City of Kent
Assistant City Attorney/Senior Assistant City Attorney - Civil Division
City of Kent, Kent, Washington, us, 98089
Come work at a place where you have a direct impact on the quality of life for Kent residents, business owners and visitors alike!
Are you an experienced attorney ready to make a change for the New Year? If so, then consider the City of Kent and this new opportunity to join the Civil Division of the Kent City Attorney’s Office. The City of Kent is looking for an experienced attorney to join a dynamic and talented team of legal professionals who work cooperatively and collaboratively together.
Not only does this position offer excellent work/life balance with no need to closely track or bill hours, Kent offers competitive pay, a sound retirement system (i.e., pension plan), and excellent medical benefits.
Working as an attorney with Kent allows you to engage in social concerns and the betterment of the Kent community; perform impactful work that directly affects the environment, the safety of area residents, and Kent's economic vitality and growth; and join an experienced team that collaboratively assists leadership in finding creative solutions to significant challenges, while maintaining efficiency and accountability in government. Not to mention, this is an opportunity for an easier commute, free parking, the potential for partial remote work, and an office location that is close to bus and train lines.
Applicants must be admitted to practice and in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association. Some prior civil legal experience is required, with a preference for municipal legal experience. Candidates must have excellent written and oral communication skills, and must be able to work as part of a cohesive and collaborative team in a fast‑paced environment.
**
Writing samples will be requested for those invited to interview.
*Candidates who possess municipal civil legal experience of five (5) years or more will be considered for hiring as a Senior Assistant City Attorney.
A cover letter and resume are required with your online application in order for your application to be considered complete.
Please note that you cannot attach documents after you have submitted your online application. Additionally, uploading your resume to auto‑fill portions of the application does not automatically attach it to your application. If you experience problems attaching documents, please contact Human Resources at (253) 856‑5270 and we will do our best to assist you.
Applications will be reviewed and interviews scheduled upon receipt.
Salary Assistant City Attorney – Civil:
$8,538.00 – $13,417.00 monthly, depending on experience (2025 rates)
Senior Assistant City Attorney – Civil:
$10,017.00 – $14,222.00 monthly, depending on experience (2025 rates)
There is one (1) benefited position that will be filled by this recruitment process. This is a non‑represented position that is exempt from overtime.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of:
Revised Code of Washington, the Washington Administrative Code, various federal codes, and the Kent City Code
Legal research methodology including use of computer‑based research tools
Municipal government organizational structure, operations, policies, objectives, and jurisdiction
Principles, practices, and procedures of civil and criminal law including court procedures and rules, as well as risk management, asset protection, and general liability
Financial and legal requirements for developing, implementing, and administering self‑insurance plans
Insurance industry policies and procedures regarding claims and reserves, insuring agreements, underwriting and brokerage methods
Injury and damage claim investigation and adjustment techniques for municipalities
Principles of supervision and training
Modern office practices, procedures, and equipment including personal computer related software
Effective oral and written communications skills
Correct use of English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary as it pertains to the job
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy
Conflict management skills
Skilled in:
Legality and preparation of various documents and instruments
Performance of legal research and investigations, including the use of computer‑based legal research systems
Organizing, analyzing, and evaluating case facts, evidence, and legal precedent
Case preparation and litigation techniques
Preparation and delivery of oral presentations and arguments
Correct usage of English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary as it pertains to the job
Using oral and written communications effectively to organize and express ideas and persuasive arguments
Effectively using interpersonal skills in a tactful, patient, and courteous manner
Effectively using Microsoft computer programs
Ability to:
Serve as an attorney for the City
Work with and for a highly proficient team of attorneys and support staff
Maintain professional composure and demonstrate tact, patience, safety, and courtesy at all times
Formulate recommendations to Department Directors and project consequences of recommendations
Analyze, organize, and evaluate case facts, evidence, and legal precedent
Appear in court proceedings and in other forums on behalf of, and as the attorney for, the City
Plan, develop, implement, maintain, evaluate, and modify a comprehensive and integrated risk management, loss control, property and general liability program
Work effectively on several projects concurrently and accomplish tasks with numerous and frequent interruptions
Work independently with minimal supervision and make decisions within broad guidelines
Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
Meet schedules and timelines
Read, interpret, apply, and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
Compose, proofread, and edit general legal briefs, correspondence, routine reports, contracts, etc.
Communicate orally and effectively present information before the court, jury, and other groups
Add, subtract, multiply, and divide
Apply common sense understanding to solve practical problems and deal with legal issues
Travel to various areas within and outside of the city, superior court, appellate courts, etc.
Skills for the Position May Be Gained Through Education, Certification, Relevant Job Experience or a Combination, Such as Assistant City Attorney Education:
Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree in law.
Experience:
Prefer five (5) or more years of civil legal experience, with at least two (2) years of municipal civil legal experience.
Senior Assistant City Attorney Education:
Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree in law.
Experience:
Minimum of five (5) or more years of municipal civil legal experience.
