Assistant City Attorney - Prosecution Division
City of Yakima, Yakima, WA, United States
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
Overview
The City of Yakima is hiring an Assistant City Attorney in the Legal Department Prosecution Division. The role involves prosecutorial duties, police department support, and advisory services to City Council.
Essential Functions
Screen criminal complaints, appear at arraignments and other pretrial hearings; conduct necessary interviews and investigations to gather information for criminal prosecutions; research, study, 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 and developing departmental policies and procedures concerning criminal records, warrants, charges, arrests, and other police activities.
Advise City Council and City departments on aspects of criminal law and related policies, including drafting or reviewing related contracts and ordinances, policy discussions, and presentations to City Council; may provide advice on other topics as necessary.
Qualifications
Doctor of Jurisprudence (JD) from an accredited law school.
Admitted to practice law in the State of Washington or ability to obtain Washington State Bar Association license within six months of hire.
One year of increasingly responsible professional experience in the field of law (preferred).
For Senior Assistant City Attorney: At least six years of progressively responsible legal work experience in municipal or other government agencies or private practice; considerable municipal, civil, and/or prosecution experience preferred; litigation experience in criminal and civil matters preferred.
Successful completion of a criminal background investigation and CJIS certification.
Licenses, Registration & Certificates
Valid Washington State Driver’s License.
Member in good standing with Washington State Bar Association.
Pass CJIS background check and become CJIS ACCESS approved by Washington State Patrol before hire date.
Benefits
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
WA State PERS pension plan.
3% contribution to a 457 deferred-compensation plan.
PTO accrual starting at 19 hours per month (pro-rated for part-time).
11 paid holidays.
Longevity pay incentive after five years.
Life insurance.
How to Apply
Submit an application through the City of Yakima website with the following attachments:
Resume
Letter of Interest outlining how you meet the minimum qualifications
Professional writing sample
Three professional references
The City of Yakima is an equal‑opportunity employer; 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 any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
$107,348.80 - $174,824.00 Annually
Location:
Yakima, WA
Job Type:
Full-time
Department:
Legal
Division:
Legal Services
Opening Date:
12/11/2025
Overview
The City of Yakima is hiring an Assistant City Attorney in the Legal Department Prosecution Division. The role involves prosecutorial duties, police department support, and advisory services to City Council.
Essential Functions
Screen criminal complaints, appear at arraignments and other pretrial hearings; conduct necessary interviews and investigations to gather information for criminal prosecutions; research, study, 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 and developing departmental policies and procedures concerning criminal records, warrants, charges, arrests, and other police activities.
Advise City Council and City departments on aspects of criminal law and related policies, including drafting or reviewing related contracts and ordinances, policy discussions, and presentations to City Council; may provide advice on other topics as necessary.
Qualifications
Doctor of Jurisprudence (JD) from an accredited law school.
Admitted to practice law in the State of Washington or ability to obtain Washington State Bar Association license within six months of hire.
One year of increasingly responsible professional experience in the field of law (preferred).
For Senior Assistant City Attorney: At least six years of progressively responsible legal work experience in municipal or other government agencies or private practice; considerable municipal, civil, and/or prosecution experience preferred; litigation experience in criminal and civil matters preferred.
Successful completion of a criminal background investigation and CJIS certification.
Licenses, Registration & Certificates
Valid Washington State Driver’s License.
Member in good standing with Washington State Bar Association.
Pass CJIS background check and become CJIS ACCESS approved by Washington State Patrol before hire date.
Benefits
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
WA State PERS pension plan.
3% contribution to a 457 deferred-compensation plan.
PTO accrual starting at 19 hours per month (pro-rated for part-time).
11 paid holidays.
Longevity pay incentive after five years.
Life insurance.
How to Apply
Submit an application through the City of Yakima website with the following attachments:
Resume
Letter of Interest outlining how you meet the minimum qualifications
Professional writing sample
Three professional references
The City of Yakima is an equal‑opportunity employer; 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 any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
#J-18808-Ljbffr