Seattle City Attorney's Office
Assistant City Attorney | Land Use | Civil Division
Seattle City Attorney's Office, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127
Assistant City Attorney | Land Use | Civil Division
Position Description: The Seattle City Attorney’s Office seeks an attorney to join its Land Use Section. As in‑house counsel in a city grappling with cutting‑edge land‑use, street‑use, and landlord‑tenant issues, we advise policymakers, review and draft legislation, counsel departmental staff, and defend City laws and decisions in litigation. We work with elected officials, land‑use planners, affordable‑housing advocates, historic‑resource preservationists, and those who enhance streets, parks, and utilities. We practice the law we most enjoy in a fast‑paced setting for a dynamic, world‑class city.
Our office has more than 200 attorneys and professional staff, making it one of the largest law offices in Seattle and the third‑largest public law office in the state. We are committed to making Seattle safe, healthy, empowered, and thriving, addressing historical injustices, pursuing justice with integrity, creativity, and fairness, and working transparently, innovatively, and collaboratively to promote equity, accountability, and healing.
Job Responsibilities
Advise City policymakers and administrators on land‑use, street‑use, and landlord‑tenant issues, and review and draft legislation.
Counsel City elected officials and staff on implementing and navigating City, state, and federal law related to land‑use, street‑use, and landlord‑tenant issues.
Defend City laws and decisions in quasi‑judicial tribunals and state and federal courts.
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications
Washington State Bar license in good standing within six months of the job offer.
Desired Qualifications
Working knowledge of Washington land‑use law.
Effective written advocacy skills.
Effective oral advocacy skills in motions or appellate practice.
Experience advising public officials or other decision makers.
Experience advocating before administrative tribunals.
Working understanding of discovery practices, including obtaining and defending witness testimony.
Application Process To be considered, complete the online City of Seattle application and submit the required attachments in .pdf, .doc, or .docx format:
Cover letter describing your interest.
Resume detailing relevant experience.
A brief (or portion of a brief) for which you were the primary author.
All applicants must apply on or before the closing date indicated on the posting. Inquiries received via email or other sites will not be considered unless the applicant has applied through the Government Jobs site.
Race and Social Justice Initiative The City of Seattle recognizes every employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. We seek individuals who will work toward the goals of the Race and Social Justice Initiative.
Compensation Annual salary: $116,130.72 (up to one year experience) – $160,653.39 (ten years) – $181,282.83 (20+ years). Salary range: $55.61–$89.50 per hour. Salaries are not subject to negotiation.
Benefits The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package, including vacation, 12 official holidays and 2 floating holidays, sick leave, paid parental leave, medical, dental, vision, life, and long‑term disability. Additional benefits include executive leave, merit leave, and eligibility for a defined benefits retirement program.
Workplace Environment Flexible work arrangements; hybrid schedule of 3 days in office and 2 days remote (subject to change).
Who may apply This position is open to all candidates who meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, family or marital status, disability, religion or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, pregnancy, or other protected characteristics.
Questions? Contact Human Resources at LAW_HR@seattle.gov.
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Our office has more than 200 attorneys and professional staff, making it one of the largest law offices in Seattle and the third‑largest public law office in the state. We are committed to making Seattle safe, healthy, empowered, and thriving, addressing historical injustices, pursuing justice with integrity, creativity, and fairness, and working transparently, innovatively, and collaboratively to promote equity, accountability, and healing.
Job Responsibilities
Advise City policymakers and administrators on land‑use, street‑use, and landlord‑tenant issues, and review and draft legislation.
Counsel City elected officials and staff on implementing and navigating City, state, and federal law related to land‑use, street‑use, and landlord‑tenant issues.
Defend City laws and decisions in quasi‑judicial tribunals and state and federal courts.
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications
Washington State Bar license in good standing within six months of the job offer.
Desired Qualifications
Working knowledge of Washington land‑use law.
Effective written advocacy skills.
Effective oral advocacy skills in motions or appellate practice.
Experience advising public officials or other decision makers.
Experience advocating before administrative tribunals.
Working understanding of discovery practices, including obtaining and defending witness testimony.
Application Process To be considered, complete the online City of Seattle application and submit the required attachments in .pdf, .doc, or .docx format:
Cover letter describing your interest.
Resume detailing relevant experience.
A brief (or portion of a brief) for which you were the primary author.
All applicants must apply on or before the closing date indicated on the posting. Inquiries received via email or other sites will not be considered unless the applicant has applied through the Government Jobs site.
Race and Social Justice Initiative The City of Seattle recognizes every employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. We seek individuals who will work toward the goals of the Race and Social Justice Initiative.
Compensation Annual salary: $116,130.72 (up to one year experience) – $160,653.39 (ten years) – $181,282.83 (20+ years). Salary range: $55.61–$89.50 per hour. Salaries are not subject to negotiation.
Benefits The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package, including vacation, 12 official holidays and 2 floating holidays, sick leave, paid parental leave, medical, dental, vision, life, and long‑term disability. Additional benefits include executive leave, merit leave, and eligibility for a defined benefits retirement program.
Workplace Environment Flexible work arrangements; hybrid schedule of 3 days in office and 2 days remote (subject to change).
Who may apply This position is open to all candidates who meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, family or marital status, disability, religion or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, pregnancy, or other protected characteristics.
Questions? Contact Human Resources at LAW_HR@seattle.gov.
#J-18808-Ljbffr