City Attorney

City of DuPont•Wa, WA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The City of DuPont is seeking a collaborative, practical, and solutions-oriented professional to serve as the City’s sole in-house attorney and a key member of the Leadership Team. This role offers the opportunity to work across a broad range of municipal issues including land use, labor and employment, governance, contracts, and risk management, while partnering closely with elected officials and staff to support City operations and decision-making. The City values collaboration, approachable leadership, and a practical, team-oriented approach to public service. We work closely across departments, value teamwork and communication, and take a practical, problem-solving approach to getting things done. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys meaningful and varied work, is comfortable working independently, and values being part of a supportive and engaged team environment. The successful candidate will understand the unique role of a municipal attorney and demonstrate sound judgment, professionalism, and a commitment to serving the best interests of the City as a whole while working collaboratively with elected officials, leadership, and staff. The City offers a competitive benefits package and values work-life balance, including hybrid work flexibility where feasible, generous leave benefits, Washington State retirement, employer HSA contributions, and a workplace culture that recognizes the importance of sustainability, flexibility, and family.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate degree and admission to practice law in the State of Washington
Progressively responsible experience in municipal law or related areas relevant to local government including land use, labor and employment, governance, contracts, litigation, public records and regulatory compliance
Comprehensive municipal law, including torts, contracts, land use, utilities, labor and employment law, transportation, constitutional law, government/administrative law and municipal finance.
Theory, structure and practice of municipal law, particularly as it applies to the Mayor/ Council form of government.
Civil litigation, administrative proceedings, and legal risk management practices.
Budget preparation and control.
Research methods and report writing techniques.
City organization, operations, policies and objectives.
Effective public speaking techniques.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and respect.
Washington State statutes (RCW), administrative codes (WAC) and relevant case law effective municipal government operations.
Public sector labor relations and collective bargaining practices.
Communicate complex legal issues orally and in writing to a variety of audiences in a clear, comprehensive, effective and professional manner.
Exercise sound, independent legal judgement and apply legal principles to complex municipal issues and decision-making.
Build and maintain effective working relationships and navigate complex interpersonal, political, and operational dynamics with professionalism, tact, and discretion.
Analyze issues, identify risk, and develop practical, defensible, and solutions-oriented recommendations.
Manage a broad and varied workload independently while balancing competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical standards in a public sector environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience advising public agencies or elected officials is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Provide legal advice and guidance on a broad range of municipal matters, including governance, operations, policy development, land use, labor and employment, contracts, risk management and regulatory compliance.
Attend and participate in City Council meetings, executive sessions, hearings, and other public meetings; advise elected officials and staff on municipal operations, decision-making, ethics requirements, and compliance with Open Public Meetings Acts (OPMA) and other applicable laws.
Attend and participate in County, regional and State-wide legal task forces, committees, associations and organizations on a variety of issues.
Represent the City in litigation, administrative proceedings, and other legal matters.
Oversee and manage outside counsel as appropriate.
Provide legal advice to guide City policies, decisions and activities; draft, review, and interpret City ordinances, resolutions, contracts, interlocal agreements, policies, and other legal documents to protect the City's interests.
Participate in short- and long-range planning; identify legal risks and options; advise on matters impacting City operations, policy decisions, and real property transactions.
Participate as a member of the City's labor negotiations team and advise on labor and employment matters, including collective bargaining, contract interpretation, grievances, investigations, discipline, personnel matters, workplace policies, and compliance with federal and state employment laws.
Support land use and planning functions by advising on zoning, development regulations, quasi-judicial matters, due process, appearance of fairness requirements, and compliance with the Growth Management Act (GMA) and State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA); assist departments in the development, revision, interpretation, and implementation of the DuPont Municipal Code (DMC), ordinances, resolutions, and related regulatory documents.
Advise on Public Records Act (PRA) compliance, public works contracting, procurement requirements, other legal and regulatory requirements affecting City operations.
Evaluate legal risk and provide recommendations regarding litigation strategy, settlement, and the use of outside counsel; assign, direct, and coordinate outside legal services as appropriate.
Track legal and policy issues of importance to the City; monitor legal developments, legislative changes, and emerging issues affecting municipal government.
Recommend appropriate actions, policy considerations, and operational practices to support legal compliance, reduce risk, and advance City objectives.
Provide legal guidance and support during complex, high-profile, sensitive, or emergent situations involving operational, legal, or reputational risk.
Coordinate and maintain effective working relationships with courts, regulatory agencies, regional partners, and organizations.
Independently priorities workload and manage multiple competing demands while maintaining responsiveness, professionalism, and sound legal judgement.
Perform related duties as assigned.