Wash. Rev. Code » Title 36 · Chapter 36.32
Revised Code of Washington

Wash. Rev. Code § 36.32.200 (2026)

Special attorneys, employment of

✓ current as of May 2026 Cite as: Wash. Rev. Code § 36.32.200 (2026)
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It shall be unlawful for a county legislative authority to employ or contract with any attorney or counsel to perform any duty which any prosecuting attorney is authorized or required by law to perform, unless the contract of employment of such attorney or counsel has been first reduced to writing and approved by the presiding superior court judge of the county in writing endorsed thereon. This section shall not prohibit the appointment of deputy prosecuting attorneys in the manner provided by law.
Any contract written pursuant to this section shall be limited to two years in duration.
[ 1983 c 129 s 1; 1963 c 4 s 36.32.200. Prior: 1905 c 25 s 1; RRS s 4075.]
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 6 cases, 1980–2016 · leading case: State ex rel. Banks v. Drummond
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State ex rel. Banks v. Drummond (2016) wash · cites it 20× “1 The superior court denied the claim on summary judgment, holding that boards of commissioners have authority under RCW 36.32.200 to freely hire outside counsel.”
West v. Thurston County (2008) washctapp · cites it 2× “He referred to his own declaration, contending that Patterson, who had represented the County in Broyles and had denied West’s request for the invoices, was appearing in violation of RCW 36.32.200. RCW 36.32.200 provides: It shall be unlawful for a county legislative authority…”
Hoppe v. King County (1980) wash “To summarize: We hold Hoppe has no standing to bring this action in his capacity as King County Assessor; there is no authority for the appointment of a special prosecuting attorney to represent Hoppe; and counsel for Hoppe are entitled to no attorney fees paid from public funds.”
West v. Thurston County (2008) washctapp · cites it 2× “He referred to his own declaration, contending that Patterson, who had represented the County in Broyles and had denied West's request for the invoices, was appearing in violation of RCW 36.32.200. RCW 36.32.200 provides: It shall be unlawful for a county legislative authority…”
State ex rel. Banks v. Drummond (2016) wash · cites it 20× “1 The superior court denied the claim on summary judgment, holding that boards of commissioners have authority under RCW 36.32.200 to freely hire outside counsel.”
State ex rel. Banks v. Drummond (2016) wash · cites it 19× “1 The superior court denied the claim on summary judgment, holding that boards of commissioners have authority under RCW 36.32.200 to freely hire outside counsel.”
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