City Attorney job in Bothell

The Position
The City Attorney is the chief legal counsel for the City of Bothell and serves as the primary legal advisor to the City. Reporting to the City Manager, the City Attorney provides leadership, direction, and guidance for legal issues and provides counsel to the City Manager, City Council, staff, committees, and commissions. Furthermore, the City Attorney provides legal advice to guide City policies, decisions, and activities and ensures that the City receives the highest quality legal representation.

The City Attorney is an integral part of the City’s executive leadership team and collaborates with key staff across all departments to provide legal advice and ensure projects are completed promptly and responsibly. This position analyzes legal trends, interprets concerns, and presents alternatives to the City Manager, City Council, and various City departments regarding major issues facing the City. The City Attorney drafts and interprets City ordinances and resolutions, negotiates contracts and agreements with outside governmental agencies and private entities, and reviews other legal documents when needed. This position serves as the City’s Risk Manager and supervises and participates in representing the City at civil and criminal misdemeanor matters and in administrative hearings.

The City Attorney leads the Legal Department with a biennial budget of $2.3M and is responsible for hiring, directing, managing, and evaluating the staff, which includes the Deputy City Attorney, Senior Prosecutor, Prosecutor, Domestic Violence Victims Coordinator, Paralegal, and Legal Assistant. The new City Attorney is a strategic systems thinker who will quickly understand the values of Bothell and easily see the big picture and long-term vision for the City. The ideal candidate maintains an understanding of the issues affecting the Bothell community and leverages that knowledge to provide sound legal advice.

With a City first mentality, the City Attorney embraces collaboration and effortlessly partners with City leadership to identify solutions and provide legal advice and guidance in support of organizational goals. The successful candidate effectively engages in processes that enhance the productivity of the organization and creatively solves problems that support alignment with Bothell’s vision. The City Attorney is intellectually curious, has substantial local government law experience, and leverages that knowledge to anticipate issues, determine risk, identify solutions, and provide legal analysis. The ideal candidate uses data and analytics to drive decisions and leverages technology and innovation in support of efficient operations. The City Attorney is a highly effective leader who employs a leadership style that invites participation, builds trust, and empowers staff.

Qualifications
A minimum of seven years in the practice of municipal law, ideally with a successful track record as a City Attorney, Deputy/Assistant City Attorney, or experience in a private law firm advising municipal governments with a full range of municipal services. Direct leadership experience managing attorneys and paraprofessional legal personnel is essential. A broad and diverse municipal government background with legal expertise in more than one area is required. Specific knowledge of contracts, criminal justice, employment, land use, and procurement law are ideal. Extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local statutes, regulations, rules, and ordinances applicable to city activities and functions, including municipal liability, data security, public meetings, public records, and public financing, is required.

A Juris Doctor from a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association or an equivalent combination of education and professional legal experience is required. Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Washington and be in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association or licensed in a state with the ability to be admitted to the Washington State Bar by motion.

Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for the City Attorney is $160,881 - $204,544 and will depend on the qualifications of the successful candidate. The City provides an excellent benefits package. Please visit here to learn more.

How to Apply
We believe, to deliver the highest level of service to all Bothell community members, it is crucial we employ a diverse workforce, support an inclusive working environment, and ensure our policies and systems result in equitable outcomes. We are committed to maximizing the value of our employees and foster a culture of continuous improvement, wellness, and inclusion.

Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at jobs.crelate.com. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position is open until filled with first review of applications on Monday, September 25, 2023.