Paralegal - Legislation Editor | Government Affairs | Civil Division

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.

A Legislation Editor is employed by the City Attorney's Office to work with all City departments to improve the technical quality of proposed legislation submitted to the Seattle City Council. A Legislation Editor identifies and resolves technical issues in proposed legislation, such as:

• Ensuring legislation conforms to the City’s Legislation and Code Drafting Manual.
• Ensuring accurate and complete text of existing Seattle Municipal Code language in ordinances, citations to other laws, and department and fund names.
• Flagging, for review by an Assistant City Attorney, adequacy of ordinance titles, appropriateness of severability and ratify-and-confirm clauses, and special effective date provisions.

Job Responsibilities

• Working directly with departments early in the drafting process and reviewing all proposed legislation before it is transmitted to the appropriate Assistant City Attorney for review of legal issues, and again before it is transmitted to the City Council.
• Developing and assisting in conducting training for City departments on a wide variety of issues related to preparing and submitting proposed legislation.
• Performing other related job duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:
A bachelor's degree and two years of experience performing paralegal duties, or a certification from a nationally accredited paralegal training institution and three years of related experience, or a combination of education, training, and experience that provides an equivalent background required to perform the work.

Desired Qualifications:
The most successful candidate will possess the following skills and abilities:

• Excellent proofreading, research, writing, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to provide timely review with great attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others.
• Ability to develop and conduct training sessions, including preparing written and other training materials.
• Ability to represent the City Attorney's Office in a professional and ethical manner at all times, and to demonstrate professionalism in all interactions with City officials, staff, and outside contacts.
• Experience preparing and reviewing proposed legislation.
• Excellent judgment, ability to take initiative and work independently, and self-motivation.
• Ability to analyze big-picture issues and contribute to team strategy discussions.
  • Ability to take direction from multiple people with different priorities and excellent ability to follow up on all tasks.
• Exceptional software skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Prior experience working in a legislative setting.

Additional Information

Additional Information

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

• Complete the online City Application.
• Attach a cover letter including the reasons for your interest in the position and outlining your relevant experience. Include a paragraph or two explaining how your experience illustrates your abilities to (a) work on City legislation, (b) work with staff from a couple of dozen diverse City departments and offices, and (c) develop and conduct training.
• Attach a resume detailing your relevant experience.
• Attach a writing sample.

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.

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 full 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. Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.

Compensation and Benefits – This position is part of a stepped salary program with an initial Step 1 placement ($39.22/hour). Advanced initial step placement may be considered under limited circumstances, but step salaries are not subject to negotiation. Full Salary Range: $39.22 - $45.71/hr.

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 – The Seattle City Attorney’s Office has implemented an Alternative Work Arrangements Policy. Employees will have the option to work a hybrid schedule (2 days in office, 3 days remote). This is subject to change as circumstances and business needs dictate.

Background Check Requirements (Excluding Civil positions) – All positions are security sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the verification of credentials and/or other information required by the municipal corporation’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Who may apply – This position is open to all candidates that 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, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy. The Seattle City Attorney's Office encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

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.