Deputy City Attorney

Position Details

This position will be open until filled, and applications will be reviewed as they are received.

The City of Auburn is seeking an experienced and dedicated individual to serve as Deputy City Attorney. Reporting directly to the City Attorney, this position plays a crucial role in providing legal counsel and representation to the City, assisting in managing legal operations, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Primary Duties

In this position, you will:

• Collaborate with the City Attorney in providing legal advice and representation to the Mayor, City Council, City administration, and various municipal boards and commissions.

• Assist in managing the day-to-day operations of the City Attorney's Office, including supervising staff, overseeing legal proceedings, and developing departmental policies and procedures.

• Provide counsel and guidance on a wide range of legal issues, including civil and criminal matters, contracts, land use, employment, and public records.

• Conduct legal research, draft legal documents, and represent the City in court proceedings, administrative hearings, and negotiations.

• Collaborate with external legal counsel as necessary and maintain professional relationships with relevant stakeholders.

• Ensure compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, and ethical standards.

This list is not meant to be all-inclusive. To view the full job description, please click here.

Working conditions:

This position primarily involves indoor work in a professional office setting. Occasional travel and attendance at evening meetings may be required.

Minimum Qualifications

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you need:

• To have graduated from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association;

• A license to practice law in the State of Washington;

• A minimum of four (4) years of legal experience, with significant experience in municipal law preferred;

• Demonstrated leadership and management skills, including at least two (2) years of experience supervising other attorneys and legal staff;

• Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills; and

• The ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple priorities simultaneously.

In addition, you must possess and retain a valid state driver's license without impending risk of loss at the time of your appointment.

This position also requires fingerprinting be completed prior to a final appointment due to the nature of the position.

Additional Information

Why choose Auburn?

The City offers a competitive benefit package exceeding $50,000 annually, including health, vision, and dental insurance with employee premiums paid by the City. The City contributes to the State of Washington Retirement Systems pension plan, makes employer contributions to employees' VEBA account (tax-free health savings account), and Social Security.

Auburn observes 11 holidays (paid) each year, and provides two (2) paid floating holidays of the employee's choice annually (pro-rated upon hire). Vacation and sick leave hours are accrued each pay period, and 60 hours of management leave is issued each year in January (and will be pro-rated upon hire). There are multiple deferred compensation options and opportunity to contribute to a flexible spending account.

For more information about what benefits the City provides, please visit: https://auburn.attract.neogov.com/p/benefits.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Team Auburn values diverse perspectives and life experiences, and welcomes applications from people who will help us consistently demonstrate the values of equity, respect, and partnership. The department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including Black, Indigenous, and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, and veterans. Individuals interested in joining our team must be committed to racial, social, and economic equality for ALL people in our community.

The City of Auburn is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To learn more about the Inclusive Auburn initiative, please visit: https://www.auburnwa.gov/city_hall/mayor/inclusive_auburn.

Ready to apply?

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, or would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.

The City of Auburn is dedicated to building an inclusive, informed city, with opportunities for all. Please make sure to submit a complete, detailed, and updated job application. You must meet the minimum qualifications to move forward in the screening process.

If identified as a top candidate, a thorough background check - including education verification, reference check, and fingerprinting - will be required before an official appointment will be offered.

Communication from the City of Auburn:

We primarily communicate via e-mail during the recruitment process. E-mails from auburnwa.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk e-mail folders.

Contact information:

If you have any questions, please contact Melissa Medisch, Human Resources Manager, by email at mmedisch@auburnwa.gov or phone at 253-931-3073.