Assistant City Attorney

Under the direction of the City Attorney, the Assistant City Attorney provides legal counsel and advice to the City Manager, City Council, City boards and commissions, and various City departments in a variety of civil law matters. The Assistant City Attorney also represents the City in administrative and civil litigation, negotiations, and other proceedings as requested.

Distinguishing Characteristics: The Assistant City Attorney position is the first level attorney classification in the City Attorney's Office. While the Assistant City Attorney performs work in a similar capacity and responsibility as the Senior level, individuals serving in this first level position may require more supervision, assistance, and/or exposure in specific areas of law. This position is responsible for assisting the City Attorney's Office in the performance of the legal work of the City. Incumbents are responsible for providing professional legal work involving a variety of municipal legal subjects and multiple practice areas. With sufficient experience, this position may be assigned to serve as the primary trusted legal advisor for multiple City departments or divisions without immediate supervisory review.

Essential Functions: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Under the direction of the City Attorney, and with limited supervision, provides counsel and advice and a variety of legal services to the City Council, City Manager, City boards and commissions, and various departments and divisions within the City.
• Represents the City in administrative and civil actions as assigned by the City Attorney.
• Coordinates with and between outside counsel and City officials, employees, and agents where applicable.
• Performs legal research, clearly and accurately communicates legal opinions, and drafts documents to assist assigned clients in a variety of legal practice areas.
• Prepares, reviews, and/or negotiates a variety of legal documents and instruments, including ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases, easements, permits, licenses, plats, liens, franchises, real property acquisitions and dispositions, and other legal documents, ensuring documents comply with legal requirements and providing expertise as needed to protect the best interests of the City.
• Assists the City Attorney in assignment and oversight of work to outside counsel.
• Assists the City Attorney in providing training, support, supervision, and evaluation of attorneys and support staff in the City Attorney's Office.
• Makes recommendations to the City Attorney regarding legal needs of the City.
• Maintains current knowledge of issues, legislation, regulations, and cases on municipal law subjects or subjects related to the City's interests.
• Exercises sound and ethical judgment in the decision-making processes required of this position.
• Maintains accurate and complete files and records as directed by the City, including those related to litigation, legal opinions, information about City legal matters, and professional information.
• Becomes familiar with, follows, and actively supports the vision, mission, values, and policies of the City Attorney's Office and the City.

• Serves as Acting City Attorney in the absence of the City Attorney and Senior Assistant City Attorney, or performs duties of the City Attorney as assigned.
• Prepares oral and written presentations and attends meetings, hearings, and study sessions of the City Council, City Boards and Commissions, and/or intergovernmental entities.
• Attends community events where the City Attorney's Office is expected to be represented.
• Handles contested matters and oversees outside legal counsel on litigation matters.
• Helps mentor and support the career development goals of employees in the City Attorney's Office, such as the Paralegal(s), and Legal Assistant(s).
• Represents the City and the City Attorney's Office on internal and external committees and work groups.
• May be assigned to support critical City priorities during disasters or other emergencies, and performs functions as assigned in the City's emergency response plan in the event of an emergency.
• Performs other duties as required or as assigned.

Why Kirkland?

Ranked as one of the most livable cities in America, Kirkland is an attractive and inviting place to live, work, and visit. We have big city vision while maintaining a small-town, community feel. If you are a candidate with the desire to join an organization looking to innovate into the future, the City of Kirkland is the place for you!

If you ask our employees why they love where they work, they will tell you about the great people, work environment, supportive leadership and City Council, and fearless innovation.

We also invest in you!

Competitive Wages: We strive to maintain competitive compensation packages and work to provide wages that meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities of our employees.

Awesome benefits: The City offers benefits that are unmatched by most other employers. Please click on the benefits tab above to view more details.

Childcare Programs: To help address the challenge of finding reliable childcare, the City of Kirkland has reserved spots for City employees at local and regional providers, available at a discount. New employees gain access to Kirkland's reserved spots as soon as they start employment. Learn more!

Training and Career Development: The City of Kirkland believes in developing it's employees. You will have access to training opportunities designed for career development and advancement based on your position, skills, and interests.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex legal issues orally and in writing to a variety of audiences in a clear, comprehensive, effective, and professional manner.
• Attention to detail and ability to analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
• In-depth knowledge of municipal law and other legal requirements that apply to governments.
• Experience advising governmental departments.
• Ability to research, analyze, and explain complex legal issues.
• Ability to negotiate on behalf of the City, bothinpre-litigation disputes and during litigation.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, City elected officials and leadership, other City staff, and the public and other third parties.
• Interpersonal skills that build trust using tact, patience, honesty, and courtesy.
• Conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable in public settings, such as City Council and other public meetings.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and timely complete work in an action-oriented environment.
• Quality, productivity, and timeliness of work and advice that meet or exceed expectations of the City Attorney, City Manager, City Council, and City boards, commissions, and departments.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
• Excellent legal research and analytical skills and computer proficiency, including using Westlaw and word processing software.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Graduate from an ABA accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree.
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years of active full-time experience as an attorney practicing in the areas of public sector law (e.g., public works, open public meetings and public records, land use, real property, public finance, public contracts and procurement, employment and labor law, public safety (police and fire), utilities). Municipal law experience strongly preferred.
• Or: In place of the above requirements, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual's knowledge, skill, and ability to proficiently perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.

• Currently licensed to practice law and a member in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association.
• Must have a valid Washington State Driver's license by the date of employment and must have the ability to remain insurable under the City's insurance to operate motor vehicles.

Physical Demands and Working Environment:
Work is performed in a typical office environment but with increasing options and opportunities for remote interactions. Requires occasional work off-site or outside of regular office hours. Some off-site travel (e.g. to community meetings) periodically required. Must be able to sit at a desk for significant periods of time while performing keyboard operations and supporting other computer and communication tools. Work involves walking, talking, and hearing.

Position requires a resume and cover letter for consideration of application. Please note how you meet minimum qualifications within the cover letter. Applicants who are selected for next steps in the hiring process will be invited by phone or e-mail. Candidates are encouraged to apply at the earliest possible date as screening, interviewing, and hiring decisions will be made through the recruitment period, until such time as the vacancy is filled. First review of applicants will be made by 15th day from original post date.

The City of Kirkland is a welcoming community where every person can thrive and grow. We value diversity, inclusion, belonging, and work together to support our community. We do this by solving problems, focusing on the customer, and respecting all people who come into the City whether to visit, live, or work. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to creating a workforce that does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. We encourage qualified applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply to our job postings. Persons with a disability who need reasonable accommodations in the application or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 425-587-3210 or Telecommunications Device for the Deaf at 711.