City Attorney Jobs in Washington
City Attorney jobs in Washington represent an active and competitive market, with demand concentrated in municipal government, public utilities, and regional port authorities, and openings ranging from entry-level deputy attorney roles to senior city counsel positions. The heaviest hiring activity is in Seattle, Spokane, and Tacoma, where established employers such as the City of Seattle, King County, and the Port of Seattle maintain ongoing legal teams. The most in-demand specialties are land use and zoning law, labor and employment litigation, and public procurement compliance. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 8+ City Attorney jobs
Position Description
The City of Tacoma is currently seeking a highly skilled attorney to join the Prosecution Division of the City Attorney's Office. This pivotal role entails engaging in the prosecution of municipal court cases and providing professional legal services. The successful candidate for the entry-level position of Prosecuting City Attorney will demonstrate exceptional aptitude in independently handling a substantial caseload within a dynamic, high-volume court setting. This position may also have the opportunity to handle civil litigation, broadening the attorney’s skill set and further supporting City functions.
As an attorney in this position, you will not only showcase your legal expertise but also your exceptional organizational skills and ability to thrive under pressure. The caseload will be demanding, requiring both adept management and meticulous attention to detail. The ability to navigate complex legal matters swiftly and efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism is of utmost importance.
The Prosecuting City Attorney will have the opportunity to make a significant impact within the legal landscape of Tacoma. The position offers a unique platform to engage in meaningful courtroom experiences, working alongside a dedicated team of legal professionals. Collaborative partnerships with fellow attorneys and other stakeholders will be crucial to ensuring the success in this role.
Join us in our commitment to maintaining the integrity of the legal system while safeguarding the interests of the City and its residents.
Qualifications
Minimum Education
Juris Doctorate
Desired Qualifications
Trial experience in the area of criminal law, the ability to manage a high volume of cases, and computer skills.
Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements
Admission to the Washington State Bar Association and License to Practice Law in Washington
Knowledge & Skills
- Principles and practices of criminal law
- Methods, materials and practices used in legal research and investigation
- Organization and analysis of case facts and legal precedents
- Office practices, procedures and equipment
- Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and general and legal vocabulary
- City organization, operations, policies and objectives
- Provide professional legal services required in municipal government operations
- Organize and evaluate case facts, evidence and other documentation
- Perform legal research and prepare legal opinions
- Participate in deliberative proceedings and provide effective legal counsel
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
- Read, interpret, apply and explain statutes, codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures
- Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
- Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
- Meet schedules and timelines
- Work effectively under pressure and time deadlines
Selection Process & Supplemental Information
City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We're committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and we actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.
The City of Tacoma believes that diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our success and innovation. If you’re passionate about this role and our mission, we encourage you to apply. If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.
Apply
Interested individuals should apply online by completing the application and attaching a resume and cover letter by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process.
Pay Details:
Hourly Rate: $47.25 - $66.50
Annual Salary: $98,280.00 - $138,320.00
Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma
Get Assistance
For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.
For technical difficulties using the NEOGOV system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.
Communication with the City of Tacoma
We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.
Position Description
The City of Tacoma is currently seeking a highly skilled attorney to join the Prosecution Division of the City Attorney's Office. This pivotal role entails engaging in the prosecution of municipal court cases and providing professional legal services. The successful candidate for the entry-level position of Prosecuting City Attorney will demonstrate exceptional aptitude in independently handling a substantial caseload within a dynamic, high-volume court setting. This position may also have the opportunity to handle civil litigation, broadening the attorney’s skill set and further supporting City functions.
As an attorney in this position, you will not only showcase your legal expertise but also your exceptional organizational skills and ability to thrive under pressure. The caseload will be demanding, requiring both adept management and meticulous attention to detail. The ability to navigate complex legal matters swiftly and efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism is of utmost importance.
The Prosecuting City Attorney will have the opportunity to make a significant impact within the legal landscape of Tacoma. The position offers a unique platform to engage in meaningful courtroom experiences, working alongside a dedicated team of legal professionals. Collaborative partnerships with fellow attorneys and other stakeholders will be crucial to ensuring the success in this role.
