Assistant City Attorney II

With a fabulous waterfront, vibrant downtown, great parks, neighborhoods and public spaces, a commitment to smart growth, excellent service delivery and community engagement, Vancouver, Washington is all grown up, and we need excellent talent to keep us going (and growing) strong! If who we are speaks to you, and if you're the type of person who is interested in joining a team that is committed to carrying out their duties through means that are just, equitable, and consistent with nationally recognized standards and best practices then the City of Vancouver may be for you.

We're currently recruiting for an Assistant City Attorney II. 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 and conduct legal research and staff specialty courts. This is a full-time, regular, exempt position. The schedule for this position is M-F, 8am to 5pm.

A cover letter and resume are required; applications submitted without both will not be considered. This position is contingent on City Council approval, as part of the 2026 - First Supplemental Budget. Open until filled. First review - April 15, 2026.

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:

• Two (2) years of relevant criminal law experience as an attorney. Prosecution experience preferred.
• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Outlook and Word.
• Proficiency in using online legal research services, preferably Lexis
• Possession of 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

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
• Demonstrate a commitment to valuing differences among people and to being inclusive.
• Show the utmost respect for others, and act as a team player.
• Promote safety as a guiding principle and a regular practice in accomplishing work by focusing on safe practices and complying with safety and health policies and procedures.
• Recognize unsafe conditions which may be hazardous to an employee or to the public.
• Works in safe and responsible manner; not putting self or others at risk. Complies with applicable policies and procedures including but not limited to using personal protective equipment, observing warning signs, learning about potential hazards, and reporting all unsafe conditions.

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

The City of Vancouver is committed to advancing equity and creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We recognize that progress depends on more than just a verbal commitment; it depends on making meaningful organizational change. We developed and continue to develop strategies to enhance employee-centered programs, eliminate recruitment and advancement barriers, elevate employee understanding of DEI and cultural competency and build an inclusive and welcoming place to call work. We hope you'll consider joining us on the journey!

Safety: The City of Vancouver believes every employee plays a role in maintaining a safe workplace. The City of Vancouver promotes safety as a guiding principle and practice and accomplishes work by creating safe work environments, complying with safety and health policies and procedures and consistently seeking improvements that support operational excellence.

Diversity and Inclusion: At the City of Vancouver, we value and foster a workplace comprised of people with a range of different backgrounds, experiences and cultures. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is key to innovation, effectiveness and a positive culture. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Vancouver is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability sexual orientation or gender identity. Employment decisions will be made to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal and local laws. We affirm through this policy statement our continuing commitment to the principles of equity and nondiscrimination.

Veterans' Preference: Under Washington law, qualified veterans may be eligible for Veterans' preference when applying for City of Vancouver positions. Honorably discharged Veterans, their surviving spouses or spouses of honorably discharged Veterans with a permanent and total service-connected disability who would like to be considered for a Veterans' preference for this job should provide the qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

ADA Accommodation: Accommodations will be considered for applicants or candidates with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Accommodations will be made where the City can reasonably provide them without imposing an undue hardship on the business or compromising the integrity of the recruitment process. An applicant with any disability who believes that they need an accommodation should contact Human Resources: call 360-487-8417 or email hrfront1@cityofvancouver.us