Assistant City Attorney

Salary : $128,143.00 - $167,197.53 Annually

Location : Kirkland, WA

Job Type : Full-Time

Job Number : 202100570

Location : City Attorney's Office

Opening Date : 02 / 18 / 2025

Closing Date : Continuous

FLSA : Exempt

Bargaining Unit : MAC

Job Summary

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.

Peripheral Duties :

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.

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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications :

Licenses and Other Requirements :

Other

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.

This position includes a health insurance benefit package with 100% City-paid premiums for 1.0 FTE (medical / dental / vision for employee and dependents). Premium is prorated for less than 1.0 FTE positions with cost shared between City and the employee.

Participation in the Public Employees Retirement System is mandatary for all eligible positions.

Other employment benefits include :

For further review of City Benefits please visit

Salary : $128,143 - $167,198