Description

Come Join the City of Bellevue!

Please fill out your application as fully as possible. The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. Read the "Hiring Process" section below to learn more. 

New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Job Summary

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 position, with a focus on litigation,and join our fast-paced, collegial and supportive work environment. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This Senior Attorney will be in the Civil Division and is predominantly responsible for providing advice and representation to the city government in litigation and pre-litigation matters. The ideal candidate will be comfortable advising City Departments in all aspects of litigation, working to mitigate risk with City Departments and advising on day-to-day municipal legal issues outside of litigation.  The position will require representing the City in state and federal courts, before administrative boards, and the City’s hearing examiner.   

Primary Duties:

• Prelitigation claims investigation, evaluation, and negotiations.  Represent the City in all aspects of litigation in state and federal courts and before administrative bodies, including appellate representation. 
• Provide advice, counseling, and support to City Departments and divisions both orally and in writing, on various facets of municipal law which may include procurement, public works contracting and construction claims, land use, and the public records act.
• 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.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Abilities and Experience: 

• Substantial litigation experience through trial and subsequent appeals, including “first-chair” trial experience and independent responsibility for assigned cases.   Experience in land use matters, administrative land use appeals, and litigation under the Land Use Petition Act (chapter 36.70C RCW) is preferred. 
• In-depth knowledge of municipal law and other legal requirements that apply to governments is preferred.
• Knowledge and experience advising clients on procurement, public works contracting and construction claims, land use, and the public records act are preferred.
• 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 Experience

• Graduate of an ABA accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree.
• Currently licensed and in good standing to practice law in the State of Washington.
• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant litigation experience including independent responsibility for assigned cases and “first-chair” trial experience. 
• Or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Supplemental Information

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.

The City of Bellevue will conduct anonymized screening for the first round of application review.  Candidates who are invited to interview may be asked to provide a cover letter, resume and writing sample.

HIRING PROCESS
The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. To evaluate all candidates fairly and equitably, the City will make all applicants anonymous when we are screening the applications. We will redact information from our application such as your name, address, and other demographics. To help us, please complete the online application form as fully as possible.

• Answer the Supplemental Questions when requested which can be found on the Questions tab of the Job posting.
• We do not accept resumes and cover letters during the anonymous application screening stage, unless otherwise stated in the job description.
• Applicants advancing to the next stage may be required to provide a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and references.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• All candidates will be required to establish employment authorization and identity at the time of hire. The City is not able to sponsor work visas.
• All positions require the completion of references checks, including at least one prior supervisor.
• Some positions may require completion of a criminal background check prior to start employment
• Some positions may require obtaining a commercial driver's license (CDL), licensures, or additional certifications.