As City Attorney, Jim serves both the Mayor and his administration and the City Council, providing legal advice, research, and counsel. In addition, he manages the City’s Legal Department and Prosecutor's Office, with a staff of 25 attorneys and 11 support staff and a budget of about $2 million. He strives to provide excellent services to his clients—the City's elected officials, citizens, and other City departments.

Background: Jim was named City Attorney in May 2006. Prior to joining the City, Jim was president of Pacific Dispute Resolution and of counsel at Evans, Craven & Lackie, Lawyers. He served as a full-time dispute resolution professional, with a focus on mediation and arbitration in commercial, real property, employment, environmental, construction, and general casualty and personal injury disputes. He has a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University, a law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law, and a certificate in dispute resolution from Pepperdine University. He was admitted to the Washington State Bar in 1975.