Assistant City Attorney (Special Projects) | Administrative Division

Full Job 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 that working transparently, innovatively, and in collaboration with our community partners is necessary to achieve outcomes that promote equity, accountability, and healing.

The Seattle City Attorney’s Office is seeking a candidate to be assigned to report directly to the Seattle City Attorney to research and develop litigation projects as assigned, assist in the implementation of specific policy initiatives, and liaise directly with community groups and stakeholders on issues relating to federal affairs, civil rights, tenant services, worker protections, and environmental protection.

The Special Projects Attorney will be responsible for tracking and monitoring federal policy developments, news, and public opinion regarding current and emerging issues to assist the Seattle City Attorney’s Executive Leadership Team in developing timely and informed policy and litigation positions and responses.

This position will also promote vibrant governmental, stakeholder, and community partnerships by supporting coordination and insight to community organizations facing challenges due to federal overreach.

This position provides efficient, effective, and ethical legal representation that maximizes the effect of the City Attorney’s work to collaborate, innovate, and proactively protect the rights of the Seattleites we serve.

The Special Projects Attorney will regularly update office leadership on developing policy issues that may impact the City’s operations and the foundational rights of the Seattle public, including making recommendations for, and assisting in the development of investigations or enforcement matters.

This position may serve as a member of, or consultant to, teams working on investigations or litigation related to the Special Projects Attorney’s policy work.

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

Requirements

In addition to the objectives described above, the Special Projects Attorney should:

• Timely and effectively handle an assigned workload, including research, analysis, and tracking of legislative and policy developments at the state and federal levels.
• Conduct policy and legal research using all available tools as necessary for assigned work and client advice.
• Compose, review, and offer comments on briefs, letters, memoranda, model policies, and other documents that relate to assigned policy issues, including filings to be submitted in litigation and letters to be submitted to the U.S. Congress or officials in the federal Executive Branch.
• Keep the City Attorney timely informed of significant developments on policy issues and progress on emerging issues, including matters being innovated by other states, local jurisdictions, or the federal government.
• Coordinate, attend, and facilitate outreach opportunities with stakeholders from all walks of life. Build and strengthen the office’s intra-governmental and extra-governmental relationships to emphasize effective partnerships and maximize coordination on issues relating to federal overreach.
• Make presentations to internal and external audiences, including outreach and educational presentations, that are appropriately tailored to the audience and goals.
• Be available to respond to internal or external inquiries, including media inquiries, through coordination with the City Attorney's Communications Director.
• Identify and recommend cases for investigation and/or enforcement that further the City Attorney’s goals to protect Seattleites from all manner of threats of harm.
• Meet deadlines regardless of time pressure circumstances, follow through promptly and appropriately, and have a high ability to multitask.
• Protect privileged and confidential information.
• Work independently within established supervisory guidelines to successfully manage workload and solve problems.
• Work cooperatively/collaboratively with others, including colleagues, external constituencies, and the media.
• Contribute positively to a work environment that promotes collegiality, diversity, and the highest-quality work.

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 obtain membership within 2 months of the 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 liaise with a diversity of community organizations
• Demonstrated effective and independent litigation skills
• 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
  1. https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle
• Include the following required attachments (.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 Seattle City Attorney's Office are based on years of relevant legal experience.

For example, the 2026 annual salary is $120,311.42 for someone with up to one year of experience, $166,436.91 for someone with ten years of experience, and $187,809.01 for someone with at least 20 years of experience.

The full salary range for this position is $57.62 - $92.72 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.

Background Check Requirements – All positions are security sensitive.

Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the verification of credentials and/or other information required by the municipal corporation’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check in accordance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17.

Applicants will be given a chance to explain or correct background information and provide verifiable information on good conduct and rehabilitation.

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.