City Attorney

Role and Responsibilities

The City Attorney serves as the chief legal advisor to the city, providing comprehensive legal guidance to elected and appointed officials. Primary responsibilities include drafting and reviewing ordinances, contracts, and policies to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws. Additionally, the City Attorney represents the city in legal proceedings, including litigation, administrative hearings, and negotiations.

In this role, the City Attorney plays a crucial part in advising city officials on legal risks, public policy issues, and ethical considerations. They also defend the city against lawsuits and manage outside counsel when necessary, safeguarding the city’s legal interests and ensuring sound governance.

The City Attorney

 City Attorney Dena Burke brings nearly 20 years of dedicated public service experience. She earned a B.A. in Humanities and B.A. in Philosophy and English from Seattle University before obtaining her law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law. Following law school, she clerked for Commissioner Eric B. Schmidt (Ret.) at the Washington State Court of Appeals, Division II. She then served for six years in the U.S. Air Force JAG Corps, providing legal counsel at Peterson AFB, Colorado, and Offutt AFB, Nebraska. After her honorable discharge, she returned to the Pacific Northwest to continue her commitment to public service.

Mission & Goals

To provide high quality, ethical, and effective legal representation to the City of Snoqualmie while ensuring compliance with all applicable laws. 

Note: The City Attorney (or City Attorney staff) cannot provide legal advice about a personal issue.