Assistant General Counsel

The Office of Police Accountability (OPA) is the independent, civilian-led internal affairs arm of the Seattle Police Department. The Office of Police Accountability (OPA) has an opportunity for an Assistant General Counsel. This role supports OPA as a key advisor to the Director, General Counsel and other OPA leadership as appropriate. This role is primarily responsible for drafting Director Certification Memos for the General Counsel and Director to review. In addition, this role will provide legal analysis on policies and recommendations, as well as supervising the public disclosure officers and requests. This role will be supervised by the General Counsel.

Position Responsibilities:
• Draft written summaries of administrative misconduct investigations consistent with law, policy, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.
• Conduct legal research on issues related to investigations, police practices, and Seattle Police Department (SPD) policies and training.
• Advise OPA’s Director and leadership team on legal issues related to investigations, agency findings, and operations as affected by local, state, and federal laws, and contractual agreements.
• Conduct legal research, write guidance, and conduct agency training on legal issues related to police accountability, investigations, police practices, and SPD policies.
• Support OPA’s public affairs efforts by advising on content for external communications.
• Support OPA’s policy work through reviewing draft bills/legislation at the local and state level for potential system impacts and guide OPA leadership on how to respond.
• As needed, conduct presentations for external audiences such as Seattle City Council on issues such as policing policy, legislation, and agency operations.
• Communicate and coordinate with accountability system partners, SPD and other law enforcement agencies, City government, and police unions on matters relating to OPA investigations.
• Provide shared oversight of the OPA public disclosure, subpoenas and legal requests staff and processes.
• Work with OPA leadership to determine and implement investigatory best practices.
• Other duties as assigned, including providing all levels of support for the unit if required.