About the Position

Under the direction of the City Attorney, a Deputy City Attorney provides comprehensive legal services to the City of Olympia as general in-house legal counsel. Knowledge and experience is desired in the following practice areas: Open Public Meetings Act (42.30 RCW), Fair Campaign Practices Act (42.17 RCW), Public Disclosure Commission; Public Records Act (42.56 RCW), election law, zoning and land use, SEPA, administrative law, public contracts and bidding, public works and utilities, real estate transactions and negotiations, employment law, police operations, fire services, labor relations, torts, civil rights, and risk assessment; drafting ordinances, resolutions, and legal opinions; litigation, appeals, and management and supervision of outside legal counsel.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Knowledge of or desire to develop expertise in municipal law and associated practice areas, including land use and zoning.

• Understanding and demonstrating recognition of the differences between legal and political issues, as well as policy issues.

• Proficiency in legal research and writing, especially the ability to communicate complex legal concepts verbally and in writing to persons or audiences of varying degrees of legal sophistication.

• Demonstrating skill in resolving conflicts and gaining cooperation among persons with varying interests.

• Having the ability to work as part of a team within the Legal Department, as well as with other City departments and personnel to accomplish shared objectives.

To Apply

• Submit a cover letter and resume by attaching them to your electronic application. The cover letter must be no more than two pages long and must include specific examples of how you meet the Ideal Candidate Profile (listed below) for this position.

• Open Continuous. Apply by midnight on April 12, 2024, to be considered in the first review of applications.

• Only Electronic Applications are accepted.

Contact Information

If you have questions about the position and/or requirements, please contact Mark Barber, City Attorney, at 360.753.8223 or via email at [email protected].

Essential Functions

The essential functions of this position include:
1. Performing assignments from the City Attorney in a timely and professional manner, including City department staff legal requests, with special attention to requests for legal services arising under practice areas noted above.
2. Providing legal advice and resolution of legal questions involving application and interpretation of the Olympia Municipal Code or state law, legal compliance, municipal tax issues, permits, zoning and land use, public utilities, safety and transportation, acquisition or divestment of land or other municipal real property interests, labor and employment law, business license issues, and other general municipal legal issues.
3. Providing legal advice and helping resolve legal questions concerning the development and implementation of City ordinances, resolutions, projects, and programs.
4. Representing the City of Olympia in civil litigation before federal or state courts, or before administrative agencies or a hearing examiner.
5. Preparing or assisting in the preparation of ordinances, resolutions, regulations, policies, contracts, or other legal documents to comply with local, state and federal laws.
6. Drafting and/or reviewing real property purchase and sale agreements, deeds, leases, easements, and other real property instruments.
7. Negotiating and/or providing professional legal services agreements for outside legal counsel or other professional services contracts, or interlocal cooperative agreements with other governmental entities, and/or contracts with private firms or individuals. This excludes advising on collecting bargaining agreements.
8. Researching and analyzing legal issues and providing recommendations to the City Attorney, City Manager, Department directors, and City Council.
9. Providing legal advice and drafting documents related to employment and personnel issues, including internal investigations and discipline recommendations, except union bargaining issues.
10. Preparing oral and written presentations and attendance at a variety of hearings, meetings, conferences, and other gatherings.
11. Serving as legal counsel for City boards or commissions, or as police legal advisor, as directed by the City Attorney.
12. Monitoring and reviewing proposed and enacted state and federal legislation for its potential impact on the City and providing testimony to the legislature on behalf of the City, when requested by the City Attorney.
13. Serving as acting City Attorney at the request of the City Attorney, or in the absence of the City Attorney.
14. Maintaining regular and reliable attendance.
15. Maintaining strict confidentiality of client legal matters.
16. Attending City Council business meetings, executive sessions, Council committee meetings, and other meetings with boards or commissions, as requested by the City Attorney.

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

1. Knowledge of or desire to develop expertise in municipal law and associated practice areas, including land use and zoning.

2. Understanding and demonstrating recognition of the differences between legal and political issues, as well as policy issues.

3. Proficiency in legal research and writing, especially the ability to communicate complex legal concepts verbally and in writing to persons or audiences of varying degrees of legal sophistication.

4. Demonstrating skill in resolving conflicts and gaining cooperation among persons with varying interests.

5. Having the ability to work as part of a team within the Legal Department, as well as with other City departments and personnel to accomplish shared objectives.

6. Having the ability to understand complex facts, draw defensible or reasonable conclusions, and formulate sound legal decisions.

7. Demonstrating the ability to multi-task and prioritize legal matters based on client needs.

8. Having the ability to practice law before state and federal courts and various administrative agencies, as may be required.

9. Demonstrating proficiency in the operation of personal computers and other office technology, combined with a willingness to learn and adapt to new technology as it becomes available.

Experience/Education:

1. Graduation from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association is required.

2. Ten years of experience in the practice of law in the State of Washington is preferred. Experience in municipal government or with other governmental entities is a plus.

3. Litigation experience is a plus.

4. Experience in administrative law and hearings is a plus.

5. Supervisory experience is a plus.

Special Requirements:

1. Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Washington at the time of commencement of employment.

2. Valid Washington State Driver's License may be required.

Union:

Compensation (minimum-maximum):

Exempt:

The City of Olympia is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse workforce. Women, people of color, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The City of Olympia complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Nicole Camus, SR Human Resources Analyst, at 360.753.8213 or [email protected].

For general application or position questions please contact the hiring supervisor or Human Resources at [email protected].