Assistant City Attorney IV

ABOUT THE ROLE Under general direction from the City Attorney, the Assistant City Attorney IV provides specialized legal services, advice, and representation for all City departments. This role requires considerable experience, discretion, and independent judgment to analyze complex legal issues, assist in policy and procedure development, and develop expertise in specific areas of municipal law such as litigation/tort defense, land use/real estate, public utilities, or police legal advising. The position works directly with elected officials, department heads, city boards, commissions, and outside agencies. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Engage in a broad range of legal representation for all City departments, officials, and employees. - Draft ordinances, regulations, contracts, proposals for state legislation, and other legal documents. - Draft, review, and assist in the administration of City contracts and procurement. - Conduct legal research and provide oral and written opinions on major substantive, procedural, and administrative issues. - Attend meetings of City Council boards and commissions as a legal advisor to City officials. - Prepare and conduct major litigation before federal, state, and local courts, and administrative agencies. - Negotiate and recommend settlement of claims filed against the City. - Analyze changes in state and federal laws and court decisions to provide compliance guidance to City departments. - Provide legal assistance and guidance to other attorneys within a specific area of expertise. - Participate as an active member in various City administrative and management projects. - Supervise junior attorneys and support staff in specific projects or areas of expertise as needed. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Juris doctor or equivalent degree. - Membership and admission to the Washington State Bar Association. - Ten years of experience in the practice of law. - Ability to make difficult and complex decisions quickly. - Ability to express legal concepts in clear and concise language for City Council, Mayor, officials, staff, and the general public. - Knowledge of municipal law and City government practices and procedures. - Ability to organize and manage own work and supervise support staff and junior attorneys. - Ability to foster and maintain effective professional relationships with City officials, staff, colleagues, and the public. - Ability to exercise good moral character and integrity in professional responsibilities. - Ability to prepare legal analyses, analyze complex problems, and implement solutions. - Ability to present matters clearly and persuasively before public bodies, arbitrators, and management or employee groups. - Effective oral and written communication skills. - Proficiency in the use of computers and software necessary to perform the duties of the position. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Subject to the City’s Code of Ethics (Chapter 1.04A of the Spokane Municipal Code), requiring the highest standards of ethics, responsibility, trustworthiness, integrity, truthfulness, honesty, and fairness, and avoiding any impropriety or use of City position for personal gain. - Work is conducted primarily in an office setting but involves frequent attendance at meetings, irregular hours, and potentially out-of-town travel. - Requires verbal communication in person and by telephone, as well as repetitive arm-hand movements for computer use. SELECTION PROCESS - Applications will be reviewed as they are received. - This position will remain open until filled. HOW TO APPLY - Submit an application through the official City of Spokane employment portal. - Closing Date: Continuous. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Job Number: 2026-00334 - Department: Legal - Location: City Hall, 4th Floor, 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd., Spokane, WA 99201 - Job Type: Exempt - Employer: City of Spokane