Description:

Position Description:
With more than 200 attorneys and professional staff, the Seattle City Attorney's Office is one of the largest law offices in Seattle and is the third-largest public law office in the state. Our office is committed to making Seattle a safe, healthy, empowered, and thriving community for everyone. We strive to address historical injustices within the court system with self-examination and to pursue justice in Seattle with integrity, creativity, and fairness. We believe working transparently, innovatively, and in collaboration with our partners in the community is necessary to achieve outcomes that promote equity, accountability, and healing.

The Constitutional and Complex Litigation Section of the Seattle City Attorney's Office is seeking attorneys to join in representing the City on some of its most challenging and high-profile matters.

As a Constitutional and Complex Litigation Attorney, you will defend lawsuits against the City of Seattle and bring affirmative litigation in practice areas including constitutional, charter, regulatory, ethics, public records, and municipal and local government powers. Additionally, you will be involved in litigation involving the Seattle Police Department defending 1983 cases alleging violations of constitutional rights and representing the City in inquest trial proceedings.

You will also be working on emerging federal response issues, including affirmative federal litigation, client advice, and proactive City initiatives.
Constitutional and Complex Litigation Section matters often garner significant attention from elected officials and media representatives. Attorneys often handle a varied caseload with practice extensively in both state and federal court with ample opportunity for trial and courtroom experience in matters of significant public interest.

Besides the opportunity to join a team dedicated to public service, the City Attorney's Office offers a generous benefit program which includes paid parental and family leave, low-cost health benefits, and the opportunity to participate in a defined retirement program.

Job Responsibilities:
This position will focus primarily on litigation, although it may involve advice work in anticipation of litigation. You will succeed in this role if you can handle all aspects of both affirmative and defensive civil litigation independently, including motions practice, discovery, trial, and appellate work; and balance highly scrutinized matters of public importance in a fast- paced and ever-changing litigation landscape.

In this position, you will be provided an opportunity to quickly learn and develop strategies regarding a wide variety of substantive areas of the law; collaborating with your team to find creative solutions to a myriad of case and client-related concerns.

Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
This position requires membership in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association, or licensure in another state with the ability to complete the process of obtaining membership within 2 months of offer of employment.

Desired Qualifications:
You will be most successful in this role if you have the following experience, knowledge, and skills/abilities.

Expertise in municipal or government-related law and other public interest topics
Ability to first-chair complex litigation in state and federal court
Demonstrated effective and independent litigation skills
Ability to effectively represent elected and high-profile clients in prominent matters
Demonstrated proficiency in research, writing, and communication skills
Ability to effectively complete complex assignments independently and a wide variety of tasks simultaneously
Comfort with novel legal issues and emerging areas of law

Additional Information:
Application Process – For your application to be accepted, you must:

Complete the online City of Seattle Application

(https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle)

Include the following required attachments in .pdf, .doc, or .docx format:

A cover letter describing your unique interest in the position and applying your relevant experience to the requirements and qualifications of the job. Also, describe what you envision this role to be.
Resume detailing your relevant experience.

Application Submission Guidelines – This application process is on a rolling basis. The applications will start to be reviewed two weeks after the post date and then reviewed weekly until the position is filled. All applicants are required to apply on or before the closing date indicated on the job posting. Applicant inquiries received via email and websites such as Indeed, etc. will not be considered unless the individual has applied to the available position via the Government Jobs site. Note: The required documents listed in the above "Application Process" section must be attached to the application prior to the job closing date indicated to ensure consideration for the application submitted. Please contact the Office of Human Resources on or before the closing date indicated above at Law_HR@Seattle.gov should you need assistance with the online application process.

Race and Social Justice Initiative – The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. We seek individuals who will work toward the goals of the Race and Social Justice Initiative. (https://www.seattle.gov/rsji)

Compensation – Salaries of Assistant City Attorneys in the Civil Division of the Seattle City Attorney's Office are based on years of relevant legal experience. For example, the 2025 annual salary is $116,130.72 for someone with up to one year of experience, $160,653.39 for someone with ten years of experience, and $181,282.83 for someone with at least 20 years of experience. The full salary range for this position is $55.61 - $89.50 per hour. Salaries are not subject to negotiation.

Benefits – The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, 12 official holidays and 2 floating holidays, sick, and paid parental leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees. Additional benefits include executive leave, and eligibility for merit leave. City Attorney's Office employees also have the opportunity to participate in a defined benefits retirement program. More information about benefits can be found at https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.

Workplace Environment – Currently, the Seattle City Attorney's Office has a Flexible Work Arrangements Policy. Employees have the option to work a hybrid schedule (3 days in the office, 2 days remote). This is subject to change as circumstances and business needs dictate.

Who may apply – This position is open to all candidates who meet the minimum qualifications.

The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, family or marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, pregnancy, or other protected characteristics. The Seattle City Attorney's Office encourages people of all backgrounds to apply.

Questions? Contact our Human Resources team at LAW_HR@seattle.gov.