Deputy City Attorney - Litigator

City of Tacoma•Tacoma, WA

About The Position

The Tacoma City Attorney’s Office is seeking an experienced attorney interested in public sector law to join its tort litigation team. This appointive position reports to the City Attorney and defends civil actions against the City of Tacoma, its departments, and employees. The attorney joins a team of four attorneys, two paralegals, and a legal assistant handling claims ranging from routine matters to highly scrutinized cases involving severe injuries, death, or matters of public importance. The litigation includes tort claims, Public Records Act claims, employment disputes, civil rights claims, and other claims against the City and its officials. The role focuses primarily on litigation, with possible advisory and transactional work where litigation is anticipated. It requires independently managing a busy, deadline-driven practice, assessing liability and risk, developing litigation strategies, and meeting professional and ethical standards in a fast-changing legal landscape. The successful candidate will build organizational relationships, stay current on state and federal law, communicate effectively with people of diverse backgrounds, and quickly develop strategies across varied legal areas. The position offers an hourly rate of $67.84–$95.51, equivalent to an annual salary of $141,107.20–$198,660.80.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate.
At least 4 years of professional-level legal counsel experience in civil, criminal, or administrative matters.
Admission to the Washington State Bar Association and a license to practice law in Washington.
Demonstrated ability to independently manage litigation in state and federal court.
Demonstrated proficiency in legal research, writing, and communication.
Ability to effectively represent elected and high-profile clients in prominent matters.
Ability to complete complex assignments independently and manage a wide variety of tasks simultaneously.
Comfort with novel legal issues and emerging areas of law.
Ability to demonstrate commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity in alignment with the City of Tacoma’s Anti-Racist Society and Equity and Empowerment Initiatives.

Nice To Haves

Four years of litigation experience.
Experience as in-house counsel, such as an Assistant Attorney General or municipal attorney, or experience in insurance defense or another government-related legal practice.

Responsibilities

Defend civil actions against the City of Tacoma, its departments, and employees.
Assist with pre-litigation claims and evaluate assigned cases, potential liability, and risk.
Develop appropriate case strategies and prepare cases for trial.
Handle all aspects of affirmative and defensive civil litigation, including motions practice, discovery, trial, and appellate work.
Appear in court and prepare and timely file briefs and pleadings in trial and appellate courts.
Build relationships with City departments and divisions and communicate with elected and appointed officials.
Manage outside counsel and negotiate settlement agreements.
Perform advisory and transactional work on matters where litigation is anticipated.
Manage a busy, deadline-driven caseload and complete complex assignments independently while handling multiple tasks.
Collaborate with the litigation team to develop solutions to case- and client-related concerns.
Remain informed about developments in state and federal law.