The City of Burien is expanding the legal department to hire an Assistant City Attorney. The first review of resumes will be held on Monday, January 23, 2023. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early, however, the position will be open until filled. Burien is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary Range: $122,318 to $148,679 DOE. Excellent benefit package.

General Position Summary

Under the City Attorney's direction, the Assistant City Attorney (ACA) provides legal research, counsel, and expertise to staff, boards, and commissions concerning all facets of municipal law. The ACA represents Burien's interests in litigation, hearings, negotiations, and other proceedings. The ACA may draft and interpret Burien ordinances, resolutions, policies, and contracts, as well as federal and state statutes, Executive Orders, rules, and policies.

Essential Functions:

• Support and model the City of Burien and the Legal Department's identified vision, values, and behaviors.
• Perform tasks assigned by the City Attorney.
• Provide counsel, comprehensive legal services, and legal and policy advice for city departments, boards, commissions, and committees to guide Burien's decisions, activities, and protect Burien's interests and minimize risk.
• Perform legal research and provide legal opinions regarding all facets of municipal law, including but not limited to contracts, finance, zoning, land use, public works, public records, risk management, human resources, real estate and property law, and code compliance.
• Assist in preparing and reviewing ordinances, resolutions, regulations, contracts, and other legal documents ensuring compliance with municipal, state, and federal laws.
• Represent Burien in litigation (including discovery), hearings, negotiations, or any matter relating to Burien or requiring an agent of Burien.
• Practice preventative law by interpreting, projecting, and applying legal/municipal law trends.
• Participates in general policy and operations decisions as requested by the City Attorney.
• Track important legal and policy issues and makes recommendations to the City Attorney.
• Review relevant proposed and enacted legislation for its impact on Burien and provides recommendations to the City Attorney.
• Work collaboratively with other departments to refine and develop municipal code provisions.
• Prepare materials for and make presentations as requested by the City Attorney.
• As requested by the City Attorney, assist with the development and administration of the departmental budget.
• Provide legal advice to the staff.
• Review Public Records Act requests to ensure that Burien responds as required by law and identifies and utilizes appropriate exclusions and exemptions.
• Perform legal or risk management-related duties as requested.

Secondary Functions

• Coordinate contract legal services, including but not limited to prosecution and supplemental legal services.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements with outside agencies.
• Serve as a member of Burien's Leadership Team and Emergency Response Team in the City Attorney's absence.
• Assume the duties usually performed by the City Attorney.
• Serve on and participates in various employee committees.
• As requested by the City Attorney, attend Council, board and commission, and special interest meetings.
• Provide legal and policy advice and legal services to the Council and City Manager.

Supervisory Responsibility

The ACA has no direct supervisory responsibility but provides leadership and assistance to other staff.

Education and/or Experience

A law degree from an accredited law school is required. Must have at least two (2) years of experience as an attorney. Experience in municipal law with a focus on land use, governmental relations, administrative procedures, and contract law is preferred.

Special Requirements

• Be licensed to practice law in the state of Washington and be a member of good standing of the Washington State Bar Association and any other jurisdiction in which the candidate is admitted.
• Successfully complete a pre-employment background check.
• Have a valid Washington State Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record.

Additional languages.

Fluency in one or more languages other than English is preferred, but it is not required.