Yakima City Manager Bob Harrison has announced that Sara Watkins has been chosen to become the City’s new City Attorney.
Watkins replaces Jeff Cutter who retired this month after 23 years with the City of Yakima.
“Sara brings a wealth of experience to the position and I am confident she will continue the outstanding work of the Legal Department,” said Harrison.
Watkins’ first day as City Attorney will be Monday, February 1st. She has been with the City of Yakima since 2016, serving as Senior Assistant City Attorney.
Prior to that she worked for Halverson Northwest Law Group (formerly Halverson Applegate) as an attorney working in the areas of municipal law, real estate and litigation.
Watkins earned her bachelor’s degree in International Law and Political Science with an emphasis in international environmental policy from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities in 1999. She earned her JD from the University of Oregon in 2002.
She is a sustaining member and past-president of the Junior League of Yakima, and a past president of the Washington State Association of Municipal Attorneys.
Watkins and her husband Travis enjoy traveling and hiking.
As City Attorney, Watkins will oversee the City of Yakima Legal Department and a staff of 16 employees.
Click City Attorney (yakimawa.gov) for more about the City of Yakima Legal Department.
