City Attorney

The Position

The City of Beaverton is seeking a City Attorney to direct and manage the City Attorney’s Office and serve as the chief legal advisor to the City and its Council, City Manager, City staff, and departments on a broad range of advanced and complex legal issues. The City Attorney is appointed by the City Council and serves with integrity and respect at all times. The City Attorney actively promotes the City’s organizational values, including diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and encourages a positive and supportive work environment that prioritizes a culture of collaboration and clear communication.

The City Attorney leads the activities and operations of the City Attorney’s Office and its three divisions: General Counsel, Prosecution, and Risk Management. The City Attorney develops and implements the office strategic plan, determines priorities, and collaborates with staff to establish annual work plans with identified goals, objectives, and measurable outcomes. The City Attorney provides proactive legal advice and representation to the City Council, City Manager, City staff, and all the City’s departments, agencies, boards, and commissions regarding a broad range of matters affecting the City’s policies and practices.

The new City Attorney is a strategic systems thinker who will quickly understand Beaverton's values and easily see the big picture and long-term vision for the City. The ideal candidate maintains an understanding of the issues affecting the Beaverton community and leverages that knowledge to provide sound legal advice. With unquestioned integrity and ethics, the City Attorney is considered a thought partner and works in the best interest of the City at all times.

The ideal candidate is apolitical yet politically astute, with a strong history of developing effective relationships with elected officials to provide expert legal advice and interpretation that ultimately advance City Council goals and initiatives. With a City first mentality, the City Attorney embraces collaboration and effortlessly partners with City leadership to identify solutions and provide legal advice and guidance in support of organizational goals. With a focus on customer service, the City Attorney partners with colleagues and legal staff to creatively solve problems while providing sound advice to complex local government problems. The City Attorney demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as a key organizational value and is committed to contributing to a culture that fosters belonging. They support a culture of accountability and actively promote the value of respect in a multicultural society.

The City Attorney is intellectually curious, has substantial local government law experience, and leverages that knowledge to anticipate issues, determine risk, identify solutions, and provide legal analysis. They embrace change and continuous improvement, challenge the status quo, and won’t shy away from complex legal issues. The City Attorney is a highly effective leader who employs a leadership style that invites participation, builds trust, and empowers staff.

Qualifications

A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible legal experience relevant to municipal law is required. Direct leadership experience managing attorneys and paraprofessional legal personnel is essential. A broad and diverse municipal government background with legal expertise in more than one area of law is required. Direct experience working in a large and/or complex agency with an elected body in the Council-Manager form of government is ideal. A strong budget and financial management background is essential. Knowledge of federal, state, and local civil and administrative law, including statutes, regulations, rules, and ordinances applicable to city operations, functions, and personnel, is required.

A Juris Doctor from a fully accredited law school is required. Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Oregon and be a member in good standing with the Oregon State Bar or licensed in a state with the ability to be admitted to the Oregon State Bar prior to start date. Oregon Criminal Justice Information Services security clearance must be obtained prior to the start date.

It is widely stated—and supported by studies—that candidates, especially women, are less likely to apply for a job unless they believe they meet 100% of the hiring criteria. The City’s talent acquisition goals include hiring the candidate who is best able to meet the performance objectives of the role. We, therefore, encourage persons with non-traditional skill sets and experiences to apply, even if you believe you do not meet 100% of the qualifications and hiring criteria described.  

Compensation and Benefits

The full salary range is $160,387 – $214,942 and will depend on the qualifications of the successful candidate. The City of Beaverton provides a generous benefits package. Learn more about our options and employee-based benefits here. 

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at jobs.crelate.com. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. Open until filled with first review of applications on Monday, October 21, 2024.