Description

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.

Requirements

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 a 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; and

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; and

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 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 course of employment.