Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Yakima, WA
Job Type: Full-time
Department: Legal
Division: Legal Services
Opening Date: 08/07/2026
Bargaining Unit: NONE

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 attorney to join the Legal Department Civil Division focusing in labor and employment law!
Essential Functions

• Advise City Council and City departments on labor and employment law including personnel policies, employee discipline, workers compensation law, accommodation of disabilities and other protected classes; draft or review collective bargaining agreements, personnel ordinances, personnel policies, and civil service rules; represent the City in related negotiations, arbitrations/grievances, and/or litigation.
• Attend and provide necessary legal advice at Police Civil Service Commission, Fire Civil Service Commission, Charter Civil Service Commission, Police Pension Board, Firefighter's Pension Board, and other commission/board meetings and hearings; represent said boards or commissions in related litigation.
• Advise City Council and City departments on all aspects of local government law; damage or injury claims or litigation brought against the City and represent the City in negotiations, arbitration and/or litigation; and draft or review ordinances, requests for proposals, and contracts for goods and services; and provide policy memorandums, advice, and presentations to City Council and/or City staff. May be asked to provide advice on other topics as necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS

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 avalid Washington State Driver's License. Must be a member in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association within six (6) months. 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.
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

Position will be open until filled with priority application review taking place 8/24/26.

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

Do you have a juris doctorate degree from an accredited law school?

• Yes
• No

03

Are you admitted to practice in the State of Washington and you a member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA)?

• Yes
• No
• I will be able to obtain a WSBA license within 6 months of hire date.

04

How many years of increasingly responsible municipal civil law experience do you have?

• None
• Less than 3 years
• At least 3 year and less than 6 years
• At least 6 years and less than 8 years
• At least 8 years and less than 10 years
• At least 10 years

05

How many years of increasingly responsible personnel, employment, and/or labor law experience do you have?

• None
• Less than 3 years
• At least 3 year and less than 6 years
• At least 6 years and less than 8 years
• At least 8 years and less than 10 years
• At least 10 years

06

Please provide a summary of your experience with labor and/or employment law, including, but not limited to experience with collective bargaining and negotiations, unfair labor practice complaints, and grievances.
07

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