Legal Affairs Manager (Manager 3)

Join us in shaping Seattles streets!

At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) we dont just move peoplewe connect communities build safer streets and create a more sustainable city.

With a bold vision for the future were tackling big challenges: making travel safer cutting carbon emissions and ensuring reliable affordable transportation for everyoneno matter who they are or where they live.

Seattle is growing fast and were growing with it. Thanks to a historic voter-approved $1.55 billion investment in transportation in 2024 were building sidewalks fixing bridges and improving transit connections to keep our city moving.

Were a team of problem solvers planners engineers communicators and field crewsbringing purpose-driven work to life. Now we need passionate innovative talent like you. Lets build a Seattle that works for everyonetogether!

Were looking for a thoughtful collaborative leader to guide our Legal Affairs team and help shape how SDOT engages with the law in service of Seattles this role youll work across the entire organization and partner closely with colleagues in other City departmentsincluding the Seattle City Attorneys Officeto build strong trusted relationships that support sound decision-making.

As the Legal Affairs Manager (Manager 3) you will design implement and continuously improve internal processes and programs that help our teams navigate complex legal and risk issues with clarity and confidence. Youll play a key role in helping staff across the department understand and engage with these programs making legal concepts approachable and actionable.

Youll also bring people together. This position regularly assembles and participates in cross-departmental matrixed teams offering opportunities to collaborate with talented professionals across City government. Were seeking someone who enjoys guiding a maturing program identifying opportunities to evolve our work and inspiring others along the way.

In this role youll serve as a trusted leader and advisor to SDOT executives and staff offering grounded practical counsel on issues where law public policy and transportation meet. Youll be SDOTs internal subject matter expert on relevant case law codes ordinances and regulations. You also regularly consult with the City Attorneys Office to confirm key legal advice and analysis as neededhelping ensure our decisions are both legally sound and aligned with the values we uphold as a public agency.

Team Leadership

• Manage a team of seven (7) subject matter experts across three key legal areas:

Tort law and civil procedure (including discovery)
Public disclosure
Real property transactions and management

• Coordinate and analyze SDOTs public disclosure records preservation and claims and litigation team bodies of work.
• Provide guidance and legal insight in administrative municipal data privacy constitutional contract and federal grant law.

Claims and Litigation

• Oversee the departments claims and litigation portfolio with a primary focus on tort matters.
• Communicate and guide best practices for SDOTs risk management policy and loss prevention efforts.
• Support and regularly consult with the City Attorneys Office which litigates cases for SDOT.
• Advise executive leadership on litigation strategies and settlement considerations.
• Serve as the departments client representative to the City Attorneys Office and outside counsel during mediation and arbitration.

Public Disclosure

• Lead the departments Public Disclosure and Records Retention Program in alignment with City policies and the Washington State Public Records Act.

Real Estate and Property Management

• Manage SDOTs jurisdictional properties that are not used for right-of-way purposes.
• Research original acquisition funding sources and evaluate implications for surplus sale or property acquisition.
• Develop communicate and implement strategies for disposing of excess properties in ways that support Citywide goals.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education:

• Juris Doctor degree and current Washington State Bar admission or the ability to be admitted within three (3) months of hiring.

Experience:

• Seven (7) years of professional experience as a licensed attorney including experience managing a team of support staff.

OR:An equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the position duties.

Though not requirements strong candidates will have some of the following experience or are able to describe comparable experience:

• Strong public speaking and presenting experience; able to digest and report complex legal concepts to a nonlegal audience in simple business-focused language to a variety of internal and external audiences.
• Three (3) years of project management experience for large complex business process improvement projects.
• Three (3) years of experience in strategic planning policy analysis and development for senior management and/or elected officials staff.
• Three (3) years of experience negotiating complex agreements with local state and federal agencies.
• Knowledge of land use and zoning regulations.
• Experience with the surplus sale management or acquisition of real property on behalf of federal state or local governmental or quasi-governmental agencies.
• Experience with right-of-way ownership and title.
• Ability to effectively work in a multi-cultural workplace with a diverse customer base.

Other Requirements:
Work Environment:

• Work is typically performed in a hybrid work environment in which a minimum of 3 days of work is completed in a City office and up to 2 days of work is completed remotely in a regular 40-hour work week.
• May require current licensure by the Washington State Bar Association or the ability to become licensed with 6 months of hire.
• Current Washington State drivers license or evidence of equivalent mobility.

Your application will not be reviewed if these items are missing or incomplete.

Hiring Process
Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. Qualified candidates must submit the following to be considered:

1. Completed NEOGOV online application.
2. Supplemental questionnaire responses
3. Cover letter describing how your skills and experience align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications.
4. Current résumé indicating relevant experience and education.

Offers of employment are contingent on verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process including professional work and education verifications.

This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattles Fair Chance Employment Ordinance SMC 14.17. Applicants will be provided with an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The Citys full salary range for this position is$61.90 - $92.84 hourly.

For more information regarding this recruitment please contact: Ryan Jonesat.

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: May Apply:This position is open to all candidates that 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 marital status disability religious or political affiliation age sexual orientation or gender identity. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply including people of color immigrants refugees women LGBTQ people people with disabilities veterans and those with diverse life experiences.

Accommodations for people with disabilities are provided on request.

The City is a Drug Free Workplace.