Closing Date: 11th November, 2025

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 Civil Division is seeking an experienced attorney with demonstrated leadership abilities to serve as Supervisor of the Land Use Section.

Job Responsibilities:
The Land Use Section Supervisor shares the Director's administrative and quick-client-response duties, including:

Responding to client requests for quick advice when the request is not clearly within the expertise and capacity of another Section colleague as assigned by the Director
Serving as the Section's representative on inter-Section and interdepartmental matters as assigned (past examples include serving as the Section's representative to the Emergency Operations Center and on a Law Department team addressing homeless encampments)
Assuming the Director's duties (including attending Section Director meetings) when the Director is unavailable
Preparing and submitting the Section's weekly and annual reports and similar reports
Responding to citizen inquiries
Providing quarterly updates regarding litigation reserves
Determining the fate of warehoused boxes that have reached the end of their retention period
Handling other administrative tasks as assigned by the Director (examples include making decisions on library resources and coordinating with the Clerk's Office regarding archived materials)

The Supervisor should expect to coordinate often with the Director, who will retain primary responsibility for making assignments, evaluating Section attorneys and staff, and handling most other personnel matters.

The Supervisor should expect that tending to Supervisor duties, many of which will arise unexpectedly, will require additional time and stress on top of what is required to maintain an active workload for client projects and litigation.

This opportunity is presently available exclusively to our current attorneys within the Land Use Section.

Qualifications:

Membership in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association, OR the ability to complete the process of obtaining membership within 30 days of an offer of employment

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

Complete the online City of Seattle Application

(Job Opportunities | City of Seattle)

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

Cover Letter describing your interest in the position.
Resume detailing your relevant experience.

Application Submission Guidelines – 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.

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 $124,259.87 for someone with up to one year of experience, $171,899.13 for someone with ten years of experience, and $193,972.63 for someone with at least 20 years of experience. The full salary range for this position is $59.51 - $95.77 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.