What are the responsibilities and job description for the City Attorney position at City of SeaTac, WA?
Basic Function
About the City of SeaTac: The City of SeaTac, located in the heart of the Puget Sound region, is a vibrant community known for its diverse culture, proximity to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, and dynamic business and residential growth. We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced City Attorney to join our leadership team and help guide our legal services and strategic direction. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the City's growth while playing a key role in shaping legal policy and municipal governance.
Position Overview: The City Attorney serves as a key member of the City administration’s Leadership Team and may be required to serve in the capacity of acting City Manager in the absence of the City Manager. This position has dual reporting to the City Council and City Manager, the City Attorney is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating all legal services for the City, including providing counsel to the City Manager, City Council, staff, and other key entities. The City Attorney will oversee litigation, contract negotiations, legal policies, and provide strategic legal guidance for the City’s operations.
This position will remain open until filled. To be considered in the City's initial review, interested applicants should submit their applications by 11:59 PM on December 15, 2024.
Representative Duties
Some Key Responsibilities Include, but are not limited to:
- Comprehensive Legal Services: Plan, direct, and coordinate all legal services for the City, including representation in civil litigation, criminal misdemeanor matters, and administrative hearings. Provide legal counsel to the City Manager, City Council, staff, committees, and commissions.
- Staff Supervision: Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate the work of legal and paralegal staff. Ensure proper work distribution and review legal documents to ensure accuracy and compliance with legal principles.
- Policy and Legal Guidance: Provide legal advice to guide City policies and decisions. Participate in the development of ordinances, resolutions, and contracts to ensure compliance with laws and City interests.
- Litigation & Representation: Represent or oversee representation of the City in court cases, including criminal prosecution of misdemeanor crimes, civil litigation, and appeals at the state and federal level.
- Labor Relations & Code Development: Assist in labor relations activities, including collective bargaining, and support the development of the Uniform Building Code and related legal frameworks.
- Real Property & Legal Research: Negotiate large real property acquisitions and provide expert legal research and analysis of relevant federal, state, and local laws.
- Collaboration & Community Involvement: Participate in county, regional, and statewide legal task forces, and advise the City on legislative developments. Communicate effectively with elected officials, City staff, boards, commissions, and the public.
- Budgeting & Coordination: Prepare and monitor departmental budgets. Coordinate legal functions with other City departments to ensure unified progress toward City goals.
Required Education and Experience
- Accredited law school Juris Doctorate (JD) Degree required.
- Admission to practice law in the State of Washington.
- Eight (8) years comprehensive municipal experience in criminal and civil matters, land use, transportation and general municipal law, including increasingly responsible legal management and administrative duties.
- A combination of training and experience that provides the candidate with the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the job. Law degree is required with no substitution.
Licenses and Other Requirements
- Valid Washington State Driver’s License required by date of appointment.
- A satisfactory three-year driving abstract record, submitted prior to hire.
- Member of the Washington State Bar Association.