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Job Description
Job Description Title:
City Attorney Location:
City of Sumner - City Hall, WA Salary $222,983.02 - $236,370.94 Annually Job Type Full-Time Permanent Flexible/Hybrid The City of Sumner is looking for an experienced, strategic, and community-minded attorney to serve as our next City Attorney. This is far more than a traditional legal role, you'll be a key member of the City's leadership team, helping shape policies, guide major decisions, protect public interests, and navigate the opportunities and challenges that come with a growing and vibrant community. We're looking for someone who can confidently move between the council chambers and the courtroom, provide practical legal advice to elected officials and staff, draft clear and effective ordinances, negotiate complex agreements, and help chart the City's future with a thoughtful legal perspective. The ideal candidate is a trusted advisor, collaborative problem-solver, skilled communicator, and strategic thinker who enjoys public service and isn't afraid to tackle a little bit of everything. If you thrive in a dynamic environment where no two days are the same, value building strong relationships, and want to make a meaningful impact on a community that is proud of its past and excited about its future, we'd love to meet you. This is a full-time Fair Labor Standards Act exempt position. Attendance at evening meetings is required, and the employee is subject to after-hours emergency contact. This position serves under an individual employment agreement and is not subject to Civil Service rules or protections.
General Purpose:
The City Attorney serves as the chief legal officer of the City and is responsible for planning, directing, and managing the provision of comprehensive legal services to the City. The City Attorney advises and represents the City Council, Mayor, City Administrator, departments, boards, commissions, and other City officials and employees on a broad range of municipal legal matters. Responsibilities include providing legal counsel regarding municipal governance, policy development, regulatory compliance, public records and open government requirements, labor and employment matters, contracts, land use and development, risk management, real property transactions, and other matters affecting the City's operations and interests. Under the general supervisory direction of the City Administrator, the City Attorney assumes responsibility for carrying out departmental operations in accordance with federal, state, and city laws and general city policy. Initiative and judgment are used in providing expert advice and policy recommendations to the City Administrator, City Council and Mayor. Work is reviewed through periodic reports on the status of programs and operations. The incumbent directs supervisory, professional, technical, and clerical staff, directly and indirectly. Education and Experience Graduation from law school with a Juris Doctorate degree, licensed to practice law in the State of Washington; and five (5) years of experience in the field of law with at least three (3) years municipal experience in criminal and/or civil matters, land use, labor law, transportation, general municipal law and administrative law; or a combination of education, experience, and training that indicates the ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position listed above.
Special Requirements:
Licensed to practice law in the State of Washington and a member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
Comprehensive municipal law, including torts, contracts, land use, utilities, labor law, public records, criminal law, constitutional law, government and administrative law, and municipal finance; Current literature, trends and developments in the field of municipal law; Courtroom procedures and techniques; Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
Skills:
Exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City personnel, outside agencies, and the general public; Guide, direct, and motivate employees; Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; and Effectively delegate duties and responsibilities.
Ability to:
Present legal arguments and opinions effectively and persuasively both in writing and verbally; Advise the City Council and staff on legal matters in a clear and concise manner; Conduct research on legal matters related to the administration of the City; Interpret and apply City policies, procedures, law and regulations relating to management activities; Use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to various situations; Resolve conflicts and gain cooperation among conflicting groups; Complete work and projects in a thorough and timely manner; Effectively train, supervise, and evaluate department personnel (directly or indirectly); Apply judgment and discretion in resolving problems and interpreting policies; Operate a personal computer with associated software and peripherals Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing and possess active listening skills; Maintain confidentiality of information; Establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with those contacted in the performance of work; Maintain regular, reliable and punctual attendance. Understand the City's political environment and sensitivities; Provide excellent customer service by using a friendly, professional, accurate and customer orientated approach to a wide variety of customers, including: business owners, government officials, general public and other staff. This would include in-person, written and oral communications; Contribute to achieving the City's Mission.
