Pearsall gets Federal Way city attorney job; Kent’s Fitzpatrick among finalists

Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell announced Wednesday the appointment of Amy Jo Pearsall as Federal Way City attorney. Kent Deputy City Attorney Pat Fitzpatrick was one of the five finalists for the position.

  • BY Wire Service
  • Thursday, September 11, 2014 2:44pm
  • News
Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell with newly named City Attorney Amy Jo Pearsall.

Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell with newly named City Attorney Amy Jo Pearsall.

Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell announced Wednesday the appointment of Amy Jo Pearsall as Federal Way City attorney. Kent Deputy City Attorney Pat Fitzpatrick was one of the five finalists for the position.

The mayor has forwarded Pearsall’s appointment to the City Council for confirmation at the Oct. 7 meeting.

“I am delighted to be able to appoint a candidate of such outstanding qualities to this critical position,” Ferrell said. “Amy Jo is respected for her legal acumen and communication skills and she brings a wealth of positive working relationships with the City Council, staff and community to this position.”

Pearsall has served in the city of Federal Way for the past 11 years, starting as a staff attorney followed by promotions to assistant city attorney and then deputy city attorney. She has served as the interim city attorney for the past six months.

Pearsall has experience in both criminal and civil law. She served as an assistant city attorney in the Criminal Division of the Tacoma city attorney’s office and an associate attorney with Kenyon Disend, PLLC representing municipalities in the South King County area. She was a deputy prosecuting attorney in the District Court, Yakima County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

In addition, she has held positions as a law clerk with the state Attorney General’s Office in the ecology and University of Washington divisions, and served as an intern with Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI).

The city attorney provides counsel to the mayor, City Council, staff and commissions and directs and coordinates comprehensive legal services for the city of Federal Way.

The city opened the position on May 26 and received over 40 applications. The mayor selected Pearsall after extensive interviews with five finalists and holding a meeting for the public to meet finalists.

The Federal Way Mirror contributed to this story.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in News

Courtesy Photo, King County
Prolific tagger faces charges for damage to Kent water tower

Man one of dozens who reportedly tagged properties across King County, including West Hill tower

t
Federal Way man charged in Kent I-5 crash that killed passenger

Documents state that evidence reportedly showed he was the driver, but he blamed the passenger.

The Kent Police Department went all out with their “Moana” themed display - even Maui showed up. Photo by Bailey Jo Josie/Sound Publishing.
The Hogwarts Express pulls into Battle of the Badges | Photos

The 2024 Battle of the Badges took over the Renton Technical College on Dec. 14.

Kent Police Chief Rafael Padilla. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent Police
City of Kent crime numbers drop in 2024 compared to 2023

Vehicle thefts, commercial burglaries and robberies see big decreases

Courtesy Photo, Kent School District
Kent School District says it ‘will do better next time’ with school closures

Late notifications issued about closures after Dec. 18 windstorm

t
Kent Police arrest pair for downtown robbery of pedestrian

Reportedly used pepper spray to attack Kent man, 56, as he walked on sidewalk Dec. 16

Meeker Middle School, one of six schools closed Wednesday, Dec. 18 in the Kent School District due to power outages from a windstorm. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
Windstorm causes closure of six Kent schools due to power outages

Four elementary, two middle schools closed Wednesday, Dec. 18; couple of city roads closed

Volunteers wrap gifts during the 2023 Toys for Joy program. COURTESY PHOTO, Puget Sound Fire
Puget Sound Fire puts out plea for more Toys for Joy donations

Toys needed for children ages 9 to 12; more bikes, scooters requested; deadline is Dec. 20

t
Kent man, 19, faces multiple charges after pursuit near Wenatchee

Driver reportedly fails to stop for state trooper, crashes stolen vehicle along State Route 97

Kent School District Board Director Awale Farah, left, and Superintendent Israel Vela at a high school graduation last summer. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
Awale Farah resigns immediately from Kent School Board

Says because of ‘family commitments’ he cannot fulfill rest of his term that expires in November 2025

t
Kent’s Lower Russell Levee project receives John Spellman Award

City, King County Flood District and other partners recognized for historic preservation

Northwood Middle School, 17007 SE 184th St., in unincorporated part of King County in Renton and part of the Kent School District. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
Calls about man trying to access Northwood Middle School causes lockdown

Deputies arrest man for investigation of resisting arrest, obstruction at Kent School District property