This position is a full-time, in-house consulting attorney position. MRSC’s legal consultants provide general guidance and training to local government staff and officials throughout Washington State on a wide range of issues, including the Public Records Act, Open Public Meetings Act, roles and responsibilities of elected and appointed officials, ethics and conflict of interest, personnel, legality of use of public funds, land use, and procurement and public works. The Legal Consultant is part of our 7-member legal team and reports to the Managing Attorney. 

This position offers the opportunity to assist local governments in addressing a diverse array of legal issues. While being able to handle a broad range of municipal law topics, the candidate should also enjoy cultivating a deeper expertise in a specific area of law currently presenting challenges for local governments. Candidates with experience as local government legal counsel in Washington State are strongly encouraged to apply. Candidates must be members in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association.

This position has the option of up to 100% remote work from a home office within Washington State with the exception of occasional travel for quarterly all-staff meetings & team-building events in the Seattle-Tacoma region and in-person training presentations within Washington State. 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

• Consult on legal questions from elected officials and staff from cities, counties, and special purpose districts throughout Washington State.

• Regularly create content for MRSC’s website, publications, and other resources.

• Write short blog posts about pertinent legal topics every 6-7 weeks.

• Conduct trainings for and give presentations to attorneys, elected officials, and local government staff on various municipal law issues.

• Work on special projects as needed.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience providing direct legal counsel to cities, counties, and/or special purpose districts in Washington State. Applicants without direct legal counsel experience will be considered if they have outstanding qualifications.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to explain complicated legal concepts to elected officials and non-attorneys.

• Motivation to actively identify and tackle challenges through proactive research and problem-solving.

• Excellent customer service skills; enjoys working with a wide variety of local government employees and elected officials.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS. The salary range is $103,900 to $146,500 with the starting salary up to the mid-point of the range depending on qualifications and experience. In addition to a rewarding work environment, MRSC offers excellent benefits including:  

• Tax Sheltered Annuity (TSA) retirement savings plan with an MRSC contribution of 7.5% of gross earnings 

• 100% Medical premium for enrolled employees, 50% for spouse/domestic partner, and 80% for qualified dependents

• 100% Dental and vision premium for enrolled employees and dependents

• Optional flexible spending account 

• ORCA Card transit pass

• Learning and development support 

• Paid vacation and sick leave

• 11 paid state holidays plus 2 floating holidays  

• Wellness program incentive  

• Home internet reimbursement ($25 per month)

• $600 Home office setup allowance

ABOUT MRSC. MRSC is a private nonprofit organization devoted to empowering local governments in Washington State to better serve their communities. We support effective local government through trusted consultation, research, training, and collaboration. We have an outstanding reputation for providing reliable, non-partisan, trustworthy advice and information. We answer questions, collaborate with partner organizations, convene stakeholders, and disseminate information on featured practices and emerging issues. Learn more at mrsc.org. 

MRSC’s TEAM. Our 28-person team includes attorneys, policy and finance experts, professionals with experience in local government planning and contracting/procurement, communications specialists, program and accounting administrators, and information technology staff. We work in a team-oriented, collaborative basis. MRSC’s Guiding Values and Principles.

INCLUSION. Our mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of individuals of diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. We encourage applicants from all cultures, races, color, ancestry, national origin, religion or religious creed, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship, caste, or other characteristics protected by state or federal law or local ordinance.

TO APPLY. Please submit a letter of interest and resume to Flannary Collins, Managing Attorney, fcollins@mrsc.org. This position is open until filled. To be considered for the first review, submit application materials by February 20, 2024 at 5:00 PM.

MRSC is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Jon Rose, Finance and Administration Manager at jrose@mrsc.org or 206-625-1300 x123.