Assistant City Prosecutor: Dynamic Criminal Division

Seattle City Attorney's Office; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 69,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job description

With more than 200 attorneys and professional staff, the Seattle City Attorney’s Office is one of the largest law offices in Seattle and is the third-largest public law office in the state. Our office is committed to making Seattle a safe, healthy, empowered, and thriving community for everyone. We strive to address historical injustices within the court system with self‑examination and to pursue justice in Seattle with integrity, creativity, and fairness. We believe working transparently, innovatively, and in collaboration with our partners in the community is necessary to achieve outcomes that promote equity, accountability, and healing.

The Criminal Division seeks one or more Assistant City Prosecutors to join the team. This is an exciting opportunity for a candidate to learn to manage a dynamic caseload and develop trial skills.

The Criminal Division represents the City in prosecuting misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, and traffic infractions in Seattle Municipal Court, including driving under the influence, domestic violence, theft, assault, property damage, and trespassing. Prosecutors rotate through units dedicated to reviewing incident reports and filing cases, trials, and domestic violence cases. Opportunities also exist for prosecutors to work in therapeutic courts – Mental Health Court and Veterans Treatment Court. All prosecutors assist in formulating and implementing policies to promote racial and social justice equity, including developing potential alternatives to incarceration for criminal offenders.

Job Responsibilities

• Represents the City Attorney in prosecuting misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor criminal offenses and probation violations; learns prosecutorial techniques and strategies; meets competing deadlines; and develops trial skills in a fast‑paced, high‑volume work environment.
• Reviews citations, arrest sheets, and other law enforcement documents; gathers facts and data; conducts factual and legal analysis to determine whether charges should be filed.
• Drafts complaints, briefs, motions, memoranda of law, and other legal documents.
• Manages assigned cases in accordance with standard protocols and procedures; confers with witnesses and crime victims; negotiates plea agreements with defense counsel within established guidelines; develops trial and prosecution strategy for supervisor approval.
• Coordinates with members of the Seattle Police Department and other law‑enforcement agencies and involved parties to establish and verify the basis for prosecution or dismissal.
• Represents the City of Seattle at arraignments, hearings, and trials; compiles records and other information; identifies witnesses for subpoena; brings cases before the court and argues facts of the case in relation to points of law, case law, and legal precedent; interviews and cross‑examines witnesses.
• Assists city prosecutors in preparing complex misdemeanor arraignments, motions, pleas, and hearings.
• Adheres to a high degree of professional ethics and integrity.

Qualifications

This position requires membership in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association, or the ability to obtain membership within 30 days of an offer of employment, or being a Rule 9 Licensed Legal Intern awaiting Washington State Bar Examination results. Continued employment for Rule 9 candidates is contingent on passing the Washington State Bar Examination and becoming a member in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association within six months of beginning employment.

Skills

• Thorough knowledge of the rules of evidence and criminal procedure.
• Effective legal research and writing.
• Persuasive advocacy skills, including techniques to present the prosecution’s case as a narrative storyline.
• Ability to quickly address a wide variety of legal issues.
• Creativity in developing different solutions to problems.
• Flexibility to respond to competing demands.

Union: Local 21‑PA.

Compensation

Full pay range: $50.15–$67.12 per hour (step progression). New employees begin at Step 1 at $50.15 per hour. Current City employees’ starting pay rate will be based on personnel rules regarding promotions. Advanced initial step placement may be considered under limited circumstances, but step salaries are not subject to negotiation.

Benefits

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package, including vacation, 12 official holidays and 2 floating holidays, sick leave, paid parental leave, medical, dental, vision, life, and long‑term disability insurance for employees. Additional benefits include executive leave and eligibility for merit leave. City Attorney’s Office employees also have the opportunity to participate in a defined benefits retirement program. More information about benefits can be found at https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.

Language Premium (Protec 17, L21PA)

Individuals selected to fill this position may be eligible to receive Language Premium Pay (SMC 4.20.360), which provides a $200.00 monthly stipend to qualified bilingual employees who are properly evaluated and assigned to provide direct communication in‑language, interpretation, or translation services to the public on behalf of the City of Seattle.

Workplace Environment

Current Flexible Work Arrangements Policy: Employees have the option to work a hybrid schedule (3 days in the office, 2 days remote). This is subject to change as circumstances and business needs dictate.

Location

Columbia Center, 701 5th Avenue, Suite 2050, Seattle, WA 98104.

Background Check Requirements

All positions are security sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the verification of credentials and other required information. Applicants will be given a chance to explain or correct background information and provide verifiable information on good conduct and rehabilitation.

Who may apply

This position is open to all candidates who meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, family or marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, pregnancy, or other protected characteristics. The Seattle City Attorney’s Office encourages people of all backgrounds to apply.

Contact

Questions? Contact our Human Resources team at [e-mail].