General Position Summary

Under the City Attorney's direction, the Deputy City Attorney provides legal research, counsel, and expertise to the City Manager, City Council, staff, boards and commissions concerning all facets of municipal law. The Deputy City Attorney represents Burien's interests in litigation, negotiations, and other proceedings. The Deputy City Attorney also drafts and interprets Burien ordinances, resolutions, policies, and contracts, as well as federal and state statutes, Executive Orders, rules, and policies.

Essential Functions:

• Supports and models the identified vision, values, and behaviors of the Legal Department and the City of Burien.
• Perform tasks assigned by the City Attorney.
• Provides counsel, comprehensive legal services, and legal and policy advice for the City Council, City Manager, and city departments, boards, commissions, and committees to guide Burien's decisions and activities to protect Burien's interests and minimize risk.
• Performs legal research and provides 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.
• Assists in the preparation and review of ordinances, resolutions, regulations, contracts, and other legal documents ensuring compliance with municipal, state, and federal laws.
• Represents Burien in trials, litigation (including discovery), hearings, negotiations, legal proceedings, or any matter relating to Burien or requiring an agent of Burien while acting in the scope of that agent's duties or position.
• Practices preventative law by interpreting, projecting, and applying legal/municipal law trends.
• Participates in general policy and operations decisions as requested by the City Attorney.
• Tracks important legal and policy issues and makes recommendations to the City Attorney.
• Reviews proposed and enacted state and federal legislation for its impact to Burien and provides recommendations to the City Attorney.
• Works collaboratively with other departments to refine and develop municipal code provisions.
• Prepares materials for and makes presentations to elected officials or staff.
• As requested by the City Attorney, assists with the development and administration of the departmental budget, including the forecast of funds for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies and monitoring of expenses as assigned.
• Provide legal advice to the Paralegal, Code Compliance, and Rental Housing Compliance Program staff as required.
• Reviews requests for records under the Public Records Act to ensure that Burien responds as required by law and identifies and utilizes appropriate exclusions and exemptions.
• Attends Council and special interest meetings as requested by the City Attorney.
• Performs related duties as requested.

Secondary Functions

• Coordinates contract legal services, including but not limited to, prosecution and supplemental legal services as requested.
• Negotiates contracts and agreements with outside agencies.
• Serves as a member of Burien's Leadership Team and Emergency Response Team in the City Attorney's absence.
• May be required to assume the duties normally performed by the City Attorney, including without limitation attendance at City Council meetings and meeting of other administrative bodies.
• Serves on and participates in various employee committees.

Supervisory Responsibility

No direct supervisory responsibility but provides leadership and assistance to other legal department staff as needed.

Education and/or Experience

A law degree from an accredited law school is required. A successful candidate must have at least 4 years' 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

A successful candidate must:

• 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.