Senior Assistant City Attorney

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 32-member department that provides civil advice and litigation, criminal prosecution and risk management services.   We are looking for an exceptional candidate to fill a Senior Assistant City Attorney position and join our fast-paced, collegial and supportive work environment.  The ideal candidate will have substantial background with criminal procedure and with advising government clients on day-to-day legal issues, assessing risk factors, and providing briefings to City Management and City Council.This Senior Assistant City Attorney will be part of the legal team working on the legal challenges arising in a thriving and diverse city. This position will work on complex issues that have significant impacts on city operations, including providing legal advice to the Bellevue Police Department.

• Provide advice and support to the Bellevue Police Department, both in orally and in writing. This will include assisting the Bellevue Police Department in the development, interpretation, and implementation of policies and procedures, reviewing and analyzing changes in laws related to law enforcement, preparing policy and procedure revisions consistent with legal requirements and police best practices, reviewing and assisting in the response to public records requests and subpoenas directed to the Police Department, and providing other day to day advice and support to the Bellevue Police Department.  This position requires extensive knowledge of criminal procedure and will partner with the city's current full time police legal advisor.

• Provide advice, counseling, and support to the City's Finance and Asset Management and Information Technology Departments, and potentially to the economic development division of the City's Community Development Department.

• Respond to inquiries from City Management, City Council, and the public, as requested.

• Assist City departments in drafting resolutions and ordinances for adoption by the City Council.

• Research, draft, and review legal documents, including legal opinions, contracts, and agreements with other governmental bodies and third parties.

• Participate in the development of City policies, and programs.

• Represent the City in contested matters before administrative and judicial bodies.

• 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 public records laws.

• Experience advising governmental departments, including in public safety.

• Experience in criminal prosecution and knowledge of laws pertaining to criminal procedure.

• 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 oral presentations 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.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduate of an ABA accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree.

• Current license and good standing to practice law in the State of Washington by the start of employment.

• Minimum five (5) years of experience of practicing law in the public sector.

• Experience with criminal prosecution.

• Or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

We screen our applicants blindly for the first round of screening.  Candidates who are invited to interview will be asked to provide a cover letter, resume and writing sample.