Some of what you'll be doing:
As a Senior Port Counsel, you will have the opportunity to make a positive, immediate, and lasting impact by providing high quality legal services with a focus on construction contracts and related litigation. You will be joining a team of talented professionals in the Legal Department who work collaboratively to support the Port in carrying out its business and meeting its strategic goals. This role includes advising and representing clients at all levels of the organization and overseeing litigation.
You will provide comprehensive legal support for all aspects of the Port's approximately $4.4 billion, five-year capital construction program.
You will draft and review public works contracts using design/bid/build, design/build, progressive design/build, job order contracting (JOC), and general contractor/construction manager (GC/CM) delivery methods.
You will provide legal advice to construction management, procurement, engineering, and project management teams throughout procurement, bid protests, construction, claims resolution, and contract closeout.
You will retain and manage outside counsel to represent the Port in construction litigation, which may include claims against the Port or counterclaims by the Port in tens or hundreds of millions of dollars.
You will advise executives and commissioners on construction claims, construction litigation, and other legal matters, and will assist them in making strategic decisions.
You will draft, review and negotiate P3 agreements, including complex tenant reimbursement construction and funding agreements for major capital improvements built by airport tenants and funded as a whole or in part by the Port.
You will advise the Port's Diversity in Contracting and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) groups on their programs, and the Port's Labor Relations group on construction-related labor matters, including project labor agreements.
You will draft, review, and negotiate a wide variety of non-construction contracts, grants, procurements, and utility franchise agreements.
You will provide legal advice and support on airport ground transportation issues, including the Port's transportation management association that aims to, among other things, reduce airport congestion and vehicle-related pollution, airport taxi and transportation network company operations, and parking-related issues.
You will advise on intellectual property (including trademarks and copyrights), the Port's art program, tax, general municipal law (such as public records, open public meetings, interlocal agreements, gifts of public funds), and a broad range of other federal, state, and Port-specific legal issues.
You will be assigned additional or different duties or practice areas by the General Counsel as needed.
Who you are:
Experienced - You have five (5) years of experience in government, nonprofit, law firm or in-house legal practice in the designated areas of responsibility. You are admitted to practice by the Washington State Bar Association.
Desired - We hope you have eight (8) years of experience advising and representing clients on all aspects of large public works projects and some or all of the other described areas of responsibility, and that you have a Juris Doctorate.
Committed to Equity - You will apply equity and exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices in all aspects of the work. At the Port of Seattle, equity is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all Port employees.
Problem Solver - You are a highly skilled critical thinker who uses sound judgement with factual and legal support to advise clients and achieve the Port's policy and business goals. You can collaborate with colleagues, clients and opposing counsel to craft solutions and solve problems.
Effective Communicator - You have strong verbal, written, and listening skills, can clearly communicate complex information to diverse audiences, build effective professional relationships, and use tact and diplomacy in sensitive situations.
Highly Organized - You have advanced organizational skills with attention to detail and high level of accuracy. You can multi-task and handle many requests and questions regarding multiple subjects at once. You also have strong time management skills and the ability to plan, schedule, and coordinate resources to get work done accurately and efficiently.
Curious - You are interested in learning new subject matter and taking on responsibilities and projects outside of your areas of expertise.
Business/Political Acumen - You have a keen sense of the political realities and look at the bigger picture of a situation, weigh it carefully, and provide sound recommendations that are in the best interests of the organization.
What else you need to know:
Work Schedule - Your normal work schedule will be Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (40 hours per week). Slightly more flexible start and end times are available in this role. At times, you may need to work earlier or later hours or on weekends in order to effectively manage workload.
Work Environment - This work will take place in a hybrid/in-office setting at Management's discretion.
Washington State Residency Requirement - Employees must establish a residence in Washington state within 30 days of their first day of employment and must maintain a residence in Washington State during their employment with the Port of Seattle. If a position is eligible to telework, work performed while teleworking must be performed in Washington State.
Why you'll love it here:
The Port of Seattle offers an extensive benefits package that rewards our staff for their valuable contributions towards the Port's mission. In addition to the summary below, benefit details for non-represented positions can be found on the Port of Seattle's website. If the position is represented by a union, please refer to the " Collective Bargaining Agreement " or contact the appropriate Union Representative for specific information related to benefits and eligibility.
Healthcare - Medical, Dental, and Vision Care with options that work for you and your family.
Paid Vacation - Just about four weeks per year that increases with tenure to rest and rejuvenate.
Paid Sick Leave - At least one hour of sick leave for every 40 hours worked.
Holidays - More than ten days per year to celebrate with family and friends away from work.
Pension/Retirement Plans - A pension and additional savings plans to prepare for your future after the Port.
Getting to Work - From subsidized parking and a low-cost public transit card to alternative work arrangements giving you an opportunity to work hybrid.
Parental Leave - Six weeks of paid leave to spend with new additions to your immediate family.
Development - From tuition reimbursement, training, stretch assignments and internal internships, we support a learning culture.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - The Port of Seattle values diversity as a source of innovation and strength. We are actively working across the organization to create a culture where all employees - regardless of race, gender, and other identities - succeed and reach their fullest potential.
Work-Life Balance - We provide the resources to help you create habits to be healthy and balanced.
Mission Driven - We are focused together in promoting economic opportunities and quality of life in the region by advancing trade, travel, commerce, and job creation in an equitable, accountable, and environmentally responsible manner.
Why the Port of Seattle:
Every role at the Port of Seattle is vital to our thriving community. We are a leader in moving people and cargo across the country and around the world. With facilities and property ranging in scope from a half-acre park to one of the largest airports and container terminals on the West Coast, we maximize the public assets in our portfolio with an eye toward best uses and environmental sustainability. Find out more here .
Our vision is to create a Port that mirrors - throughout its breadth of operations and services and within its leadership - the diversity of our communities, instill principles of equity into its culture, and ensures a fair and intentional distribution of opportunities to expand economic develop and quality of life for all in our region. Find out more about how our values RAISE us up and our commitment to equity .
Location: Downtown Seattle
Organization: Attorney Services
Employee Status: Regular
Schedule: Full-time
Posting Expires: Feb 9, 2026, 11:59:00 PM
Minimum Salary: 190,784.00
Midpoint Salary: 258,119.00
Req ID: 003899
The Port of Seattle is an equal opportunity employer that values diverse perspectives and life experiences. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, knowing decisions concerning the employment relationship will be made without regard to age, race, ethnicity, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, citizenship status, veteran status, the presence of any physical or mental disability, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law, regulations and ordinances. To help comply with all state and federal requirements, we appreciate you voluntarily answering the questions below. The information on this form will be kept confidential. Click https://www.portseattle.org/page/ethnicity-definitions for definitions and descriptions of the categories referenced below regarding Ethnicity and Race. Click https://www.portseattle.org/page/vevraa-information for information and definitions of the categories referenced below regarding Protected Veterans status.
