MUNICIPAL ATTORNEY

Kenyon Disend, PLLC; Issaquah (WA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Kenyon Disend, PLLC seeks an attorney with at least 5 years of legal experience, including municipal law. The role involves advising cities, drafting ordinances and contracts, and attending council meetings. The ideal candidate works well under deadlines and can manage multiple priorities while collaborating with a team.

The position is hybrid, with remote work flexibility and in-person duties at our Issaquah office, and requires presence at Western Washington city meetings as needed.

Qualifications

• 5 years of legal experience, including municipal law.
• Excellent analytical and writing skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a collaborative, remotely-based team.
• Member of the Washington State Bar and resident of the greater Seattle area, or willingness to relocate and obtain Washington Bar admission within a reasonable period of time.
• Strong academic and practice credentials.
• Ability to work full-time.

Responsibilities

• Advise elected officials and staff on municipal law matters.
• Research and analyze complex legal questions and draft ordinances, resolutions, contracts and policies.
• Attend city council meetings and provide guidance on public records, open government, land use, development, employment, and contracting.
• Collaborate with multiple attorneys and staff in a deadline-driven environment.
• Serve as city attorney for municipal clients as assigned.

Skills

Analytical skills

Writing skills

Collaborative work

Remote collaboration

Full-time capacity

Education

Strong academic credentials

Job description

Kenyon Disend, PLLC is seeking an attorney with at least 5 years of legal experience, including meaningful experience in municipal law. The firm has more than 30 years’ experience producing exceptional work product and providing a collaborative environment.

Our attorneys work closely with cities and other local public entities on the legal issues that matter most to their communities. The work is challenging and varied: advising elected officials and staff; researching and analyzing complex legal questions; drafting and reviewing ordinances, resolutions, contracts and policies; attending council meetings; and advising clients on issues including public records, open government, land use, development, employment, municipal finance, contracting, public safety, and other areas of municipal law.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in municipal law, excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills, and the ability to work efficiently and effectively in a deadline-driven environment. The position requires strong organizational skills, sound judgment, and the ability to independently manage significant and competing responsibilities while working collaboratively with multiple attorneys and staff. Experience in some but not all of the following areas is preferred, but not required:

• municipal or in-house city attorney work;
• litigation;
• land use;
• labor and employment law;
• the Open Public Meetings Act;
• the Public Records Act;
• public works contracting; and
• condemnation.

The selected candidate will likely serve as a city attorney for one of our municipal clients, depending on experience. The position will include regular interaction with city staff and elected officials and will require attendance at a minimum of two city council meetings each month.

This is a hybrid position, with time working remotely from home, from our Issaquah office, and from various city halls; the ability to attend in-person meetings in western Washington state is required.

Why Kenyon Disend?

Kenyon Disend has been providing municipal law services to Washington cities and public agencies since 1993. We are committed to providing exceptional legal services while fostering a professional, collaborative, and inclusive workplace. Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Kenyon Disend offers a competitive benefits package, including medical and dental insurance, a 401(k) plan, and paid time off. We prioritize a healthy work-life balance—with a substantially lower billable hours requirement than competitor law firms. Attorneys are also eligible for year-end bonuses based on individual and firm performance.

Great people make a great workplace. We are proud of our staff and the collegial, professional environment we have created. Our attorneys work collaboratively, share knowledge, and support one another. We take our work seriously—but we also value having people we enjoy working with.

Interesting legal work. Our practice is focused on municipal law, and our attorneys have the opportunity to work directly with public officials and municipal staff on a wide range of substantive and often complex legal issues. We value thoughtful legal analysis, excellent writing, and practical advice.

A convenient Issaquah location. Our office is conveniently located in Issaquah, providing easy access to communities throughout the Puget Sound region--no daily commute to Seattle!

Flexibility matters. We understand that attorneys prefer flexibility. This position offers remote work flexibility but still offers the collaborative environment important to our practice.

• 5 years of legal experience, including municipal law;
• Excellent analytical and writing skills;
• Ability to work effectively within a collaborative, remotely-based team;
• Member of the Washington State Bar and resident of the greater Seattle area, or willingness and ability to relocate and obtain Washington Bar admission within a reasonable period of time;
• Strong academic and practice credentials; and
• Ability to work full-time.