Assistant City Attorney

Closing Date: 31st May, 2024

Description:

Basic Function:
Under the direction of the City Attorney, provide legal counsel and expertise to Mayor, City Council, departments, and commissions; represent the City in legal proceedings.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide legal advice and support to the City Attorney, City officials and City departments regarding a variety of municipal issues, including: governance, code and law compliance, employment/labor relations, zoning and land use, public works, land acquisition, business licensing issues, police, public records, contracts, and other municipal law issues.
• Perform extensive and comprehensive legal research, make legal interpretations, and render legal opinions on issues involving municipal law. Draft and review contracts, interlocal agreements, real estate documents, ordinances, resolutions, and other legal documents.
• Represent the City in judicial and administrative litigation, negotiations, and other proceedings where the City is a party or witness; prepare and litigate cases and make recommendations to the City Attorney and City officials on the settlement of claims and litigation; direct and coordinate outside counsel's litigation practices and activities.
• Review requests for records under the Public Records Act and ensure that the City responds as required by law and apply exemptions where necessary.
• Prepare oral and written presentations and attend a variety of hearings, meetings, conferences and other gatherings; represent the City in various committees, organizations, and groups.
• Maintain current knowledge of municipal issues, legislation and regulations related to municipal law topics.
• Respond to public inquiries regarding municipal legal requirements, public records and consumer complaints; provide information and assistance or refer to appropriate State or Federal agencies.
• Communicate with law enforcement and regulatory agencies, court personnel and others to coordinate efforts, exchange information and assure compliance with regulations and grant requirements.
• Represent the City and present information at hearings and meetings.
• Operate business and office machines including personal computer, copiers, scanners, printers, fax machine and calculator; operate a vehicle to carry out assigned duties.
• Maintain regular, reliable and punctual attendance.

Education and Experience:
Requires Law degree with admission to the Washington State Bar Association in good standing and four (4) years municipal civil law experience.
Licenses and Other Requirements:

• Member of the Washington State Bar Association
• Valid Washington driver's license

Knowledge and Abilities:
Knowledge of:

• Federal, State and local laws and regulations affecting municipalities.
• Legal research, methodology, preparation and review of legal documents and instruments involving significant impact on City operations.
• Case preparation and litigation techniques.
• Municipal government structure, operation, and jurisdiction.
• Principles, practices, and procedures of civil and criminal law.
• Organization and analysis of case facts and legal precedents.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Legal writing and report writing techniques.
• Litigation techniques, motions practice, trial advocacy, and negotiation.
• Public speaking techniques.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• Complex legal record-keeping techniques and requirements.

Ability to:

• Perform functions and demonstrate knowledge and abilities.
• Analyze, evaluate and organize case facts, evidence, and precedents.
• Prepare and deliver effective oral presentations and arguments.
• Read, interpret, apply, and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Communicate complex legal issues orally and in writing to a variety of audiences in a clear, comprehensive, effective, and professional manner.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
• Meet schedules and timelines.
• Work independently with little direction.
• Organize documents and information, manage time and multiple priorities.
• Positively and effectively interact with diverse individuals to accomplish a common goal.
• Communicate effectively with a variety of individuals in different settings.
• Physically perform the essential functions of the job.

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