Criminal Deputy Prosecuting Attorney I

Snohomish County, WA; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney's Office seeks an entry-level attorney for the Criminal Division. The role begins with handling less complex criminal matters and growing independence with experience.

Ideal candidates hold a J.D. from an accredited school and must be eligible for WA Bar admission. The position emphasizes justice, courtroom work, and professional integrity. Some telework is possible after a probationary period.

Qualifications

• Must hold a law degree from an accredited law school.
• Bar admission in WA or ability to obtain it shortly after hire.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate, charge, negotiate and try criminal cases as assigned.
• Build and maintain professional relationships inside and outside the office.
• Collaborate across divisions to achieve goals and support colleagues.
• Assist others as directed in casework and duties.
• Manage resources and strive to minimize unnecessary costs while ensuring justice.

Skills

Legal research

Oral advocacy

Written communication

Courtroom procedure

Analytical thinking

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

WA Bar admission or Rule 9 readiness

Job description

To provide professional legal services to the Criminal Division of the Prosecuting Attorney's Office. This is an entry-level attorney classification in the Criminal Division of the Prosecuting Attorney's Office. Attorneys in this class are generally assigned to less complex criminal legal matters and, over time, work with greater independence and assume responsibility for more difficult and complex assignments as experience is gained.

Job Duties

STATEMENT OF ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Evaluates, charges, negotiates and tries criminal cases as assigned.
• Establishes and maintains effective and positive work relationships with groups and individuals inside and outside the office, particularly attorneys, support staff, Bench, Bar, County government, law enforcement agencies, and community.
• Works effectively across division and departmental lines to achieve goals.
• Assists others when asked or as directed.
• Understands that the paramount duty is to seek justice; keeps track of all costs associated with each case; while cost should never direct action that will be taken on a case, the use of broad discretion regarding the allocation of resources must be considered; it is important to minimize officer overtime, witness costs, and extra fees while minimizing inconvenience to witnesses.

STATEMENT OF OTHER JOB DUTIES

• Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Legal degree from an accredited law school. Must be a member in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association or have a Rule 9 license and be able to become a member of the Washington State Bar within a short time of hire.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. A valid Washington State Driver's License may be required. Must successfully pass a criminal background investigation, which includes fingerprinting.

Additional Information

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• charging and disposition standards
• judicial procedures and the law of evidence
• office procedures, methods, and equipment, including computers and applicable software applications
• methods and techniques of legal research
• rules of professional conduct

Ability to:

• communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively, both orally and in writing;
• perform quality legal research
• work under pressure and with individuals who may be distraught or challenging
• use time and resources efficiently
• organize and perform multiple tasks to meet deadlines
• maintain a high level of confidentiality of records and information
• exercise excellent judgment and tact in all relationships
• communicate clearly, effectively, and courteously with attorneys, support staff, judges, and the general public
• respond quickly and effectively to unanticipated situations
• manage the day to day and long range work responsibilities of one or more support staff members, where directed by an Assistant Chief or the Chief Criminal Deputy
• uphold the highest ethical standards and commitment to professionalism in all areas of work performance and practice
• be courteous, professional, and honest at all times
• comply with Office standards and policies
• support the Washington State Bar Association's aspirational goals for pro bono work

SUPERVISION

Deputy Prosecutors report to and receive direction from their assigned Unit Lead (i.e., District Court, Juvenile Court Unit, Non-Violent Felony Trial Team, Charging Unit, Special Assault Unit, etc.) and/or from the Assistant Chief Criminal Deputy and Chief Criminal Deputy.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Most of the work is performed in a traditional professional office environment with frequent court appearances and periodic trips to other outside locations to attend meetings, hearings, interviews, and to undertake other job-related responsibilities. The Prosecutor's Office is located on the Snohomish County Court Campus and is connected to the County Courthouse. Typical work hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00 AMto5:00 PM, however, from time-to-time particular assignments or specific components of the job may require work to be performed in the evening, and on weekends and/or holidays when necessary to meet deadlines, complete tasks, and to be properly prepared for trial and related hearings.

To the extent their job responsibilities allow, after a six-month probationary period employees are permitted to work remotely one day per week. A laptop computer and all necessary software are provided. Employees must have reliable connectivity and an appropriate workspace to telework.

Snohomish County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.

Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.