Assistant City Attorney (Civil)

Join the City of SeaTac Legal Department and contribute to an organization grounded in the City’s core values of Accountability, Collaboration, Trustworthiness, Social Responsibility, and Emotional Intelligence . As an Assistant City Attorney, you will embody these values by providing clear, responsible, and community-minded legal guidance that helps the City operate transparently, ethically, and effectively. In this generalist civil role, you will deliver comprehensive legal counsel to the City Council, City Manager, and City departments and commissions across a wide range of municipal issues. You will support a culture of accountability through sound legal analysis, foster collaboration by partnering with departments on complex matters, and promote trustworthiness through consistent, high-quality legal work that protects the City and the public it serves. While the position spans the full spectrum of municipal law, candidates with experience in employment law and land‑use law will be strongly prioritized due to current operational needs. Background or familiarity with real estate, construction, aviation, or similar areas is desirable and would support success in this generalist role. Under the direction of the City Attorney, you will also represent the City in litigation, administrative hearings, negotiations, and other proceedings. In doing so, you help uphold the City’s commitment to social responsibility and emotionally intelligent leadership—approaching legal challenges with fairness, professionalism, and respect for the communities and people affected. Provide extensive counsel and comprehensive legal services to the City Council, City Manager and City departments, committees and commissions; participate in decisions related to general City policies and operations; provide legal advice in both oral and written form to guide City decisions and activities; provide advice, counsel and representation to protect the City’s interests and minimize risk. Perform legal research and provide written and oral opinions regarding all facets of municipal law, including, but not limited to, contracting, finance, zoning and land use, permitting, public works, public records, risk management, human resources, real estate, interlocal agreements, code and law compliance; research and draft memos of legal opinion as requested; draft ordinances, resolutions and agenda bills for action by the City Council. Draft and review letters, contracts, policies, interlocal agreements, deeds, leases, permits, franchises and other legal documents involving City operations; assure documents reflect the City’s intent and interests, limit the City’s liability, and comply with applicable laws, policies and programs. Under the City Attorney’s direction, review the City’s operations for the purpose of drafting policies and procedures to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Attend council sessions in the absence of the City Attorney; participate in meetings and conferences with other cities, boards, commissions, committees, administrative officers and personnel to give legal advice as required. Research and draft memos of legal opinion as requested; draft ordinances, resolutions and agenda bills for action by the City Council. Consult and provide advice to City’s staff regarding legal questions arising in the context of their day-to-day activities as well as those relating to specific projects. Represent the City in legal actions and proceedings at various court levels and tribunals in civil and criminal litigation and in administrative hearings; prepare and attend in court proceedings; assist City Attorney in negotiating settlement of claims or lawsuits. Work with Code Compliance Department, Police Department, other agencies, and the public to resolve all violations through informal negotiations, civil penalties, and formal and informal abatement processes. Consult with other agencies and field experts in resolving violations of serious environmental impact. Respond to public inquiries regarding municipal legal requirements, public records, and consumer complaints. Advise risk management in evaluating claims filed against the City; make appropriate recommendations regarding defense, settlement and legal strategies. Support the performance of assigned personnel; evaluate expertise levels of staff and coordinate training opportunities as needed. Maintain current knowledge of issues, legislation, and regulations related to municipal law; advise appropriate City Staff of law changes that impact City operations and decisions. Assist with monitoring 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; providing guidance and direction regarding the manner in which litigation should proceed. Serve as designated essential personnel during any emergency management response scenario. Perform related duties as assigned. Accredited law school Juris Doctorate (JD) Degree required. Admission to practice law in the State of Washington. A minimum of five (5) years civil legal experience. Preferred Qualifications: Employment law (investigations, workplace policies, HR advising, labor‑related issues) Land‑use and development law (zoning, environmental review, permitting, SEPA/NEPA experience) Municipal or public‑sector legal experience Experience drafting complex legal documents, ordinances, and interlocal agreements Background or familiarity with real estate, construction, aviation, or similar subject matter areas Knowledge of: Federal, State and local laws and regulations affecting municipalities. City and State laws related to the prosecution of court cases. Legal research, methodology, preparation and review of legal documents and instruments involving significant impact on City operations. Rules of evidence. Municipal government structure, operation and jurisdiction. Principles, practices and procedures of civil and criminal law. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy. Complex legal record-keeping techniques and requirements. Principles and practices of supervision and training. Risk management principles, including indemnification and insurance. Skill in: Case preparation and litigation techniques. Organization and analysis of case facts and legal precedents. Research methods and report writing techniques. Public speaking techniques. Ability to: Provide legal counsel and expertise to City Manager, City Council, departments and commissions. Prepare, review and render legal opinions concerning municipal law, contracts, codes, ordinances, resolutions, local agreements, deeds, leases, permits and other legal documents and instruments. Represent the City in a variety of hearings, conferences, litigation, negotiations and other legal proceedings. Perform comprehensive legal research on matters involving significant impact on City operations. Provide legal advice, interpretation and expertise concerning land use, condemnation and environmental issues. Establish and maintain collaborative and effective working relationships with elected officials, City staff, committees and commissions and the general public. Train, supervise and evaluate personnel. 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 time lines. Work independently with little direction. A satisfactory three-year driving abstract record, submitted prior to hire. Member of the Washington State Bar Association. #J-18808-Ljbffr