City Attorney

Annual Salary: $146,619 - $180,226
Status: full-time exempt
Position open until filled. First review of applications will be on April 16, 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.

Compensation & Benefits:

• $146,619 - $180,226 DOQ
• Vacation and Sick leave accruals
• 12 paid Holidays which includes one (1) floating holiday
• Up to two (2) weeks executive leave annually
• Medical, dental and vision insurance options
• City paid $105,000 life insurance
• Long-term disability plan
• Washington State Retirement Systems (PERS)
• Participation in VEBA (Health Reimbursement Account)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Choice of two (2) Employee contributed Deferred Compensation Plans

Application Process:

Application Process: To apply please submit a City of Centralia employment application which can be found here along with a cover letter and application to:  Human Resources Office, PO Box 609 /118 W Maple, Centralia, WA 98531 or e-mail jobapplications@cityofcentralia.com. Open until filled, first review of applications will on April 16, 2026. 

NOTE: Resumes may be submitted, but will NOT be accepted in lieu of the City’s application form. 

Please click here to view job description and application