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Class Summary

D EPARTMENT PURPOSE

The City Attorney's Office advises and represents all city elected and appointed officials, departments, employees, boards, committees, task forces, and commissions on all civil legal matters pertaining to the City of Spokane. The Office represents the city government in its day-to-day operations.

POSITION PURPOSE

Performs legal/attorney services for City of Spokane Departments and Agencies.

SUPERVISION EXERCISE D

Works independently subject to guidance by City Attorney or Senior Attorneys. May supervise junior attorneys and support staff in specific projects or areas of expertise.

Examples Of Job Functions

The following Responsibilities and Requirements are functions the individual who holds or desires the position must be able to perform unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct independent legal research, render oral and written opinions on major substantive, procedural, and administrative issues to major City departments, boards, and commissions.
• Draft ordinances, regulations, major contracts, proposals for state legislation and other legal documents.
• Draft, review, and assist in the administration of City contracts and other procurement.
• Attend meetings of major City boards and commissions as legal advisor to City officials.
• Prepare and conduct major litigation before federal, state, and local courts, and administrative agencies and other adjudicative bodies.
• Negotiate and recommend settlement of claims filed against the City.
• Analyze changes in state and federal laws and court decisions and provide legal guidance to City departments as to method of compliance with new requirements.
• Provide legal assistance and guidance to other attorneys within specific area of expertise.
• Conduct negotiations on behalf of City administrative staff, City boards and commissions.
• Participate as active member (non-legal role) in various City administrative and management projects.

Requirements

Knowledge of:

• Make difficult and complex decisions quickly.
• Express legal concepts in clear and concise language for the City Council, Mayor, City officials and staff and the general public.
• Knowledge of municipal law and the practices and procedures of the City government is helpful. Demonstrated expertise in specific areas of municipal law.
• Prepare legal analyses and recommendations. Analyze and understand complex problems; identify and implement solutions.
• Present matters clearly and persuasively before public bodies, arbitrators, management, and employee groups.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Use a personal computer and software necessary to effectively perform the duties of the position.
• Organize and manage own work and supervise support staff and junior attorneys.
• Foster and maintain effective professional relationship with City officials and staff, colleagues, and general public.
• Exercise good moral character and integrity in matters pertaining to professional responsibilities.
• Perform in the Courtroom with an emphasis on the preparation and presentation in trials.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is conducted primarily in an office setting. It involves frequent attendance at meetings to include some irregular hours and potentially out-of-town travel. Incumbents in this classification are expected to communicate verbally, in person, and by telephone. A computer terminal is used and requires the use of repetitive arm-hand movements.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION

Juris doctor or equivalent degree. Membership in Washington State Bar Association.

Experience

Five (5) years' experience in practice of law required, with three (3) years' experience in municipal law recommended. Admitted to practice before United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington is preferred but application can be made if the candidate is successful.

BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS

As an exempt employee of the City of Spokane, the Assistant City Attorney III is subject to the City’s Code of Ethics set forth in Chapter 1.04A of the Spokane Municipal Code. As such, “it is the policy of the City of Spokane to uphold, promote, and demand the highest standards of ethics from all of its employees who shall maintain the utmost standards of responsibility, trustworthiness, integrity, truthfulness, honesty and fairness in carrying out their public duties, avoid any improprieties in their roles as a public servant including the appearance of impropriety, and never use their City position, authority or resources for personal gain.”

EEO STATEMENT

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, genetic information, veteran/military status, or disability status.