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NEOGOV · 2 hours ago

Assistant City Attorney/Senior Assistant City Attorney - Civil Division

Kent, WA

Full-time

Hybrid

Mid, Senior Level

$8,538/mo - $14,222/mo

5+ years exp

NEOGOV is seeking an experienced attorney to join the Civil Division of the Kent City Attorney’s Office. The role involves providing a variety of professional legal services to city officials and departments, addressing complex municipal legal subjects, and leading initiatives to support the Kent community.

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Responsibilities

Maintain current knowledge of laws, legislation, regulations, court cases, and issues affecting municipal governments in areas relating, but not limited to, land use; building codes, environmental law; real estate transactions; public/private partnerships; public works; utility services; solid and hazardous waste; construction matters; labor, employment, and civil service; public safety; public finance; code enforcement; ordinance and resolution preparation; municipal liability; public records disclosure; campaign issues; parliamentary procedure; interlocal agreements; contract negotiation; court procedures; and governmental relations

Prepare, review, amend, and approve a variety of legal documents including, but not limited to, ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, easements, leases, licenses, settlement agreements, briefs, letters, legal opinions, discovery related documents, training materials, and other legal documents and instruments

Provide legal advice and training to City officials, employees, departments, boards, commissions, the City Council, and Council committees

Interact and effectively and confidently communicate and make presentations to the City Council, City committees and boards, public interest groups, employees, elected officials, and departments. Attend and effectively and confidently participate in committee meetings and council and board meetings regularly, both during and after regular work hours. Be available and able to assist employees and elected officials with little advanced notice

On rare occasion, provide litigation services for the City; organize case information; perform discovery and investigation; analyze evidence and the law; develop litigation strategies; perform research; prepare briefs; effectively present the City’s case and oral arguments in a wide variety of judicial and non-judicial forums; and perform appellate work. Most tort litigation is performed by outside counsel, but incumbent may be assigned on occasion to defend or prosecute smaller claims not covered by the City’s insurance

Provide legal research and prepare a wide variety of legal documents. Research and writing should demonstrate thoughtful, reasoned analysis based on law and public policy, as well as correct legal formatting and proper use of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation

Develop policies and provide policy guidance to employees, City departments, elected officials, etc

With respect to the City’s Risk Management Program, evaluate claims filed against the City; make appropriate recommendations regarding defense, settlement, and legal strategies. The incumbent must be able to recognize civil or criminal situations that may create potential liability for the City and may perform some or all of the following duties:

Collect, analyze, and evaluate risk data as necessary and recommend appropriate countermeasures; review current and proposed facilities, programs, and other activities by the City for risk management implications; perform internal audits to reduce property damage and general liability claims; review and analyze loss history runs from third party administrators and other insurance coverage loss exhibits; review, coordinate, research, and provide information and material to assist third party claims administrators as needed

Evaluate costs and benefits of alternate insurance programs, including self-insurance; administer and negotiate insurance renewal contracts for general liability, excess worker's compensation, cyber risk, property, contents, auto physical damage, and fidelity bonds; evaluate retention levels and coverages for self-insurance general liability, unemployment, property, and worker's compensation; develop and coordinate systems and procedures for the review of all contracts to minimize risk exposure; review all reports and recommendations from third party administrators for appropriate changes in procedures, operations, or coverages; and monitor costs, benefits, and risk education or assumption to the City

Serve as a technical advisor to City leadership on matters of policy and practice relating to property, casualty, liability, and worker's compensation insurance coverage, coordination and payment of claims, and impacts of compliance with regulations or insurance issues as necessary

Serve as the City’s official coordinator for responding to grievances related to program and facility accessibility issues and accommodations required by the American with Disabilities Act of 1990

Monitor cases handled by outside counsel. This includes, but is not limited to, reviewing and editing written materials and court filings; preparing exhibits and other documents; responding to discovery demands; and providing guidance and direction regarding the manner in which litigation should proceed

Represent the City’s interests during the Washington State legislative session; prepare documents; and make presentations to legislators and legislative committees

Represent the City in code enforcement matters before the hearing examiner and in various courts

Review requests for documents under the Public Records Act, ensuring that the City responds as required by law and appropriately applies exemptions

Act as an effective negotiator on behalf of the City in various legal matters

Conduct and oversee investigations of employment and other matters; represent the City when investigated by various state and federal agencies; and prepare appropriate responses to inquiries

Provide assistance to the Criminal Division as necessary

Provide legal representation and advice to various inter-local agencies including, but not limited to, Valley Communications, the Valley Narcotics Enforcement Team, the Valley Special Response Team, etc

Respond to public inquiries regarding municipal legal requirements, public records, and consumer complaints; provide appropriate information, assistance, or referrals

Periodically attend continuing legal education training to meet the Washington State Bar Association requirements and to improve professional skills

Work productively in a team atmosphere with other attorneys and support personnel, team goals, and objectives as determined by superiors. Be available to assist other attorneys and support staff in order to meet deadlines

Actively support the vision, mission, values, and goals of the department and the City

Qualification

Juris Doctor degreeWashington State Bar membershipMunicipal civil legal experienceLegal research skillsOral communication skillsWritten communication skillsMultilingualTeam collaborationConflict managementInterpersonal skillsNegotiation skillsLeadership skills

Required

Applicants must be admitted to practice and in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association

Some prior civil legal experience is required, with a preference for municipal legal experience

Candidates must have excellent written and oral communication skills

Candidates must be able to work as part of a cohesive and collaborative team in a fast-paced environment

Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree in law

Must be a member of the Washington Bar Association and in good standing throughout duration of employment

Valid Washington State Driver's License, or the ability to obtain within thirty (30) days of employment and maintain an acceptable driving record

Must successfully pass the City's pre-employment fingerprinting and background check; subject to periodic re-evaluation during course of employment

Preferred

Municipal civil legal experience of five (5) years or more will be considered for hiring as a Senior Assistant City Attorney

Multilingual desirable

Demonstrated experience leading a major project and/or team (as determined by the City Attorney) from commencement to successful completion of the project