Licenses and Other Requirements
Must be a member of the Washington Bar Association and in good standing throughout the duration of employment
Valid Washington State Driver's License, or the ability to obtain within thirty (30) days of employment and maintain an acceptable driving record
Multilingual desirable
Demonstrated experience leading a major project and/or team (as determined by the City Attorney) from commencement to successful completion of the project
Must successfully pass the City’s pre‑employment fingerprinting and background check; subject to periodic re‑evaluation during the course of employment.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Are you an experienced attorney ready to make a change for the New Year? If so, then consider the City of Kent and this new opportunity to join the Civil Division of the Kent City Attorney’s Office. The City of Kent is looking for an experienced attorney to join a dynamic and talented team of legal professionals who work cooperatively and collaboratively together.
Not only does this position offer excellent work/life balance with no need to closely track or bill hours, Kent offers competitive pay, a sound retirement system (i.e., pension plan), and excellent medical benefits.
Working as an attorney with Kent allows you to engage in social concerns and the betterment of the Kent community; perform impactful work that directly affects the environment, the safety of area residents, and Kent's economic vitality and growth; and join an experienced team that collaboratively assists leadership in finding creative solutions to significant challenges, while maintaining efficiency and accountability in government. Not to mention, this is an opportunity for an easier commute, free parking, the potential for partial remote work, and an office location that is close to bus and train lines.
Applicants must be admitted to practice and in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association. Some prior civil legal experience is required, with a preference for municipal legal experience. Candidates must have excellent written and oral communication skills, and must be able to work as part of a cohesive and collaborative team in a fast‑paced environment.
**
Writing samples will be requested for those invited to interview.
*Candidates who possess municipal civil legal experience of five (5) years or more will be considered for hiring as a Senior Assistant City Attorney.
A cover letter and resume are required with your online application in order for your application to be considered complete.
Please note that you cannot attach documents after you have submitted your online application. Additionally, uploading your resume to auto‑fill portions of the application does not automatically attach it to your application. If you experience problems attaching documents, please contact Human Resources at (253) 856‑5270 and we will do our best to assist you.
Applications will be reviewed and interviews scheduled upon receipt.
Salary Assistant City Attorney – Civil:
$8,538.00 – $13,417.00 monthly, depending on experience (2025 rates)
Senior Assistant City Attorney – Civil:
$10,017.00 – $14,222.00 monthly, depending on experience (2025 rates)
There is one (1) benefited position that will be filled by this recruitment process. This is a non‑represented position that is exempt from overtime.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of:
Revised Code of Washington, the Washington Administrative Code, various federal codes, and the Kent City Code
Legal research methodology including use of computer‑based research tools
Municipal government organizational structure, operations, policies, objectives, and jurisdiction
Principles, practices, and procedures of civil and criminal law including court procedures and rules, as well as risk management, asset protection, and general liability
Financial and legal requirements for developing, implementing, and administering self‑insurance plans
Insurance industry policies and procedures regarding claims and reserves, insuring agreements, underwriting and brokerage methods
Injury and damage claim investigation and adjustment techniques for municipalities
Principles of supervision and training
Modern office practices, procedures, and equipment including personal computer related software
Effective oral and written communications skills
Correct use of English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary as it pertains to the job
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy
Conflict management skills
Skilled in:
Legality and preparation of various documents and instruments
Performance of legal research and investigations, including the use of computer‑based legal research systems
Organizing, analyzing, and evaluating case facts, evidence, and legal precedent
Case preparation and litigation techniques
Preparation and delivery of oral presentations and arguments
Correct usage of English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary as it pertains to the job
Using oral and written communications effectively to organize and express ideas and persuasive arguments
Effectively using interpersonal skills in a tactful, patient, and courteous manner
Effectively using Microsoft computer programs
Ability to:
Serve as an attorney for the City
Work with and for a highly proficient team of attorneys and support staff
Maintain professional composure and demonstrate tact, patience, safety, and courtesy at all times
Formulate recommendations to Department Directors and project consequences of recommendations
Analyze, organize, and evaluate case facts, evidence, and legal precedent
Appear in court proceedings and in other forums on behalf of, and as the attorney for, the City
Plan, develop, implement, maintain, evaluate, and modify a comprehensive and integrated risk management, loss control, property and general liability program
Work effectively on several projects concurrently and accomplish tasks with numerous and frequent interruptions
Work independently with minimal supervision and make decisions within broad guidelines
Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
Meet schedules and timelines
Read, interpret, apply, and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
Compose, proofread, and edit general legal briefs, correspondence, routine reports, contracts, etc.
Communicate orally and effectively present information before the court, jury, and other groups
Add, subtract, multiply, and divide
Apply common sense understanding to solve practical problems and deal with legal issues
Travel to various areas within and outside of the city, superior court, appellate courts, etc.
Skills for the Position May Be Gained Through Education, Certification, Relevant Job Experience or a Combination, Such as Assistant City Attorney Education:
Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree in law.
Experience:
Prefer five (5) or more years of civil legal experience, with at least two (2) years of municipal civil legal experience.
Senior Assistant City Attorney Education:
Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree in law.
Experience:
Minimum of five (5) or more years of municipal civil legal experience.
Licenses and Other Requirements
Must be a member of the Washington Bar Association and in good standing throughout the duration of employment
Valid Washington State Driver's License, or the ability to obtain within thirty (30) days of employment and maintain an acceptable driving record
Multilingual desirable
Demonstrated experience leading a major project and/or team (as determined by the City Attorney) from commencement to successful completion of the project
Must successfully pass the City’s pre‑employment fingerprinting and background check; subject to periodic re‑evaluation during the course of employment.
#J-18808-Ljbffr