Assistant City Attorney - Prosecution Division

Salary

$107,348.80 - $174,824.00 Annually

Location

Yakima, WA

Job Type

Full-time

Department

Legal

Division

Legal Services

Opening Date

12/11/2025

Bargaining Unit

NONE

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions
  
  

Initial candidate eligibility is based on the job application and any accompanying documentation. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide sufficient information and details within the body of the application (education and work experience sections) to permit the City of Yakima to properly evaluate the candidate's qualification, abilities and experience as it relates to the requirements of the position. For calculation of experience, one year of experience equals 12 months with a minimum of 173.33 hours per month. Additional required documents must be attached. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of application fields.

Overview And Minimum Class Requirements

The City of Yakima has an exciting opportunity for an Assistant City Attorney to join the Legal Department Prosecution Division!

Determination of qualification for an Assistant City Attorney or Senior Assistant City Attorney will be evaluated on the education and experience meeting the minimum requirements of the classification. Click on the classification title below to view the complete job descriptions.

Assistant City Attorney $107,348.80 - $130,478.40 Annually

Minimum requirements: Doctor of Jurisprudence from an accredited school of law. Must be admitted to practice in the State of Washington and be a member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association, or be able to obtain a Washington State Bar Association license within six (6) months of hire date. One (1) year of increasingly responsible professional experience in the field of law is preferred.

Senior Assistant City Attorney $136,968.00 - $168,708.80 Annually

Minimum requirements: A Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school. Admission to practice law in the state of Washington, or the ability to obtain a Washington State Bar Association license within six (6) months of hire date, with at least six (6) years’ progressively responsible legal work experience in municipal or other government agency or private law practice. Considerable municipal, civil and/or prosecution experience preferred. Litigation experience in both criminal and civil matters preferred.

Successful completion of a criminal background investigation and the ability to be CJIS certified are conditions of appointment.

Licenses, Registration & Certificates

Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver’s License. Must be a member in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association. Must pass Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) background check and become CJIS ACCESS (A Central Computerized Enforcement Service System) approved by the Washington State Patrol before hire date.

Essential Functions

• Screen criminal complaints, appear at arraignments and other pretrial hearings; conduct necessary interviews and investigations to gather information required for criminal prosecutions; research, study, and interpret laws, court decisions, and other legal precedents required for criminal prosecutions; draft motions, trial and appellate briefs; and represent the City in bench and jury trials, contested hearings, and criminal appeals.
• Provide legal services to the City's Police Department, including training police officers on and developing departmental policies/procedures concerning criminal records, warrants, charges, arrests, and other police activities.
• Advise City Council and City departments on various aspects of criminal law and policies relating to criminal law, including drafting or reviewing related contracts and ordinances, policy discussions, and presentations to the City Council. May be asked to provide advice on other topics as necessary.
  
  

How To Apply

THE FOLLOWING MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH AN APPLICATION TO BE CONSIDERED:

All applications must be completed in full AND have the following attachments to be considered. (Resume may not substitute for education and/or work history information required in the application)

• Resume
• Letter of Interest including how you meet the minimum qualifications
• A Professional Writing sample
• 3 Professional References
  
  

The City of Yakima is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

The City Of Yakima Is a Premier Employer In The Yakima Valley With Extensive Opportunities For Training And Growth. The City Offers a Competitive Benefit Package Including

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage
• FREE healthcare clinic!
• WA State PERS pension plan
• 3% contribution to a 457 deferred compensation plan
• PTO accrual starting at 19.00 hrs/mo (Part-time positions are pro-rated to the percentage of the position)
• 11 paid holidays
• Longevity pay incentive (after 5 years)
• Life Insurance
• Much more!
  
  

The pay range listed for this position is establish through the City of Yakima’s Master Pay Ordinance in accordance with the Municipal Code and/or the applicable collective bargaining agreement. New employees generally start at step A with progression through the steps based on merit and successful performance evaluation.

City of Yakima employees are paid and accrue benefits on a monthly basis.

01

Did you clearly document your work history in the Work Experience section of your application including dates, titles and duties for each position/classification held?

• Yes
• No
  
  

02

What is your highest level of education?

• High School Diploma/GED
• Some College
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• Technical/Trade Certification
• None of the above
  
  

03

Do you possess a Doctor of Jurisprudence from a recognized school of law?

• Yes
• No
  
  

04

Are you admitted to practice law in the State of Washington and in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association?

• Yes
• No
• I will be able to obtain a Washington State Bar Association license within six (6) months of hire date.
  
  

05

Do you have at least 1 year of experience in the field of law?

• Yes
• No
  
  

06

How much experience do you possess practicing prosecution law?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• At least 1 year and less than 3 years
• At least 3 years
  
  

07

Please describe particular skills, experience or training which you believe BEST qualifies you for this position.

Required Question

Employer City of Yakima

Address 129 N. 2nd Street

Yakima, Washington, 98901

Phone (509) 575-6090

Website http://www.yakimawa.gov