Description

The City of Puyallup is seeking an experienced and self-motivated Associate City Attorney to join its prosecution team.  The team has three attorneys and one paralegal, supervised by the Deputy City Attorney.  This is an open continuous job posting and applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to receive priority consideration. 

It is impactful to join Team Puyallup and provide meaningful work in support of public service and the wellbeing of our community. We value our culture of demonstrating excellence in our work, being service focused, supporting collaboration, and having integrity in all that we do. We encourage those that share these values to apply to our open positions and/or forward to colleagues who may be ready for their next career advancement opportunity.

The successful candidate will represent the City in criminal misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor cases filed in Puyallup Municipal Court. The person in this position is expected to exercise sound professional judgment and conduct throughout the performance of his or her duties.

The in-house City Attorney manages the City’s legal affairs. The Prosecution team is comprised of a lead prosecutor, two prosecuting attorneys, two support staff, one part time Rule 9 intern, and one Domestic Violence Victim’s Advocate. Police services for the City are provided by the Puyallup Police Department, a 98 member agency.

The City’s Municipal Court is located in at 929 E. Main, Puyallup, WA.  The Court has one full-time elected Judge and it’s own probation department.  Court is held every day between the hours of 8:30 am and 5:00 pm.  The Court uses the online court document system OCourts for all pleas and court documents.  Presently most calendars are held in person, with two pre-trial calendars being held by ZOOM each week.  

Essential Functions

• This Associate City Attorney position is responsible for the prosecution of violations of the City's criminal and civil codes; 
• Such duties include, but are not limited to, reviewing cases, preparing cases for filing, contacting witnesses, preparing documents to be filed in court, preparing cases for trial, trying cases in municipal court, and briefing and arguing appeals before the superior court, courts of appeal, and various administrative bodies; 
• This position also advises the Police Department regarding criminal matters; 
• The Associate City Attorney, on a limited basis, may perform some duties relating to civil legal services and may be required to attend City Council meetings and meetings of other administrative bodies; 
• Operates computers utilizing a variety of software programs, including word processing, database and spreadsheet applications, to produce documents with clearly organized thoughts using proper sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar; 
• Establishes and maintains positive, effective working relationships with those contacted in the performance of work; 
• Maintains confidentiality of sensitive and confidential materials; 
• Maintains regular, reliable and punctual attendance; and 
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices and procedures of criminal law; 
• Case preparation and litigation techniques; 
• Municipal government structure, operations, jurisdiction and issues; 
• Organization and analysis of case facts and legal precedents; 
• Federal, state and local jurisdictional aspects of criminal justice system; and 
• Legal research methodology.

Ability to:

• Provide advisory, litigation and administrative support services to City departments; 
• Perform comprehensive legal research on matters impacting City operations; 
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; 
• Work independently with little direction; 
• Prepare and review legal opinions, contracts, ordinances, resolutions and other legal documents; 
• Establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with those contacted in the performance of work; and 
• Maintain regular, reliable and punctual attendance.

Education and Experience:

• Graduation from an accredited school of law with a Juris Doctorate or equivalent degree; or a combination of education, experience, and training that indicates the ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position listed above. 
• Trial experience in civil or criminal law preferred. 
• Experience in municipal law or general work in the government sector preferred.

Special Qualifications: 

• Licensed to practice law in the State of Washington and a member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association. 
• Possession of or the ability to obtain, and maintain throughout employment, a valid Washington State driver's license.

Physical Characteristics and Work Environment

Constant use of sight, hearing, and speech abilities to perform essential functions and  communicate with others.  Constant fine finger manipulation and use of hands and arms in reaching/handling/fingering/grasping while operating office equipment and computers, preparing written documentation, handling paperwork, etc.  Frequent sitting, may be extended at times, while doing desk activities.  Frequent bending/twisting at waist/knees/neck while working at desk, worktable, or moving from sitting to standing position.  Frequent standing in combination with walking (short distances) throughout work shift in office and court areas.  Occasional lifting/carrying up to 25?pound documents, materials, file boxes, etc.  Occasional pushing/pulling force up to 10 pounds opening doors, drawers, and moving materials.  Requires mental acuity to ensure thorough mental analysis of situations in a fast-paced environment. Works indoors in a climate-controlled office environment with low noise levels. 
 
SELECTION PROCESS
Applicants are encouraged to attach a cover letter describing your interest in the position and your relevant experience, a resume, and a writing sample.