County Attorney 1 - Misdemeanor

Pierce County; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 84,900 - 112,597; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development opportunities

Supportive work environment

Training resources available

Job summary

A local government legal department in Seattle, Washington is seeking an Entry Level Attorney to represent indigent clients in all stages of criminal proceedings. The role involves preparing cases, negotiating pleas, and ensuring quality legal representation. Candidates need a Juris Doctorate, must be admitted to the Washington State Bar, and possess strong interpersonal as well as research skills. The department offers professional development opportunities, a supportive environment, and a chance to positively impact the community.

Qualifications

• Admission to the Washington State Bar Association and license to practice law in Washington State.
• Valid Driver’s license required.
• Prior courtroom experience is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal representation for accused at in-custody arraignment proceedings.
• Preparation and presentation at pretrial motion practices.
• Trial preparation, investigation and presentation.
• Plea negotiation processes.
• Represent clients at sentencing proceedings.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Excellent research and writing skills

Commitment to social justice

Quality legal representation

Detail-oriented and organized

Education

Juris Doctorate

Job description

Base pay range

$84,900.15/yr - $112,597.70/yr

Description

Applicants who have a scheduled bar examination are encouraged to apply. Conditional offers of employment can be made in advance of passing the bar examination, contingent upon completion and passing of all pre‑employment requirements.

Why It's a Great Opportunity

The Pierce County Department of Assigned Counsel (DAC) provides the opportunity to work in a supportive environment with significant training and opportunities to improve trial skills by providing active courtroom experience with ongoing support.

As a DAC employee you will make a difference in people's lives and a positive contribution to Pierce County. DAC attorneys represent indigent clients in all stages of misdemeanor criminal proceedings, including arraignment, motions, trial, and review hearings.

Why It's a Great Department

The Department of Assigned Counsel (DAC) is responsible for the delivery of mandated legal services to indigent persons accused of crimes in the Pierce County Superior Court, Pierce County District Court, Tacoma, University Place, Eatonville and Edgewood Municipal Courts, and Pierce County Juvenile Court proceedings. DAC also provides constitutionally mandated legal services to persons detained for involuntary civil commitment proceedings at Western State Hospital and other evaluation and treatment facilities.

The mission of the Department of Assigned Counsel is to provide and administer the public defense delivery system in Pierce County in a manner that assures eligible people receive professional and effective representation while efficiently utilizing public resources. The Department of Assigned Counsel provides professional high‑quality representation to individuals in a variety of settings.

For more information about our great organization, please visit by clicking here.

How To Be Successful In The Role

You will bring your strong interpersonal skills, excellent research and writing skills, commitment to social justice, ability to provide quality legal representation and zealous advocacy for indigent clients at all stages of criminal proceedings to this role. If you are passionate about advocating for your clients, are organized and detail‑oriented, can adjust and adapt to unexpected circumstances, and ask questions when assistance or guidance is needed, then this role is for you. Prior courtroom experience is preferred but not required.

Your Future In This Role

In this role you will represent clients at all stages of criminal proceedings, gaining experience and expertise in the process. You will have the opportunity to progressively take on more challenging cases and legal issues. New attorneys will have at least one other attorney assigned to a courtroom with them; they will also be assigned a mentor. The department regularly hosts in‑house trainings throughout the year (approximately 18 annually), as well as provides access to other training resources, including statewide memberships. Pierce County offers a Leadership Certificate Program, Employee Resource Groups, and many other learning and growth opportunities.

Core Daily Responsibilities

• Provide legal representation for accused at in‑custody arraignment proceedings.
• Preparation and presentation at pretrial motion practices.
• Trial preparation, investigation and presentation.
• Plea negotiation processes.
• Responsibility to present appeals to Superior Court and provide legal representation during the appellate process.
• Representation at sentencing proceedings, post‑trial motions and revocation proceedings.
• Lead responsibility of Rule 9 Legal Licensed Legal Interns.
• Manage a substantial caseload of clients.
• Provide legal representation to all eligible clients who are the subject of civil commitment proceedings in superior court, including representation at 72‑hour hearings, 14‑day hearings, 90‑day hearings, 180‑day hearings, motions to revise, appeals and other applicable motions practice.
• Trial preparation, investigation and presentation.

A complete list of duties can be found in the classification description here.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate.
• Meet minimum professional qualifications per the Washington State Supreme Court Standards for Indigent Defense found at CrR 3.1 CrR3.1 Standards for Indigent Defense.
• Admission to the Washington State Bar Association and license to practice law in Washington State.
• Valid Driver’s license.
• This position requires you to submit a resume, cover letter, Unofficial Law School Transcript, list of at least 3 references, and a writing sample.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a courtroom or clinic.

Special Requirements/Qualifications

• 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 and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

To Be Considered For This Opportunity Please

• Complete and submit an online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting “APPLY” above or go to: www.piercecountywa.gov/jobs.
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at [e-mail] and specify the Job Number and Title.
• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process, or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at [phone], at least two days prior to the need.

This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County’s needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.

At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a place people are proud to call home?

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Seniority level: Entry level

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Legal; Industry: Government Administration