Assistant City Attorney | Constitutional and Complex Litigation | Civil Division

Salary: $116,113.68 - $186,876.00 Annually Read all the information about this opportunity carefully, then use the application button below to send your CV and application.Location : Suite 2050 Seattle, WA Job Type: Civil Service Exempt, Regular, Full-time Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid Job Number: 2 Department: Law Department Opening Date: 10/22/2025 Closing Date: Continuous 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. QualificationsRequired 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 () 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 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 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 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 The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: 01 Did you include all required documents with your application? (Cover Letter and Resume) Yes No 02 Are you an active member in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association, or are you actively licensed in another state and eligible to waive into Washington? Yes, I'm an active member in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association Yes, I'm actively licensed in another state and eligible to waive into Washington. No 03 If you are not an active member of WSBA, please list all states where you are currently or have previously been licensed. 04 If you're not an active member of WSBA, where are you in the process of obtaining membership? I have not started the process of obtaining membership. I've started the process but I'm not able to provide a timeline. I am able to complete the process of obtaining membership within 30 days of an offer of employment. I am able to complete the process of obtaining membership within 60 days of an offer of employment. I am able to complete the process of obtaining membership within 90 days of an offer of employment. N/A 05 Have you ever been disciplined by the WSBA or any other State Bar Association? Yes No 06 Have you ever been or are you currently under investigation? Yes No 07 The City and the Seattle City Attorney's Office have a commitment to ending institutional racism. xhmxlyz Describe a time you took action to further equity. Required Question