Attorney 1 - Prosecuting

Spokane, County of (WA); Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Spokane County in Washington is seeking an Attorney 1 (Criminal or Civil) to perform professional legal work in lower courts. The role supports the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office or Public Defender, handling cases from initial filing through various stages, with opportunities to advance to Attorney 2 based on demonstrated competency.

The position requires a JD, WA bar membership in good standing, and strong written and oral communication skills.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in WA with WSBA in good standing.
• Experience as a law clerk or legal intern preferred.
• Ability to handle civil or criminal duties with limited supervision.

Responsibilities

• Represents the County or a client in court at various stages of criminal or civil proceedings.
• Evaluate and analyze facts, evidence, and case materials.
• Conduct legal research, prepare opinions, and draft filings and memos.
• Communicate effectively with parties and coordinate with investigators and staff.
• Stay informed on new laws, court decisions, and rules.
• Prosecute cases from filing through trial and appeal as appropriate.
• Assist or independently handle civil matters in litigation and related tasks.

Skills

Legal knowledge

Communication skills

Analytical ability

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

WA State Bar Association member in good standing

Rule 9 internship eligibility (WA)

WA Bar Admission within timeframe

Eligible for WA practice under APR 3

Job description

The position allocated to this class is the entry, working- level of the series, responsible for performing civil and/or criminal legal work in lower courts for the County Prosecutor or Public Defender. Work is performed within departmental policy guidelines and applicable law, under the general direction of the Department Head or Elected Official, or under the direct guidance, as needed, of a higher-level attorney. Incumbents are expected to display the ability and willingness to assume responsibility and advance rapidly to a state of functional individual competency in their assigned area. Work is reviewed for accuracy and completeness at the onset of employment; as experience is gained, less review and supervision will be provided. Positions of this class may assume the work responsibilities of a higher class for training purposes. Promotion from Attorney 1 to Attorney 2 is determined by an affirmative recommendation of the department. Considerations include but are not limited to: demonstrated competency in all facets of the duties and responsibilities of an Attorney 1 and the ability to independently handle more complex case assignments with limited or no supervision.

Examples of Duties

• Assists or independently represents the County or a client in court, at various stages of the criminal justice process.

• Evaluates and analyzes the facts and evidence of cases or assignments.

• Conducts legal research and analysis, provides legal opinions or memorandums, prepares/files/responds to various legal documents and correspondence within prescribed timeframes.

• Addresses issues, questions and concerns regarding statutory procedures and requirements.

• Works with investigators, paralegals, and other administrative staff to manage court dates, filings, and case investigations.

• Maintains appropriate communication with individuals party to a case/assignment.

• Researches and stays informed of new court decisions, new laws and revised rules and regulations.

• Performs other related duties as required/assigned.

• As an Attorney 1 (Criminal) in the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office:

  • Performs professional legal work in preparing and prosecuting cases from initial filing through trial and appeal. Represents the County in hearings and trials (bench and jury); files charges, presents motions, pleadings, and arguments in court; interviews witnesses, law enforcement, victims and others; offers settlement negotiations, etc.

• As an Attorney 1 (Civil) in Prosecuting Attorney’s Office:

  • Assists or independently represents the County in civil matters at any stage of the litigation process; advocates on behalf of County for Involuntary Treatment Act matters; conducts legal research regarding County, State, and Federal rules and regulations; may draft deeds, leases and contracts; answers inquiries from private citizens or their attorneys, etc.

• Note: The Elected Prosecutor maintains the discretion to reassign Deputy Prosecuting Attorney incumbents to any division within the office (e.g. Civil, Criminal Law, Family Law, etc.).

Minimum Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited college or university school of law.

• Licensed to practice law, with WA State Bar Association (WSBA) membership in good standing.

• If not yet admitted to the practice of law, candidates may be hired who possess a J.D. and have functioned as a WSBA licensed Rule 9 Legal Intern in the nine (9) months prior to their employment application date. If hired under Rule 9 status, candidates must sit for and pass the WA State Bar Examination or otherwise be admitted to the practice of law in WA State by the WSBA within a specified timeframe (not to exceed one year from date of hire) as a condition of continued employment.

• Public Defender’s Office only: if not licensed to practice law in WA State, must meet the requirements under APR 8- Exception for Indigent Representation.

• Candidate must be a member in good standing of the bar in another state and have applied and be pending approval by the WSBA under WA Supreme Court APR 3.

• One (1) year of prior experience as a law clerk or legal intern is preferred.

Selection Factors

• Knowledge of principles and practices of criminal or civil law as required by the position.

• Knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence.

• Skilled in communicating effectively both orally and in writing, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.

• Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with the general public and parties affected by the court and administration.

• Ability to analyze, evaluate and organize facts, evidence and legal procedures and to present information orally and in writing in a clear and logical form.

• Ability to analyze and prepare a variety of legal documents and instruments.

Behavioral Standards

All County employees are responsible for contributing to a safe and positive work environment, actively demonstrating the County values in their daily work and interactions:

• Respect: Appreciating and valuing customers, other County employees and County leadership by showing courtesy, friendliness and fairness. Communicating in a productive and professional manner.

• Accountability: Honoring and delivering on commitments by taking responsibility for personal actions and results; being a responsible steward of public resources and the trust County residents have placed in each of us.

• Integrity: Modelling transparent and ethical behavior and demonstrating it with honest and trustworthy behaviors and actions; leading by example and performing work to the highest standards.

• Innovation: Striving for excellence by actively pursuing opportunities for new and improved methods, procedures or technologies; fostering an environment of engagement and empowerment and embracing continuous improvement.