Salary Range

5,085.50 - 6,880.50

Job Summary

As one of the fastest growing cities in the Pacific Northwest, Vancouver is building a city of the future through innovation, sustainable development, great leadership and working with an engaged community. Our growth is guided by our core values of livability, sustainability and resiliency, innovation, and equity and inclusion, and we accomplish our work through collaboration, innovation, compassion and empowerment.

We’re currently recruiting for an Assistant City Attorney 2. The primary responsibilities for the job are to prosecute misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors in District Court and handle appeals in superior court and the court of appeals. Provide legal advice to city departments. Conduct legal research and staff specialty courts.

This is a half-time (0.5 FTE), regular, exempt position.

At this time, this position is eligible for telework or hybrid schedule. As with all routine telework positions, employees may be required to come into the office on occasion based on business needs. Telework may be subject to change at a future time. Currently, all employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; the City cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.

2025 salary range $52,097 - $78,144/annually, $4,341 - $6,512/monthly (0.5 FTE)

A cover letter and resume is required.

Open until filled. First review of applications on Friday, December 27, 2024.

Job Details

Essential Functions:

• Represent the City by prosecuting various criminal offenses, municipal code violations and probation violations. Prepare pre-trial motions and jury instructions; prepare for and defend against motions to limit evidence or suppress evidence; initiate or respond to appeals, writs of review; write briefs and oral arguments.  Conduct jury and bench trials.
• Conduct plea negotiations with defense attorneys and pro se defendants.
• Coordinate investigation efforts with Vancouver Police and cultivation of partnerships with social service programs and law enforcement and provide training and advice to the Vancouver Police Department.
• Review reports and conduct legal research.
• Review police reports and make charging decisions on criminal cases.
• Locate and interview witnesses.
• Act as internal counsel in advising City officials on the development and interpretation of municipal policy and actions related to the domestic violence unit, various legal specialties, and applicable areas as assigned.
• Represent the City in therapeutic courts (Veteran’s Court, Substance Abuse Court, Mental Health Court.)  Staff cases for admission, sanctions, termination and graduation.  Exercise veto power over admissibility when appropriate.  Ensure court follows a best practices model.
• Seek restitution for crime victims.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Experience and Education

Experience: 

Two (2) years of relevant criminal law experience as an attorney.  Prosecution experience preferred.

Education: 

Equivalent to a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.

Computer Skills

Intermediate skills in Microsoft Outlook and Word.

Proficiency in using online legal research services, preferably Lexis

Required Licenses and/or Certifications

License and membership in good standing in the Washington State Bar Association.

Knowledge

• Legal Principles and their application within area of assignment, including but not limited to criminal law and criminal procedure
• Methods, procedures, and practices used in the preparation of legal instruments
• Judicial procedures and rules of evidence
• Precedents applicable to criminal prosecution and all other assigned legal specialties
• Organization, powers and limitations of municipalities
• Operational characteristics, services and activities of a municipal law program

• Pertinent federal, state and local laws that pertain to: area of assignment
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment
• Use of personal computers and basic software

Abilities

• Perform the complete range of criminal prosecution legal work and present cases before any court within the state
• Analyze legal problems and apply legal principles and practices
• Present facts, arguments and laws clearly and logically in written and oral form
• Conduct legal research
• Draft ordinances, contracts and other legal instruments, including pleadings and briefs
• Represent the City in various civil and criminal proceedings
• Prepare sound legal opinions

• Operate a personal computer and appropriate software
• Work in a manner consistent with the City of Vancouver’s Operating Principles
• Work and act as a team player in all interactions with other City employees
• Provide a high level of customer service at all times
• Project and maintain a positive image with those contacted in the course of work
• Develop and maintain collaborative and respectful working relationships with team members and others
• Consistently provide quality service
• Maintain regular and dependable attendance

This position is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment reference check, a basic criminal background check, a driving abstract and fingerprint check. 

Job Posting End Date

Open Until Filled