Business Associate (Junior) – Yakima, WA or Seattle, WA
Stokes Lawrence is seeking a junior associate in Yakima or Seattle to join our premier Agriculture and Business Law practice. This position offers the opportunity to work with one of Washington State’s leading agricultural legal teams, serving clients who are key players in the state’s $184+ billion agriculture industry. Our work spans a wide range of sophisticated transactional matters, providing meaningful client contact from the outset and hands-on mentorship from experienced attorneys.
About the Team
Our agriculture practice is anchored by a highly skilled and deeply experienced group based in the Yakima Valley. We represent growers, packers, distributors, and the service providers who keep the region running, handling everything from complex real estate deals and business formations to regulatory compliance, employment law, intellectual property, tax planning, and strategic succession planning for family-owned and other closely held operations.
About the Role
This is a rare opportunity to step into sophisticated transactional work with immediate client contact and hands-on mentoring from seasoned attorneys. You do not need prior experience in the agriculture industry; we are happy to train the right teammate. What matters most is a strong work ethic, a collaborative spirit, and a genuine interest in building a transaction-based practice.
We are looking for:
- 1-5 years of experience as an attorney. Business, real estate, or transactional work is a bonus, but not required.
- Strong academic performance and superior analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- An interest in commercial real estate and corporate/M&A for diverse clients.
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation for this position will be determined based on the individual’s qualifications and experience.
For first- to fifth-year candidates, the expected annual salary range is listed below:
- Seattle, 1-5 years: $140,000 – $169,000*
- Yakima, 1-5 years: $110,000 - $140,000*
*Associates are eligible for non-discretionary hours bonuses of up to $15,000 per quarter (up to $60,000 annually). Bonus amounts begin at 1400 annualized hours. Additional opportunities for a discretionary annual bonus are available.
Stokes Lawrence provides attorneys with medical, vision, dental, life, AD&D, and disability insurance coverage, bar and professional membership dues, paid parental leave, flexible PTO, and contributions to a 401(k) profit sharing plan. See more at https://www.stokeslaw.com/attorney-hiring.
Why Stokes Lawrence?
Recognized as one of Washington’s Best Workplaces by the Puget Sound Business Journal Stokes Lawrence combines the resources to handle sophisticated matters with the close connections and support of a midsize, people-focused firm. Highlights include:
- Quarterly bonus potential. As noted above, associates are eligible for quarterly bonuses (up to $15,000 per quarter) based on hours billed.
- A clearly defined career path. From day one, Stokes Lawrence associates have a shareholder consideration date included in their offer, reflecting the firm’s commitment to long-term growth and investment in its people.
- Two great office options. Positions are available in the Yakima office, in the heart of Washington’s agriculture industry, or the Seattle office, which remains fully engaged with the agriculture practice and broader business group.
- A team worth joining. The firm values collaboration, excellence, inclusion, client service, and personal growth, and maintains a culture that enjoys the work along the way.
Stokes Lawrence is a majority women-owned firm and is certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the Women Business Enterprise National Council. Our attorneys are regularly recognized by Chambers USA, The Best Lawyers in America®, and Super Lawyers for practice excellence and providing exceptional client service.
How to Apply
To apply, please send a cover letter, résumé, law school transcript (if in practice for less than five years), and writing sample to Joanne Pegues, Director of Human Resources, at recruiting@stokeslaw.com for confidential consideration. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.
