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Bellevue, WA - Senior Attorney

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City of Bellevue: Senior Attorney

JOB TITLE:

Senior Attorney

JOB FAMILY:

Legal

JOB TITLE CODE:

  

EEO CODE:

Professional

DEPARTMENT(S):

Legal

WAGE SCHEDULE:

G

FLSA STATUS:

Exempt

EFFECTIVE DATE:

January 1, 2001

JOB SUMMARY

May be assigned to either the Civil Division or Criminal Division. Criminal Division Attorneys provide for the prosecution and appeal of criminal, quasi-criminal, gross misdemeanor, or misdemeanor cases as assigned. Civil Division Attorneys provide consultation, advice and representation for assigned departments and the City's civil litigation matters.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

It is the intention of this section to describe the general duties attributed to an incumbent in this classification regardless of an individual's assignment to the civil or criminal division. Please be aware that any one position does not perform all of these tasks as some tasks may have more relevance in one division and are not necessarily applicable in the other division.

  • Analyzes, evaluates, negotiates and litigates cases; handles appeals; researches and drafts legal documents, briefs, ordinances and appeals.
  • Makes charging decisions in criminal cases.
  • Interviews witnesses and determines prosecuting strategy and tactics.
  • Provides legal advice to law enforcement personnel in criminal case matters; provides legal advice to city employees and departments in employment law matters, litigation matters and general ordinance and charter issues.
  • Answers inquiries from the general public.
  • Assists departments, employees and boards with the appropriate legal interpretation of rules and laws that govern the conduct of business; assists departments in preparing resolutions and ordinances for adoption by the City Council.
  • Initiates and tracks appellate process, prepares appeals, responds to appellate motions, prepares briefs, delivers arguments before appellate court.
  • Attends meetings with public defenders, city employees, law enforcement personnel and witnesses.
  • May assist in administering departmental programs.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Works under the moderate to general supervision of the Supervising Attorney.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctorate degree followed by admission to the Washington State Bar.

Three or more years of professional related experience involving criminal or misdemeanor litigation or three or more years of civil litigation experience in areas related to the operation of a municipal government.

Or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIREMENTS

Considerable knowledge of state statutes relating to criminal and misdemeanor law; comprehensive knowledge of courtroom procedures; working knowledge of modern policies and practices of municipal law and public administration; considerable knowledge of personal computers including word processing and spreadsheet applications.

Skill in preparing briefs and other legal documents.

Experience in oral advocacy.

Ability to prepare and analyze comprehensive legal documents; ability to carry out assigned projects to their completion; ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, the court system, and the general public.

Skill in handling difficult people and ability to negotiate agreements among disparate interests.

Experience in appellate argument and practice.

Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize and schedule the work of self and others.

Ability to provide direction and assistance to non-lead attorneys in all of the above areas.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

The employee may be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 10 pounds.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet.