City Attorney

The City Attorney is the legal advisor to the City Council and City departments, and is responsible for:
  • Drafting city ordinances (laws) and resolutions and contracts for Council consideration;
  • Prosecuting violations of local ordinances in King County District Court;
  • Serving as risk management for the City of Burien.

The City Attorney’s Office is prohibited from providing legal advice to residents. Individuals needing legal assistance must retain private counsel. The King County Bar Association Referral Service can be reached at (206) 623-2551.

CONTACT US

Garmon Newsom II

City Attorney

400 SW 152nd St
Suite 300
Burien, WA 98166
Ph: (206) 241-4647
Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Prosecutor

If you wish to request discovery for a traffic infraction which occurred within the City of Burien, a written discovery request shall be filed with the King County District Court at the Burien Courthouse and shall be served on the Office of the Burien City Prosecutor. The City Prosecutor accepts service at the following address:

The Walls Law Firm
16300 Christensen Road, Suite 360
Tukwila, WA 98188

(206) 453-3572

Civil Division

The Civil Division is responsible for providing legal counsel and representation to the City's elected and appointed officials.  Its primary responsibilities include:

  • Drafting city ordinances (laws) and resolutions and contracts for Council consideration
  • Prosecuting violations of local ordinances in King County District Court
  • Serving as risk management for the City of Burien.

Criminal Division

The Criminal Division is responsible for prosecuting misdemeanor crimes, traffic infractions, code violations, and other civil offenses under the City of Burien’s Municipal Code.
In addition to legal enforcement, the division provides support services for crime victims, including crisis intervention and advocacy. 

If you wish to request discovery for a traffic infraction which occurred within the City of Burien, a written discovery request shall be filed with the King County District Court at the Burien Courthouse and shall be served on the Office of the Burien City Prosecutor. The City Prosecutor accepts service at the following address:

The Walls Law Firm
16300 Christensen Road, Suite 360
Tukwila, WA  98188

Criminal Division

The Risk Management Division plays a key role in supporting the City of Burien’s vision to be a vibrant and creative community that embraces diversity, celebrates arts and culture, promotes vitality, and treasures the environment. 

This division oversees three key areas:

  • Property & Casualty Insurance (link to detail info about this page)
  • Claims & Litigation (link to detail info about this page)
  • Risk Prevention & Management (link to detail info about this page)

While these services do not generate revenue, they play a vital role in minimizing financial risk by reducing claims, lawsuits, and potential settlements.

A copy of Burien's Claim for Damages form can be downloaded as a PDF here

 

Updated April 16, 2025