Assistant attorney - compliance

Job Type: Civil Service Exempt, Regular, Full-time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Department: Law Department
Language Premium: With more than 200 attorneys and professional staff employees, the Seattle City Attorney's Office is one of the largest law offices in Seattle and is the third largest public law office in the state. Our office is committed to making Seattle a safe, healthy, empowered, and thriving community for everyone. We strive to address historical injustices within the court system with self-examination and to pursue justice in Seattle with integrity, creativity, and fairness. We believe working transparently, innovatively, and in collaboration with our partners in the community is necessary to achieve outcomes that promote equity, accountability, and healing.

The Torts Section is seeking candidates for an Assistant City Attorney to represent the City. This litigation position provides legal representation and advice to the City in personal injury, property damage, and other matters. This attorney will be an integral member of the Civil Division, working collaboratively to provide the City of Seattle and its residents with excellent quality and cost-effective legal services.

Section litigation ranges from straightforward arbitrations to complex multi-party lawsuits and appellate matters. Recent legal work in this section includes litigation and advice regarding road design, protests, roadway defects, automobile accidents, bicycle accidents, falls, sewage backups, fallen power lines, stormwater drainage, timber trespass, construction, and ADA compliance. The person hired will be responsible for all aspects of litigation, including pre-filing advice, discovery, depositions, motions practice, trial, appeals, and settlement discussions. Attorneys in Torts typically manage a varied caseload and work independently and collaboratively with other section attorneys and staff as needed. While most of the section's litigation work involves defending the City, section attorneys may also represent the City in plaintiffs' litigation on select property damage cases.

Torts Section attorneys regularly advise City departments and employees regarding risk management and avoidance as they develop programs, projects, and policies. This attorney will also consult with the City's Risk Management division regarding pre-litigation claims filed against the City pursuant to RCW 4.92.100.

The Torts Section is excited to add a colleague to a team of nine other attorneys, two paralegals, and two legal assistants. In addition to providing an excellent opportunity for public service, the City Attorney's Office offers a generous benefits program that includes low-cost health insurance, life insurance, paid leave, paid parental and family leave, and the opportunity to participate in a defined-benefit retirement program.
The attorney hired for this position will have the opportunity to thoroughly research legal issues and to collaborate regularly with dedicated colleagues and clients. The successful candidate should also expect to take a lead role on cases shortly after joining the office.

Defending the City in civil litigation, including trials
Advising City departments regarding risk-related issues
Investigating claims and analyzing liability
Legal research regarding a wide variety of topics, including torts, municipal law, premises liability, civil rights, and other matters
Case valuation, including review of medical records
Developing expertise in new and developing areas of the law
Participation in the City's Race and Social Justice Initiative to end institutionalized racism and race-based disparities in City government
To be successful in this role, the selected candidate will need the knowledge and skills gained by experience working as an attorney, including:
Excellent research, writing, and communication skills
Litigation experience with the demonstrated ability to take on a lead role on cases shortly after joining the office
Experience with personal injury litigation, property damage litigation, the Washington Civil Rules, or electronic discovery
The willingness to work collaboratively with a team to find creative solutions
Application Process - For your application to be accepted, you must:

• Complete the online City of Seattle Application
• Provide a legal writing sample that is less than 10 pages. Application Submission Guidelines - All applicants must submit their applications by the closing date indicated in the job posting. Applicant inquiries received via email or on websites such as Indeed will not be considered unless the individual has applied for the position through the Government Jobs site. Note: The required documents listed in the "Application Process" section above must be attached to the application prior to the indicated job closing date to ensure consideration of the application. Please contact the Office of Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io on or before the closing date indicated above should you need assistance with the online application process.

Race and Social Justice Initiative - The City of Seattle recognizes that every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Compensation - Salaries of Assistant City Attorneys in the Civil Division of the Seattle City Attorney's Office are based on years of relevant legal experience. The full salary range for this position is $57.62 - $92.72 per hour. Benefits - The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package, including vacation, 12 official holidays, 2 floating holidays, sick leave, and paid parental leave, as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees. City Attorney's Office employees also have the opportunity to participate in a defined benefits retirement program. Workplace Environment - Currently, the Seattle City Attorney's Office has a Flexible Work Arrangements Policy. Employees have the option to work a hybrid schedule (3 days in the office, 2 days remote). Office Location: Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, family or marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, pregnancy, or other protected characteristics. The Seattle City Attorney's Office encourages people of all backgrounds to apply.
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.
More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:
Did you include all required documents with your application? (Cover Letter, Resume, and Legal Writing Sample)
The City and the Seattle City Attorney's Office have a commitment to ending institutional racism. Describe a time you took action to further equity.