City Attorney

Annual Salary: $146,619 - $180,226 Status: full-time exempt Position open until filled. Next review of applications will be on June 8, 2026.

What are we looking for:

The City Attorney is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating comprehensive legal services for the City. The City Attorney provides counsel to the City Manager, City Council, city staff, and committees, boards, and commissions; provides legal advice to guide city policies, decisions, and activities; represents the City at various levels in civil, criminal, and administrative hearings; drafts and interprets city ordinances and resolutions; negotiates real property acquisitions and labor contracts; drafts and reviews contracts; and participates in the City's short- and long-range planning to ensure proper consideration of legal issues.

The City Attorney manages the provision of prosecution services in Municipal Court and may be called on from time to time to provide backup prosecution. The City Attorney is responsible for supervising assistant city attorneys, paralegals, legal assistants, and code enforcement officers.

The City Attorney must exhibit exceptional attention to detail, thorough legal research skills, and sound independent judgment. This role requires the initiative to proactively identify legal, operational, and procedural improvements that support the City's effectiveness and efficiency.

Required Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Washington and a member in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association or who is in good standing of another State Bar Association and has the ability to obtain a license to practice in Washington State within 6 months of hire.
• Five or more years of comprehensive legal experience, preferably practicing general municipal law for a city government.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with court systems and administrative hearings.
• Experience providing effective legal support work for elected officials and agency staff.
• Experience with municipal-owned utilities.
• Experience in legal office management.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to provide the candidate with the knowledge, skill, and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the job will be considered.

Additional Requirements:

• Must possess a valid Washington State driver's license at time of hire OR must obtain within 30 days from date of hire and must have a driving record that is acceptable to the City's insurance carrier.
• Candidate must be able to successfully pass a background check including a criminal history check and reference check.

Application Process:

To apply please submit a City of Centralia employment application which can be found at: along with a cover letter and resume to: Human Resources Office, PO Box 609 /118 W Maple, Centralia, WA 98531 or e-mail. Open until filled, next review of applications will on June 8, 2026.