kent is seeking an experienced attorney to join the Civil Division of the Kent City Attorney’s Office. This role offers the opportunity to make a direct impact on the quality of life for Kent residents, business owners, and visitors. The position provides excellent work/life balance with no need to closely track or bill hours, competitive pay, a sound retirement system (pension plan), and excellent medical benefits. Attorneys with Kent engage in social concerns, contribute to the betterment of the community, perform impactful work affecting the environment, resident safety, and economic vitality, and collaborate with an experienced team to find creative solutions to significant challenges while maintaining efficiency and accountability in government. Additional perks include an easier commute, free parking, potential for partial remote work, and an office location close to public transportation. Incumbents assist the City Attorney’s Office by providing professional legal services to various city officials and departments. Senior Assistant City Attorneys handle advanced legal work, mentor others, and perform complex legal services requiring specialized knowledge and municipal government experience. The work involves advising City staff on a wide range of complex municipal legal subjects, including land use, building codes, environmental law, real estate, public works, labor and employment, public safety, public finance, code enforcement, ordinance preparation, municipal liability, public records, and contract negotiation. Senior Assistant City Attorneys are expected to demonstrate exceptional work ethic, initiative, advanced technical knowledge, leadership, and analytical skills, and the ability to train and mentor others. They may also serve as acting Deputy City Attorney in the Deputy’s absence. The work is performed under limited supervision, with incumbents responsible for planning and executing assignments, resolving conflicts, and coordinating work with others.

Requirements

Must be admitted to practice and in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association.
Some prior civil legal experience is required.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Must be able to work as part of a cohesive and collaborative team in a fast-paced environment.
Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree in law.
Prefer five (5) or more years of civil legal experience, with at least two (2) years of municipal civil legal experience (for Assistant City Attorney).
Minimum of five (5) or more years of municipal civil legal experience (for Senior Assistant City Attorney).
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.
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.
Knowledge of Revised Code of Washington, the Washington Administrative Code, various federal codes, and the Kent City Code.
Knowledge of legal research methodology including use of computer-based research tools.
Knowledge of municipal government organizational structure, operations, policies, objectives, and jurisdiction.
Knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of civil and criminal law including court procedures and rules, as well as risk management, asset protection, and general liability.
Knowledge of financial and legal requirements for developing, implementing, and administering self-insurance plans.
Knowledge of insurance industry policies and procedures regarding claims and reserves, insuring agreements, underwriting and brokerage methods.
Knowledge of injury and damage claim investigation and adjustment techniques for municipalities.
Knowledge of principles of supervision and training.
Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, and equipment including personal computer related software.
Knowledge of effective oral and written communications skills.
Knowledge of correct use of English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary as it pertains to the job.
Knowledge of interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
Knowledge of conflict management skills.
Skilled in legality and preparation of various documents and instruments.
Skilled in performance of legal research and investigations, including the use of computer-based legal research systems.
Skilled in organizing, analyzing, and evaluating case facts, evidence, and legal precedent.
Skilled in case preparation and litigation techniques.
Skilled in preparation and delivery of oral presentations and arguments.
Skilled in correct usage of English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary as it pertains to the job.
Skilled in using oral and written communications effectively to organize and express ideas and persuasive arguments.
Skilled in effectively using interpersonal skills in a tactful, patient, and courteous manner.
Skilled in effectively using Microsoft computer programs.
Ability to serve as an attorney for the City.
Ability to work with and for a highly proficient team of attorneys and support staff.
Ability to maintain professional composure and demonstrate tact, patience, safety, and courtesy at all times.
Ability to formulate recommendations to Department Directors and project consequences of recommendations.
Ability to analyze, organize, and evaluate case facts, evidence, and legal precedent.
Ability to appear in court proceedings and in other forums on behalf of, and as the attorney for, the City.
Ability to plan, develop, implement, maintain, evaluate, and modify a comprehensive and integrated risk management, loss control, property and general liability program.
Ability to work effectively on several projects concurrently and accomplish tasks with numerous and frequent interruptions.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and make decisions within broad guidelines.
Ability to analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Ability to meet schedules and timelines.
Ability to read, interpret, apply, and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Ability to compose, proofread, and edit general legal briefs, correspondence, routine reports, contracts, etc.
Ability to communicate orally and present information before the court, jury, and other groups.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide.
Ability to apply common sense understanding to solve practical problems and deal with legal issues.
Ability to travel to various areas within and outside of the city, superior court, appellate courts, etc.

Nice To Haves

Preference for municipal legal experience.
Multilingual desirable.

Responsibilities

Maintain current knowledge of laws, legislation, regulations, court cases, and issues affecting municipal governments in areas relating 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.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Fill in for other attorneys in their absence as assigned.