City Attorney

City Attorney

City of Pasco, Washington

Salary : $160,000 - $210,000

Located between the pristine and iconic Columbia and Snake Rivers in southeastern Washington, Pasco is a vibrant and growing community that enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year. The exceptional climate, combined with the area's inviting waterways, enables residents and visitors alike to enjoy a multitude of outdoor activities, from water sports and golf, to wine touring and hiking. Pasco, pop. 82,000, has seen tremendous growth in the past two decades, while maintaining its sense of community and focus on public safety. Pasco, along with the neighboring cities of Richland and Kennewick, comprise the Tri-Cities metropolitan area. With a population of over 308,000, it is the third largest, and fastest growing metro area in the state. The region is also home to over 160 wineries and is known as the "Heart of Washington Wine Country," producing some of the finest wines in the world.

The City of Pasco City Attorney's Office is a newly established department created to provide comprehensive, in-house legal counsel. Historically, the City has contracted legal services through a private law firm. In 2024, the City Council directed the creation of an internal legal department to improve accessibility, consistency, and strategic coordination of legal services. The department will initially include three full-time positions : City Attorney, an Assistant or Deputy City Attorney, and an Administrative Support role. The office will advise the City Council, City Manager, and all departments on legal matters, including contracts, land use, public records, and policy compliance. In addition, the department will oversee litigation management, coordinate with outside counsel as needed, and play a key role in risk mitigation.

Under the administrative direction of the City Manager, the City Attorney serves as the City's chief legal officer and legal advisor to the City Council, City Manager, departments, and appointed boards and commissions. The City Attorney does not oversee prosecution, which is provided through external contracts. The City Attorney leads the department and manages a team of legal professionals and administrative staff, providing legal advice, litigation oversight, legislative support, risk mitigation, and strategic counsel.

Education and Experience

A Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school, and admission to the Washington State Bar and license to practice law in Washington is required. Candidates must have a minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible legal experience, with at least three (3) years in municipal or local government law. The ideal candidate will have at least ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal, administrative, or public-sector law, with demonstrated expertise in land use, public contracting, employment law, and civil litigation. Supervisory or management experience within a legal office is preferred. Experience working in a Council–Manager form of government, along with expert knowledge of Washington State's Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA), Public Records Act (PRA), and relevant RCWs governing local government, is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance / AD&D
• 24 days of vacation
• Generous sick leave accrual
• 11 paid holidays per year
• WA PERS
• Deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition assistance
• Hybrid work option
• Relocation assistance
• Flexible Spending Plan
• HRA VEBA
• Long-term disability insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Vehicle allowance

For a complete position profile, additional benefits information and to apply online, visit the Prothman Company at https : / / www.prothman.com / and click on "Open Recruitments". For questions, call 206-368-0050. The City of Pasco is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Apply by November 23, 2025 . (First review, open until filled.)

J-18808-Ljbffr