Associate Attorney – Municipal Prosecution
Rio Foltz, PLLC is seeking an Associate Attorney to assist with the prosecution of municipal misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor cases in Benton County District Court and Pasco Municipal Court.
Based in Kennewick, Washington, Rio Foltz, PLLC provides contract prosecution services for seven municipalities throughout the greater Tri-Cities area. We are looking for an attorney with a strong work ethic, sound judgment, and a collaborative approach who is excited to develop courtroom skills while serving the public.
Prior prosecution experience—whether as an attorney, intern, or extern—is preferred but not required.
Why Join Rio Foltz?
This position offers an exceptional opportunity to gain meaningful courtroom experience from day one under the mentorship of senior prosecutors with more than 40 years of combined prosecution experience. Associates receive hands-on trial experience, regular mentorship, and the opportunity to develop into confident, highly skilled litigators.
Just as importantly, we have intentionally built and are focused on maintaining a workplace where people enjoy coming to work.
Our culture is built on collaboration, professionalism, and mutual respect. We are proud of our team of kind, driven, and talented attorneys and staff and make time to celebrate them through company-sponsored events and 3:00 p.m. Friday office closures. At Rio Foltz, we believe a positive workplace culture is one of our greatest strengths—and an essential part of providing exceptional service to the communities we represent.
Compensation & Benefits
Associate Attorney
- Starting salary of $105,000–$140,000 annually ($8,750–$11,667 per month), depending on experience
- Annual 3% salary increase
- Annual performance bonus
- Employer-paid medical and dental insurance and annual vision exam
- Three weeks of paid leave, in addition to paid holidays
- Employer contribution of 3% to a 401(k) beginning six months after employment
- Bar dues and CLE expenses paid by the firm
Qualifications
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- Admission to practice in Washington State
- Excellent written and oral advocacy skills
- Strong work ethic and attention to detail
- Sound judgment and professionalism
- Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team environment
- Commitment to public service and ethical prosecution
Prior criminal prosecution or criminal litigation experience is preferred but not required.
Duties & Expectations
The Associate Attorney will be responsible for managing a criminal caseload from intake through final disposition. Success in this role requires sound judgment, strong organizational skills, professionalism, and a commitment to serving the public with integrity.
Primary Responsibilities
- Independently manage a criminal caseload, including misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors, from charging through resolution.
- Review law enforcement reports and other investigative materials to determine appropriate charging decisions.
- Conduct arraignments, pretrial hearings, motion practice, plea negotiations, bench trials, jury trials, and sentencing hearings.
- Prepare legal pleadings, motions, briefs, and other court filings in a timely and accurate manner.
- Communicate professionally and effectively with law enforcement officers, victims, witnesses, defense counsel, court personnel, and municipal clients.
- Maintain accurate and organized case files while ensuring compliance with all court deadlines and ethical obligations.
- Exercise sound prosecutorial discretion and uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
Professional Expectations
- Timeliness: Consistently meet deadlines, appear punctually for court proceedings and meetings, and complete assignments in a timely manner.
- Reliability: Demonstrate dependability by following through on commitments, taking ownership of responsibilities, and maintaining consistent attendance.
- Teamwork: Contribute to a collaborative office culture by supporting colleagues, sharing knowledge, accepting feedback, and working together to achieve the firm's goals. We value attorneys who are willing to step in and help wherever needed.
- Case Ownership: Take full responsibility for all aspects of an assigned caseload, proactively identifying issues, developing case strategies, and ensuring matters are handled efficiently and thoroughly from beginning to end.
- Professional Growth: Be receptive to mentorship and committed to continuous learning, professional development, and improving litigation and trial advocacy skills.
- Work Ethic: Exhibit initiative, maintain a positive attitude, and be willing to go the extra mile when necessary to serve our clients and support the team.
- Integrity: Conduct yourself with honesty, sound judgment, and respect for the ethical obligations of a prosecutor and officer of the court.
We are looking for an attorney who is dependable, self-motivated, and eager to become an integral part of a close-knit team. The ideal candidate is someone who enjoys the challenge of litigation, takes pride in producing high-quality work, and values collaboration as much as individual excellence.
How to Apply
To be considered, please submit:
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Professional references
Applications should be sent to [email protected].
First review of applications will begin August 10, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Rio Foltz, PLLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, performance, and business needs. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Pay: $105,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Relocation assistance
- Vision insurance
License/Certification:
Work Location: In person
