Assistant City Attorney| Civil Enforcement| Collections

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 Civil Enforcement Section has an exciting opportunity for an Assistant City Attorney to handle collection matters for damage done to City property, unpaid permit fees or utility use, and past-due debts. The work includes obtaining and enforcing judgments through litigation in King County Superior Court.

The selected attorney should expect a fast-paced practice and a lead role on cases. This position is supported by a collaborative team of attorneys in the Civil Enforcement Section and excellent support staff. The attorney will be responsible for all aspects of litigation including pre-filing advice, discovery, motions practice, trial/hearing and settlement negotiations.

In addition to providing a great opportunity for public service, the City Attorney's Office offers a generous benefits program that includes low-cost health benefits, life insurance, paid leave benefits, paid parental and family leave, and the opportunity to participate in a defined benefit retirement program.

Job Responsibilities

• Advise City departments and City officials on collection matters, including garnishments and bankruptcies. Tasks may require initiating litigation, filing claims in bankruptcy, receiverships and probates, and deciding when a debt is not collectible.
• Conduct legal research on a wide variety of topics, including statute of limitations, utilities, receiverships, bankruptcy, municipal law, and collections.
• Engage in all aspects of discovery, including interrogatories, requests for production, and depositions.
• Represent the City in court through motions practice, trials, and hearings.
• Draft and negotiate settlements and enforce previously executed settlement agreements.
• Collaborate with colleagues in the Civil Enforcement Section and in other sections in the City Attorney’s Office.
• Other responsibilities may be assigned.

Qualifications

To be successful in this role, the selected candidate will need the knowledge and skills gained by experience working as a collections attorney, including:

• Excellent research, writing, and communication skills.
• Minimum of three years of experience with debtor/creditor law and/or collections experience.
• Experience with drafting demand letters, initiating lawsuits, and obtaining and enforcing judgments.
• Knowledge of debt collection practices, including an understanding of governing federal and state laws (e.g., the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act – FDCPA), and knowledge of civil procedure, statutes of limitations, and different enforcement mechanisms.
• Working experience of receiverships, probate, foreclosures, and bankruptcy and how those may affect collections.
• Excellent attention to detail and great time management skills.
• Ability to assume a lead role on cases, manage a large caseload and litigation tasks independently, and negotiate favorably on behalf of the City.

This position requires membership in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association, or current licensure in another state with the ability to complete the process of obtaining Washington Bar membership within 2 months of the offer of employment.

Additional Information

Application Process – For your application to be accepted, you must:

• Complete the online City of Seattle Application
  • (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle)
• Include the following required attachments:
  • Cover Letter describing your interest in the position. (.pdf, .doc, or .docx format)
  • Resume detailing your relevant experience. (.pdf, .doc, or .docx format)
  • Provide a legal writing sample that is less than 10 pages and where you were the primary author. This can be an excerpt from a larger sample.

Applications accepted on an ongoing basis. This advertisement will be removed once the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply promptly for immediate consideration.

Application Submission Guidelines – 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 Law_HR@Seattle.gov 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 Race and Social Justice Initiative.

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. 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 https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.

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 LAW_HR@seattle.gov.

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.