BURIEN, WASH. – The City of Burien has hired Soojin Kim to serve as its next City Attorney. She will replace the services provided by Kenyon Disend, PLLC, a municipal law firm which assisted the City on an interim basis after Craig Knutson’s retirement on October 15th. Kim comes from a professional background that includes a depth of public sector experience as well as private practice at the law firm of Graham & Dunn. She began her legal career at the Washington State Attorney General’s Office as Assistant Attorney General. She has been Assistant City Attorney at the City of Everett and for the past seven years, Senior Port Counsel at the Port of Seattle.

At the Port, Kim advised on the Northeast Redevelopment Area (NERA) – a significant public works, economic development, and environmental project for which Burien partnered with the Port.

Kim’s practice areas over the past 16+ years have included real estate transactions, real estate-related litigation, administrative law, rule-making and hearings, code compliance, employment litigation, procurement and contracting, and municipal law. She has tried cases to administrative tribunals and courts. Kim has been recognized for client service, a published author and speaker on legal topics, and won the state-wide outstanding young lawyer award from the Washington State Bar Association in 2005.

“Our interview panels were impressed with Soojin's background and credentials,” said Burien City Manager Kamuron Gurol. “We’re confident she’ll provide sound legal advice for Burien and work hard to serve our community’s interests. I’m excited to have her join our team."

Kim grew up in the Queen Anne and Magnolia neighborhoods and attended Seattle public schools. She is a graduate of Williams College, in Williamstown, Massachusetts, and University of Washington School of Law, in Seattle. About starting at the City of Burien, Kim said: “It’s clear to me that the City of Burien is serious about public process and protecting the right of the minority to be heard while upholding the right of the majority to decide. I’m looking forward to the start date, which coincides with the first Council meeting in June.”

The City Attorney leads, plans, and directs all legal services for the City; oversees the code compliance division; and provides counsel to the City Manager, staff, City Council, and citizen boards and commissions.

The City of Burien is a vibrant and creative community, where the residents embrace diversity, celebrate arts and culture, promote vitality, and treasure the environment. For more information, visitwww.burienwa.gov.