Join us in our commitment to maintaining the integrity of the legal system while safeguarding the interests of the City and its residents.
Qualifications
Minimum Education
Juris Doctorate
Desired Qualifications
Trial experience in the area of criminal law, the ability to manage a high volume of cases, and computer skills.
Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements
Admission to the Washington State Bar Association and License to Practice Law in Washington
Knowledge & Skills
- Principles and practices of criminal law
- Methods, materials and practices used in legal research and investigation
- Organization and analysis of case facts and legal precedents
- Office practices, procedures and equipment
- Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and general and legal vocabulary
- City organization, operations, policies and objectives
- Provide professional legal services required in municipal government operations
- Organize and evaluate case facts, evidence and other documentation
- Perform legal research and prepare legal opinions
- Participate in deliberative proceedings and provide effective legal counsel
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
- Read, interpret, apply and explain statutes, codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures
- Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
- Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
- Meet schedules and timelines
- Work effectively under pressure and time deadlines
Selection Process & Supplemental Information
City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We're committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and we actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.
The City of Tacoma believes that diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our success and innovation. If you’re passionate about this role and our mission, we encourage you to apply. If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.
Apply
Interested individuals should apply online by completing the application and attaching a resume and cover letter by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process.
Pay Details:
Hourly Rate: $47.25 - $66.50
Annual Salary: $98,280.00 - $138,320.00
Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma
Get Assistance
For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.
For technical difficulties using the NEOGOV system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.
Communication with the City of Tacoma
We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.
See All 8 City Attorney Jobs in Washington
Find roles in Washington that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find City Attorney JobsCity Attorney Jobs by City in Washington
Where Washington roles are concentrated, by current openings.
City Attorney Job Market in Washington
A snapshot from current Washington openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What Washington Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in city attorney jobs across Washington.
- Active license to practice law issued by the Washington State Bar Association
- Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school required
- Minimum three to five years of municipal or public sector legal experience preferred
- Demonstrated experience in land use, zoning, or public procurement law
- Strong litigation and legal writing skills for administrative and court proceedings
- Ability to advise elected officials, city councils, and department heads on legal matters
City Attorney Jobs in Washington: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a city attorney in Washington?
Becoming a city attorney in Washington requires earning a Juris Doctor from an accredited law school and passing the Washington State Bar Exam to obtain an active license through the Washington State Bar Association. Most municipalities also expect several years of experience in public law, municipal litigation, or regulatory work before hiring at the city attorney level. Building experience in land use, labor law, or public finance strengthens a candidacy considerably.
Which companies hire city attorneys in Washington?
Washington city attorney roles are posted by City of Tacoma, City of Seattle, and City of Kent, WA and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Washington's large municipal governments, regional port authorities, and public utility districts are among the most consistent sources of city attorney openings across the state.
Which Washington cities have the most city attorney jobs?
Kent, Auburn, and Sumner have the most city attorney openings in Washington right now. Seattle dominates due to its size, dense regulatory environment, and major public agencies, while Spokane and Tacoma generate consistent demand through their own municipal governments, transit authorities, and port operations that require ongoing in-house legal counsel.
Are there remote city attorney jobs in Washington?
Yes, but they're rare. About 50% of city attorney openings tied to Washington are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting the fact that most municipal legal work involves in-person council meetings, court appearances, and direct collaboration with city departments. The portions of the role most amenable to remote work include legal research, contract drafting, and policy analysis.
How can I get hired as a city attorney in Washington with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is joining a Washington city or county legal department as a deputy or assistant city attorney, where many jurisdictions including Seattle, Tacoma, and King County hire new law school graduates into structured roles. Clerk positions with Washington superior courts or the Washington Attorney General's Office build directly relevant public law experience. Candidates who have passed the Washington State Bar Exam and completed a law school externship with a municipal or government agency are consistently prioritized over those without public sector exposure.
Where can I find and apply to city attorney jobs in Washington?
You can find and apply to city attorney jobs in Washington on Migrate Mate, which lists current Washington openings in one place. Search the available roles, identify the ones that fit your experience and location, and apply directly to the positions that match.
See All 8 City Attorney Jobs in Washington
Find roles in Washington that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find City Attorney Jobs