County Attorney 1 - Criminal

Pierce County; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney's Office in Tacoma, WA seeks highly motivated attorneys to join as Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys (DPA). You will represent the State of Washington in misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor prosecutions at the District Court level, handling high-volume caseloads with security, professionalism, and equity guiding practice.

The role emphasizes independent judgment, professional ethics, and growth within a collegial office, with opportunities for career advancement and

Qualifications

• Admitted to practice law in Washington state.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• Driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Represent the State of Washington in criminal proceedings at appropriate courts (charging, arraignments, bail hearings, pre-trial motions, trials, sentencings).
• Advise law enforcement during investigations and provide feedback on evidentiary issues.
• Prepare briefs for litigation, pre-trial, trial, and on appeal.

Skills

Attorney licensed in WA

U.S. Citizenship

Driver's license

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Why It's a Great Opportunity:

The Criminal Division of the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney's Office is looking for highly motivated attorneys to join our office as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys (DPA).

The Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is located in downtown Tacoma, Washington, in the County-City Building and employs 255 staff, which includes 140 deputy prosecutors.

You will represent the State of Washington as a deputy prosecuting attorney in the prosecution of misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor offenses at the District Court level. You will manage a high-volume caseload comprised of challenging, meaningful legal work and a chance to grow professionally as part of an organization where equity, diversity, and inclusion are valued and celebrated as part of our commitment to justice. This is a great opportunity within a collegial environment. The Criminal Division of the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney's Office is looking for highly motivated attorneys to join our office as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys (DPA).

If you seek challenging, meaningful legal work and a chance to give back to your community while working in a collegial office, this is a great opportunity.

Why It's a Great Department:

The Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney's Office is committed to the recruitment, hiring, retention and promotion of a diverse staff. Our commitment to diversity creates a strong and collegial office that promotes respect for the community we serve.

Our Department takes great pride in the collegial environment we have created. We are supportive of one another, highly competent and thrive on the collective teamwork of those who work in our office. We have high standards in our work product and for the support we provide.

Learn more about the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office here.

How to be Successful in the Role:

We are looking for attorneys who exercise independent judgment, initiative, and resourcefulness in performing duties related to charging, negotiating, sentencing and trial work. You will perform duties with professional discretion and within office guidelines, professional ethics and standards, and legal requirements. The ability to work under pressure with tight timelines and perform daily risk analysis is essential.

Your Future in this Role:

Throughout the onboarding process, you will meet with the Supervisors, teams, and the admin team regularly to discuss expectations, set goals, identify priorities, and gain familiarity with current policies, procedures, and strategic measures. Pierce County offers professional development through the Leadership Certification program, robust online learning, and other training opportunities throughout your career to ensure your success. This position has multiple career growth and promotional opportunities in Pierce County to build on a great career.

Core Daily Responsibilities:

• Represents the State of Washington at all stages of criminal proceedings in the appropriate courts, including charging, arraignments, bail hearings, pre-trial motions, trials, sentencings, and post-sentencing hearings.
• Advises law enforcement personnel during the course of criminal investigations. Conducts case reviews and provides feedback to law enforcement officers on legal issues impacting admissibility of evidence.
• Prepares appropriate briefs for litigation, pre-trial, trial, and on appeal.

This announcement is not intended to reflect all duties to be performed by our next team member, but shall present a descriptive list of the range of duties that may be performed. To view the complete classification, click here.

• A resume and cover letter are required for this position. Applications without a resume and cover letter will not be considered.
• Must be admitted as an attorney in the State of Washington (RCW 36.27.010) and a U.S. Citizen (RCW 36.27.010, RCW 36.27.040, and RCW 29).
• A valid driver's license is required

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case basis and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

Our Recruitment Practices:

This is a competitive and meritorious selection process. Pierce County applications are reviewed by human hiring staff in accordance with the qualifications listed for the position. Pierce County understands applicants may use AI tools when preparing application materials. We recognize these tools can make the process easier; however, we ask that everything you submit genuinely reflects your own experience, skills, knowledge, and writing style.

During the interview process, you may be asked to demonstrate your skills, including writing and subject knowledge, and to speak to your experience in your own voice. Applicants should be prepared to respond to interview questions without relying on AI-generated responses or reading prepared answers from a screen. Any misrepresentation may result in disqualification or separation.

Applicants whose qualifications most closely align with the County’s needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status typically occurs within two to three weeks after the closing date. Some applicants may receive short notice to participate in additional selection steps, which may include assessments, phone screens, or interviews.

Upon offer, compensation is based on a range of job-related factors, including the requirements of the role, your skills and experience, and internal pay equity.

Our Welcoming Workplace Commitment:

Pierce County is committed to fostering a Welcoming Workplace where employees are supported, respected, and able to thrive. We believe a strong public workforce is representative of the community it serves and that fair and just access to opportunity strengthens public service.

Guided by the County Executive’s Forward Together mission, Pierce County works to build communities that are safe, welcoming, and connected. This same commitment shapes how we recruit, develop, and retain our employees. County employees make a direct and visible impact in the lives of residents every day, and we invite you to join us in helping keep Pierce County a place people are proud to call home.