Assistant City Attorney at City of Bellevue – Bellevue, Washington

Are you a dynamic, forward-thinking attorney with substantial experience representing government looking for a cooperative and vibrant environment to further your professional development? Are you excited about the opportunity to work for a thriving, diverse city with unique challenges? Are you a dynamic problem solver who is not afraid to challenge the status quo? If so, we invite you to explore the City of Bellevue and its City Attorney’s Office.

Bellevue is routinely ranked among the best mid-sized cities in the country. The Bellevue City Attorney’s Office is a 30-member department that provides civil advice, litigation, and criminal prosecution. We are looking for an exceptional candidate to fill a senior attorney positionand join our fast-paced, collegial and supportive work environment.

This Senior Attorney will be in the Civil Division and responsible for providing professional legal services, advice and representation to the city government. The ideal candidate will be comfortable advising City Departments on day-to-day legal issues, assessing risks, and providing briefings to the City Council and City Leadership.

Primary Duties:

• Provide advice, counseling, risk assessment, and support to various City Departments and divisions both orally and in writing, on various facets of municipal law which may include contracting/procurement, Information Technology (IT)/Software as a Service (SaaS) contracts, real property/real estate transactions, public/private partnerships, and financing structures/tools.
• Respond to inquiries from the City Council and City Leadership and Staff, as requested.
• Research, draft, and review legal documents, including legal opinions, contracts, and agreements with other governmental agencies and third parties.
• Assist City departments in drafting resolutions and ordinances for adoption by the City Council.
• Respond to and analyze state and federal legislation and advise City departments of legal requirements and impacts.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervision Received and Exercised:

• The Senior Attorney duties and responsibilities are performed under the moderate to general supervision of a supervising attorney in the City Attorney’s Office.

Knowledge, Abilities and Experience:

• In-depth knowledge of municipal law and other legal requirements that apply to governments.
• Knowledge and experience advising clients on property law, constitutional law, risk and liability, public works/public bidding, affordable housing, real property, municipal financing, and/or procurement and contracting (IT/SaaS contract experience a plus).
• Excellent legal research and analytical skills, including using Westlaw.
• Ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly, logically and persuasively and adapt communication style to diverse audiences.
• Ability to make clear and convincing presentations, orally and in writing; effective listening skills.
• Ability to exercise sound, independent judgment within general guidelines.
• Ability to obtain results by carrying out assigned projects to their completion. Good organization, prioritization and collaboration skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with co-workers, city elected officials and leadership, other city staff, and the public.
• Ability to assess and recognize own strengths and weaknesses to pursue self-development; willingness to take direction from senior staff.
• Commitment to serving the public.

Flexible/Hybrid Working:

The City is implementing a flexible/hybrid work policy that will allow staff to work remotely. Remote work for this position is subject to department's operational needs and will be discussed with candidates during the selection process. Once hired, employees must reside in the State of Washington.