City Attorney

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City Attorney

Salary

$177,624.00 - $222,000.00 Annually

Location

City of Bellingham, WA

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

26-City Attorney

Department

Legal

Opening Date

03/30/2026

FLSA

Exempt

Bargaining Unit

Eteam

Description

Benefits

Nature of Work

Karras Consulting is assisting the City of Bellingham with this search. If you are interested in this position, submit a cover letter and a resume by visiting www.karrasconsulting.net and clicking on "view open positions."

The City Attorney will provide strategic leadership, direction and oversight to the City Attorney's Office and its employees. They will develop and implement programs and policies and support the City's goals to enhance organizational effectiveness, foster a positive work environment and contribute to the City's long-term successes and financial stability. The City Attorney serves as a member of the City's executive management team and will work collaboratively with the Executive Department, City Council and other City departments on strategy and policy to ensure that the City's mission and core values are incorporated into operational activities and services. They will coordinate and provide comprehensive professional municipal legal services for the City with a focus on option-based advice. The City Attorney will effectively engage and collaborate with community members; local, state, federal agencies; and tribal nations to ensure City government is effectively serving its community and partners.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

The annual salary range for this position is $177,624 - $222,000. Employees receive step increases biennially in accordance with the E-Team Handbook and City policy. T he City places new employees within the published salary range based on qualifications and professional experience in accordance with City policy.

At the City of Bellingham, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that helps you thrive in both your career and personal life. Join our team and enjoy peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are well cared for. Here's a closer look at the outstanding benefits that come with being part of our team. You can find more details on ou r employment benefits page (https://cob.org/gov/dept/hr/employee-benefits) and labor agreements page. (https://cob.org/about/employment/labor-agreements-pay-schedule)

20 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time

12 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday per year

40 hours of sick leave upon hire + 8 hours accrued monthly

Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families

Life insurance and long-term disability coverage

Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program

Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security

Optional 457 deferred compensation savings plan and 401(a) Retirement Savings Plan up to 3% with employer match

Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE and require employees to be in paid status at least 120 hours/month.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership: Serves as a member of the City's senior leadership team. Provides information and advice to the Mayor, City Council, and leadership team on strategic planning and accomplishment of City mission goals and objectives. Coordinates the Department's activities with those of other City departments and offices to ensure a consistent approach towards common projects and interests and the cost-effective delivery of services.

Legal Department Management: Plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates the work of the Legal Department, including providing legal counsel to the elected officials and City departments, prosecuting crimes and misdemeanors under municipal law, and overseeing the City's risk management and liability and property and insurance programs.

Legal Counsel: Directly or through staff, researches federal, state and local laws and regulations, and issues legal opinions and provides option based legal counsel to the elected and appointed officials of the City and to various City boards and commissions. Maintains close liaison with the Mayor, City Council, City departments, boards and commissions. Staffs or attends all regular City Council meetings, and committee meetings to provide legal guidance to elected officials.

Legal Documents: Drafts legal documents on behalf of the City, including ordinances, resolutions, code provisions, contracts, and other legal instruments. Approves as to form and content all City legal documents prior to execution by the Mayor or other approving authority. Oversees the preparation, maintenance, and updating of the City Municipal Code and related documents.

Litigation: Directly or through staff, brings legal action on behalf of the City. Defends the City, its officials and employees acting on behalf of the City, when charged with violation of law or regulation. Hires special (outside) legal counsel to provide special expertise or to handle exceptional legal workload.

City Prosecutor: Directly or through staff, prosecutes criminal violations before the Municipal Court. Works cooperatively with law enforcement agencies to deal with patterns of criminal activity and code violations. Recommends code provisions to address nuisance, disruptive, or criminal behavior in the City.

Risk Management: Oversees the City's risk management and loss liability programs. Recommends levels and @types of liability insurance coverage and procures necessary insurance protection; recommends and manages self-insured liability coverage and funds; and provides for efficient claims processing and management. Works with City departments to review liability risk situations and to manage and reduce City exposure to adverse claims. Develops accident review and claims risk assessment response programs.

Other Core Responsibilities: The City Attorney, directly or through staff, is also responsible for contributing to state and federal government relations and tribal relations initiatives; supporting effective communications, media relations and community engagement; organization-wide policy development, and sound fiscal and business management practices.

To learn more about the City of Bellingham and this position, please review the position profile and announcement. (https://karrasconsulting.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/KC-CityofBham-CityAttorney-0326.pdf)

Experience and Training

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college.

Juris Doctorate Degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.

Five years of combined legal experience as a city attorney, assistant city attorney, deputy prosecuting attorney, or other relevant law practice with at least two years of experience in municipal law.

Two years of demonstrated experience in a management position. Additional years of management experience are strongly preferred

Significant litigation and trial experience preferred.

Demonstrated creativity and innovation in programs and processes preferred.

Necessary Special Requirements

Not less than three years experience in legal practice in the State of Washington (City Charter Requirement).

Active membership in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association and current license to practice in the State of Washington.

Employment is contingent upon passing a criminal background check.

Verification of ability to work in the United States by date of hire.

Selection Process

If you are interested in this position, submit a cover letter and a resume by visiting www.karrasconsulting.net and clicking on "view open positions." If you have questions regarding this announcement, please call Marissa Karras at 360-956-1336. This position will remain open until filled, but the screening process will move quickly. In order to be considered for the first round of interviews, please submit your application materials at www.karrasconsulting.net no later than April 30, 2026.

The City of Bellingham is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not make decisions on the basis of an individual's race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, age (40+), disability, retaliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. All are encouraged to apply for employment

There are many good reasons for working at the City of Bellingham. The work is rewarding and you have an opportunity to serve your community. Another good reason is the great benefits that the City offers its employees. See our benefits section (https://www.cob.org/employment/pages/benefits.aspx) for additional information.

This position is unrepresented. Specific benefit information including Holidays, Vacation Accruals, Health, Dental and Vision Plans with cost sharing and Deferred Compensation Match can be found in the E-Team Handbook. (https://www.cob.org/employment/Pages/labor-agreements-pay-schedule.aspx)

This position is covered by the State of Washington Department of Retirement Systems PERS plan. PERS requires mandatory employee and City contributions. Please visit the DRS website (http://www.drs.wa.gov/) for more information on PERS.

Employer

City of Bellingham

Address

104 West Magnolia Street Bellingham, Washington, 98225

Phone

360-778-8228

Website

http://www.cob.org/employment

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