Deputy City Attorney

The Association of Technology, Management and Applied Engineering; Bellevue (WA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal government in Bellevue is seeking a Deputy City Attorney to provide legal advice to city leadership and manage legal matters. Candidates should possess a Juris Doctor degree, active membership in the Washington State Bar, and a minimum of seven years of experience in municipal law, including experience in litigation and advisory roles. This role offers competitive benefits and an opportunity to collaborate on various civic projects.

Qualifications

• Minimum of seven years' experience in municipal law, including litigation and advisory roles.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development in legal matters.
• Active participation in professional organizations related to municipal governance.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and counsel to the Mayor and City Council.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws.
• Act as the City Attorney in their absence.

Skills

Municipal law

Litigation

Advisory roles

Management experience

Public safety

Employee relations

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

Active membership in the Washington State Bar Association

Minimum of seven (7) years’ experience in municipal law

Job description

JOIN REDMOND!

The City of Redmond is a thriving, culturally diverse community, and home to over 80,000 residents. Redmond is the hub of an array of commerce and industry ranging from technology, aerospace, and gaming to biomedical and innovation start‑ups. In this role, you will represent the city, and our values of service, integrity, accountability, belonging and stewardship.

This position assists the City Attorney in providing comprehensive legal services and support to the Mayor, City Council, and various city departments. In addition, this role focuses on municipal law, land use, public safety, finance, utility, and employment law/labor relations; and acts as the interim City Attorney as needed.

This role involves managing legal matters, advising on a wide range of issues, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations in a variety of civil legal matters.

The Deputy City Attorney collaborates with the Mayor, Chief Operating Officer, department directors and staff to support citywide objectives and provides leadership within the City Attorney’s Office.

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide legal advice and counsel to the Mayor, City Council, City leadership, and staff on employee relations, labor relations, public safety, land use, interlocal agreements (ILAs), utilities, PRA, OPMA, code enforcement, real estate, and other matters as required.
• Provide legal support and advice on public safety matters, including police and fire services. Represent the City in legal proceedings involving public safety issues.
• Act as the City Attorney in their absence, ensuring continuity of legal services and representation for the city, including required City Council meetings.
• Assist City Attorney with legal interpretations, render legal opinions and oversee complex and/or high‑profile issues.
• Assist in managing and representing the City in litigation involving the City. Coordinate with outside legal counsel as necessary.
• Ensure the City’s compliance with all applicable laws, at local, state, and federal levels.
• Work collaboratively with department directors and staff to provide legal support and ensure coordinated responses to legal issues.
• At the direction of the City Attorney, represent the City in interactions with the public, media, and other governmental entities.
• Provide legal education and training to City officials and employees.
• Assist in the development and implementation of City policies and procedures.
• Provide legal input on proposed legislation and regulatory changes.
• Performs legal research, clearly and accurately communicates legal opinions, and drafts documents to assist City staff in a variety of legal practice areas.
• Draft, review, and/or negotiate a variety of legal documents and instruments, including ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases, easements, permits, licenses, plats, liens, franchises, real property acquisitions, and other legal documents, ensuring documents comply with legal requirements and providing expertise as needed to protect the best interests of the City.
• Keeps abreast of developments in the law and makes recommendations for changes in city policies, practices, and ordinances to comply with legal requirements.

Education and experience:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in the Washington State Bar Association.
• Minimum of seven (7) years’ experience in municipal law, including litigation, advisory roles, and management. Experience in employee relations, labor law, public safety, and utilities, preferred.
• Two years management experience.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying current with changes in federal, state, and municipal law.
• Active participation in professional organizations and community activities related to municipal governance and legal practice.
• Any combination of education and experience that provides the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential duties of the position.

This class description describes the general nature of the work performed, representative duties as well as the typical qualifications needed for acceptable performance. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the job.

Please review the Deputy City Attorney job description for more information about the knowledge, skills, abilities, working conditions, and physical requirements.