Seattle, Washington
Seattle, Washington
Boston, Massachusetts
Brentwood, New York
Washington
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Posted: 05-Sep-23
Location: Seattle, Washington
Type: Full Time
Salary: $100,979.39 - $163,774.37
Required Education:
Internal Number: 2023-01587
The Seattle City Attorney’s Office seeks an attorney to join its Land Use Section. As in-house counsel to a city grappling with cutting-edge land use, street use, and landlord-tenant issues, we advise policymakers, review and draft legislation, counsel departmental staff, and defend City laws and decisions in litigation. We work with elected officials, land use planners, and those who enhance affordable housing, preserve historic resources, and manage our streets, parks, and utilities. We practice the law we most enjoy in a fast-paced setting for a dynamic, world-class city.
With more than 200 attorneys and professional staff, 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.
Job Responsibilities
- Advise City policy makers and administrators on land use, street use, and landlord-tenant issues, and review and draft legislation.
- Counsel City elected officials and staff on implementing and navigating City, state, and federal law related to land use, street use, and landlord-tenant issues.
- Defend City laws and decisions in quasi-judicial tribunals and state and federal courts.
- Engage with colleagues and clients to integrate the City’s Race and Social Justice Initiative into our relationships and work.
Minimum Qualifications
This position requires a Washington State Bar license in good standing within six months of the job offer.
Desired Qualifications
A successful applicant may demonstrate the skills needed to perform the responsibilities of this position in a variety of ways:
- A working knowledge of Washington state land use law or another state’s land use law.
- Effective written advocacy skills.
- Effective oral advocacy skills in motions or appellate practice.
- Experience advising public officials or other decision makers.
- Experience advocating before administrative tribunals.
- A working understanding of discovery practices, including obtaining and defending witness testimony.
Additional Information
Race and Social Justice Initiative – The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.
Compensation and Benefits – Salaries of Assistant City Attorneys in the Civil Division of the Seattle City Attorney’s Office are based on years of relevant legal experience. For example, the 2023 annual salary is $100,979.39 for someone with up to one year of experience, $139,694.25 for someone with ten years of experience, and $157,632.83 for someone with at least 20 years of experience. Salaries are not subject to negotiation.
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, 12 official holidays and two floating holidays, sick, and paid parental leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees. Additional benefits include executive leave, and eligibility for merit leave. City Attorney’s Office employees also have the opportunity to participate in a defined benefits retirement program. More information about benefits can be found at https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.
Workplace Environment – The Seattle City Attorney’s Office has implemented an Alternative Work Arrangements Policy. Employees will have the option to work a hybrid schedule (two days in office, three days remote). This is subject to change as circumstances and business needs dictate.
Application Process – For your application to be accepted you must:
- Complete the online City Application.
- Attach a resume detailing your relevant experience.
- Attach a cover letter describing your interest in the position and how you meet the qualifications.
- Attach a brief, or portion of a brief, for which you were the primary author.
Application Submission Guidelines – All applicants are required to apply on or before the closing date indicated on the job posting. Applicant inquiries received via email and websites such as Indeed will not be considered unless the individual has applied to the available position via the Government Jobs site.
The required documents listed in the above "Application Process" section must be attached to the application prior to the job closing date to ensure full consideration of the application. Please contact the Office of Human Resources on or before the closing date at Law_HR@Seattle.gov should you need assistance with the online application process.
Who may apply – This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy. The Seattle City Attorney’s Office encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.
Questions? Contact our Human Resources team at LAW_HR@seattle.gov.
