Legal Assistant, Constitutional and Complex Litigation / Torts Section | Civil Division
Salary
$34.92 - $39.18 Hourly
Location
Columbia Center, 701 5th Avenue, Suite 2050 Seattle, WA
Job Type
Civil Service Exempt, Regular, Full-time
Remote Employment
Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number
2026-00728
Department
Law Department
Opening Date
05/26/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
Language Premium
No
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. The City Attorney's Office has vacancies for skilled legal assistants in two sections:
The Constitutional and Complex Litigation Section ("CCL") of the Seattle City Attorneys Office (CAO) and the Torts Section are looking for experienced legal assistants to join their teams. The CCL position will provide administrative support to litigation attorneys who represent the City in both State and Federal courts and advise City departments in matters relating to federal response, police action, affirmative litigation, public records, and a variety of other subjects. The Torts position will provide administrative support to litigation attorneys who represent the City in State and Federal court and advise City departments on matters related to personal injury, property damage, nuisance, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and a variety of other subjects.
Legal assistants are part of a dynamic team of problem solvers. The pace of work is generally deadline driven. The groups take a collaborative, team-oriented approach and seek to build effective and lasting relationships with City departments and their leadership. Legal assistants are critical of this professional philosophy and are valued members of our enthusiastic and experienced team. Legal assistants in the section are asked to think creatively and strategically.
Legal assistants apply their knowledge of legal terminology, legal and regulatory procedures, proper document formatting, electronic filing systems, and general office practices in their daily work. That work requires them to be highly skilled with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Outlook, and Excel. The City Attorney's Office heavily relies on electronic storage and filing. Legal assistants serve a critical role in these processes.
The CAO offers a generous benefits program that includes health benefits, life insurance, paid leave, paid parental and family leave, and the opportunity to participate in a defined-benefit retirement program.
Job Responsibilities
Duties include, but are not limited to:
The City Attorneys Offices use of electronic storage and filing is increasing. Legal assistants serve a crucial role in enabling this process and supporting attorneys and paralegals. The City Attorneys Office is committed to integrating the City of Seattles Race and Social Justice Initiative into both the work provided to clients as well as within the organization. The person hired to fill this role will need to be an active participant in these efforts.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Requires two years of post-secondary coursework in legal secretarial or business skills and one year of litigation support work demonstrating familiarity with legal forms, terminology, and documents (or a combination of education, training, and/or experience which provides evidence of the ability to perform the work of the class).
Desired Qualifications
The successful candidate will have demonstrated the ability to perform litigation support, including: effectively
The successful candidate will also have comprehensive knowledge of legal terminology, legal procedure, court calendaring practices, court e-filing programs, and court rules, as well as expertise in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and other applications.
Additional Information
Application Process - For your application to be accepted, you must:
Complete the online City of Seattle Application
Include the following required attachments (.pdf, .doc, or .docx format):
Cover Letter describing your interest in the position.
Resume detailing your relevant experience.
Application Submission Guidelines - All applicants must submit their applications by the closing date indicated in the job posting. Applicant inquiries received via email or on websites such as Indeed will not be considered unless the individual has applied for the position through the Government Jobs site. Note: The required documents listed in the "Application Process" section above must be attached to the application prior to the indicated job closing date to ensure consideration of the application. Please contact the Office of Human Resources at Law_HR@Seattle.gov on or before the closing date indicated above should you need assistance with the online application process.
Race and Social Justice Initiative - The City of Seattle recognizes that 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 - The full pay range for this step-progression position is $34.92 - $39.18 per hour. New employees begin at Step 1 of the pay progression, at $34.92 per hour. Current City employees starting rate of pay will be based on Personnel Rules regarding promotions. Advanced initial step placement may be considered under limited circumstances, but step salaries are not subject to negotiation.
Benefits - The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package, including vacation, 12 official holidays, 2 floating holidays, sick leave, and paid parental leave, as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees. Additional benefits include executive leave and eligibility for merit leave. City Attorney's Office employees also have the opportunity to participate in a defined benefits retirement program. More information about benefits is available at https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.
Workplace Environment - Currently, the Seattle City Attorneys 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.
Office Location: Columbia Center, 701 5th Avenue, Suite 2050, Seattle, WA 98104
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 Attorneys 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.
More information about employee benefits is available on the Citys website at:
"Most" Employees Plans - Human Resources | seattle.gov
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Did you include all required documents with your application? (Cover Letter and Resume)
02
Do you have two years of experience working with victimized children and their families, including direct case management or a combination of education, training, and experience that provides an equivalent background to perform this work?
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Do you have experience using state and federal e-filing systems?
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Are you applying to:
Required Question
Employer City of Seattle
Address Seattle Municipal Tower
700 5th Avenue, Suite 5500
Seattle, Washington, 98104
Website http://www.seattle.gov/jobs