Assistant City Attorney/Senior Assistant City Attorney - Civil Division

City of Kent, Washington•Cocoa, FL

11d•$8,769 - $14,606•Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Kent is hiring an attorney for its Civil Division. The role provides professional legal services and advice to the Chief Administrative Officer, Mayor, City Council, City Administration, City staff, and boards, committees, and task forces. The attorney handles a broad range of municipal legal matters, including land use, environmental law, real estate, public works, employment, public safety, public finance, code enforcement, contracts, public records, and governmental relations. The position works under limited supervision and collaborates with City leadership, departments, colleagues, and support personnel. Candidates with at least five years of municipal civil legal experience may be considered for appointment as a Senior Assistant City Attorney, which involves advanced legal work and may include leading, training, and mentoring others or serving as acting Deputy City Attorney in the Deputy’s absence. The City describes a professional, collaborative environment focused on sound judgment, teamwork, and results, without billable hours. The position offers some remote work, flexible scheduling, and 9/80 schedules. It is a non-represented, overtime-exempt benefited position. The salary range is $8,769–$13,780 per month for an Assistant City Attorney and $10,288–$14,606 per month for a Senior Assistant City Attorney, depending on experience. Hiring incentives may be negotiable for well-qualified candidates. Applicants must be admitted to practice and in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association, have some prior civil legal experience, and demonstrate excellent written and oral communication and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. A Juris Doctor from an accredited law school and a valid Washington driver’s license (or ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment) are specified. A cover letter and resume are required; writing samples will be requested from candidates invited to interview. Employment is contingent on passing the City’s pre-employment fingerprinting and background check, with periodic re-evaluation during employment.

Requirements

Admitted to practice and in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association throughout employment.
Some prior civil legal experience; municipal legal experience is preferred.
Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
Assistant City Attorney: the qualifications section prefers five or more years of civil legal experience, including at least two years of municipal civil legal experience.
Senior Assistant City Attorney: at least five years of municipal civil legal experience.
Valid Washington State driver’s license, or ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment, and maintenance of an acceptable driving record.
Demonstrated experience leading a major project and/or team from commencement to successful completion, as determined by the City Attorney.
Successful completion of the City’s pre-employment fingerprinting and background check; subject to periodic re-evaluation during employment.
Ability to provide legal advice, perform research and investigations, analyze facts and precedent, prepare legal documents, and represent the City in court and other forums.
Ability to manage concurrent projects and interruptions, work independently with minimal supervision, meet deadlines, and maintain cooperative working relationships.
Ability to travel to locations within and outside the city, including courts.

Nice To Haves

Municipal legal experience; the posting states a preference for municipal legal experience.
Multilingual ability is desirable.
Candidates with five or more years of municipal civil legal experience may be considered for Senior Assistant City Attorney appointment.
Negotiable hiring incentives may be available for well-qualified candidates.

Responsibilities

Maintain current knowledge of laws, legislation, regulations, court cases, and issues affecting municipal governments.
Prepare, review, amend, and approve legal documents, including ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, easements, leases, licenses, settlement agreements, briefs, legal opinions, discovery documents, and training materials.
Provide legal advice and training to City officials, employees, departments, boards, commissions, City Council, and Council committees.
Communicate and make presentations to City Council, committees, boards, public interest groups, employees, elected officials, and departments; participate in meetings, including those held outside regular work hours.
Provide occasional litigation services, including case organization, discovery, investigation, legal analysis, strategy, research, brief preparation, arguments, and appellate work.
Conduct legal research and prepare documents demonstrating reasoned legal and policy analysis and accurate writing and formatting.
Develop policies and provide policy guidance to employees, departments, and elected officials.
Evaluate claims filed against the City and recommend defense, settlement, and legal strategies as part of the City’s Risk Management Program.
Collect and analyze risk data; review City facilities, programs, and activities for risk implications; conduct audits; review loss history; and coordinate information with claims administrators.
Evaluate insurance program options and coverage; administer and negotiate insurance renewals; develop contract-review procedures to minimize risk exposure; and advise on risk education and risk assumption.
Advise City leadership on property, casualty, liability, and workers’ compensation insurance, claims, and related compliance issues.
Coordinate City responses to grievances concerning program and facility accessibility and accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Monitor outside counsel, including reviewing filings, preparing exhibits and documents, responding to discovery, and providing litigation guidance.
Represent the City’s interests during Washington State legislative sessions; prepare documents and present to legislators and legislative committees.
Represent the City in code enforcement matters before hearing examiners and courts.
Review Public Records Act requests and ensure legally compliant responses and application of exemptions.
Negotiate on behalf of the City in legal matters.
Conduct and oversee employment and other investigations, represent the City in investigations by state and federal agencies, and prepare responses to inquiries.
Assist the Criminal Division as needed.
Provide legal representation and advice to inter-local agencies, including Valley Communications, the Valley Narcotics Enforcement Team, and the Valley Special Response Team.
Respond to public inquiries about municipal legal requirements, public records, and consumer complaints by providing information, assistance, or referrals.
Attend continuing legal education to meet Washington State Bar Association requirements and improve professional skills.
Work productively with attorneys and support personnel, assist colleagues to meet deadlines, and support departmental and City goals.
Perform related duties and fill in for other attorneys as assigned.

Benefits

Pension and deferred compensation.
Comprehensive health benefits with low employee premiums.
Paid holidays, personal days, vacation, and sick leave.
Professional development, including paid bar dues and continuing legal education.
Some remote work, flexible scheduling, and 9/80 schedules.
Additional management benefits, including opportunities for extra compensation or purchasing additional vacation.
Free parking and convenient access to train and bus service.
Negotiable hiring incentives for well-qualified candidates.

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