Prosecuting Attorney I/II/III/IV Criminal and Child Support Division

Yakima County; Yakima (WA); On-site; USD 114,000 - 128,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Care Benefits (Medical, Dental,

Retirement

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

Paid Sick Leave

Job summary

Yakima County is seeking qualified Criminal Attorneys in its Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for the Attorney I–IV levels. The Deputy Prosecuting Attorney will handle adult criminal cases from charging through trial and sentencing, with placement in General Felony, Special Assault, or Child Support divisions.

The role offers a professional, fast-paced environment with opportunities to gain courtroom experience, work with a supportive team, and contribute to community safety.

Qualifications

• Admission to the Washington State Bar.
• A minimum of four (4) years of law practice experience for Attorney II.
• Admission to practice in the Supreme Court of Washington; state bar admission for other levels.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute adult criminal cases of moderate to serious offenses.
• Represent the State in preliminary appearances, arraignments and sentencing hearings.
• Conduct trial actions including jury selection, opening/closing arguments, and evidence presentation.
• Provide legal advice and develop case strategy in collaboration with supervising attorneys.

Skills

Legal research and writing

Courtroom arguments

Case analysis and strategy

Interpersonal communication

Negotation and plea bargaining

Education

Washington State Bar admission

Jurisdictional practice in WA Supreme Court

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The mission of Yakima County Government is to provide accessible, responsive and responsible public service through leadership and teamwork committed to understanding and meeting public needs.

Our Values:

• Integrity
• Common Sense
• Innovation
• Accountability

Position Data:

Attorney II-S

Regular

Exempt (ineligible for overtime)

Overview:

Pay Range as follows:
Attorney I: $102,000 - $110,408 per year (Attorney Pay Plan, Step 1-7)
Attorney II: $113,720 - $128,068 per year (Attorney Pay Plan, Step 1-7)
Attorney III: $128,708 - $144,946 per year (Attorney Pay Plan, Step 1-7)
Attorney IV: $146,758-$178,897 Per year (Attorney Pay Plan, Step 1-11)

Job Closing Date: Open until filled with weekly reviews.

The Yakima County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has immediate openings for Criminal Attorneys at the Attorney I, II, III, and IV levels. Candidates will work in a professional, collegial, and fast-paced environment.
Assignment is at the discretion of the Prosecutor and placement may be in the General Felony, Special Assault division, or Child Support division.

We’re looking for passionate and dedicated attorneys to join our Criminal Division. This is a great opportunity to:

• Gain valuable courtroom and litigation experience
• Make a real impact in our community
• Work alongside a supportive and professional team

Benefits included in position:

• -Health Care Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Basic Life and Basic LTD)
• -Retirement
• -Paid Vacation
• -Paid Holidays
• -Paid Sick Leave

Note: This is a Non-Bargaining Unit position

Responsibilities:

The Deputy Prosecuting Attorney will prosecute adult criminal cases of a moderate level of complexity and seriousness OR moderate to serious felony offenses.

In Criminal Matters:

Evaluates each case and assesses its factual and legal sufficiency under the law at each stage of a criminal proceeding by reviewing police and other reports and analyzing all information available. Makes charging decisions regarding legal and factual sufficiency for filing of a case.

Evaluates strengths, weaknesses and facts of each case for purposes of additional investigation, plea negotiations, development of case strategy and trial preparation.

Coordinates or conducts case investigation for trial preparation as necessary. Arranges for tests of physical evidence, testimony of expert witnesses and interviews or directs interviews of witnesses as required.

Instigates or responds to plea bargaining negotiations with opposing counsel and represents the interest of the state.

Represents the State at preliminary appearances, arraignments, pre-trial motions, pleas of guilty, sentencing hearings and post-trial matters such as restitution hearings and sentence reviews/amendments.

Conducts all trial actions including: selection of jury, opening arguments, direct and cross examination, introduction of evidence and exhibits, preparation of jury instructions, closing arguments and post-trial motions.

Works with and Responds to law enforcement at critical stages of proceedings, to achieve positive outcomes.

In Civil Matters

In child support enforcement (prosecution), represents the State of Washington Department of Social and Health Services, Division of Child Support in family law matters or proceedings in Superior Court to establish parentage and child support orders, modify child support orders, enforce child support orders, and other associated actions or proceedings.

In child dependency proceedings (indigent defense) represents parents and children regarding matters and proceedings under RCW 13.34 initiated by the State of Washington, Department of Social and Health Services, Child Protective Service alleging abuse and/or neglect by a parent and/or to terminate parental rights.

Supervision in All Matters:

Close to moderate or moderate to low supervision in handling cases or matters of the type assigned. Works with supervisors in resolution of ethical issues and in response to problems and to complaints regarding services provided,

Other Duties as Assigned:

Performs other duties as assigned such as: preparation of appellate briefs; participation in or preparation and presentation of in-house training programs; and presentation of educational programs to local school, community or civic organizations. Communication is critical during all stages of pleas/trial negotiations.

Education and Experience:

Attorney I- Admission to the Washington State Bar;

Admission to practice in the Supreme Court of Washington.

Attorney II - Admission to the Washington State Bar.
A minimum of four (4) years of law practice experience.

Attorney III - Admission to the Washington State Bar; Admission to practice in the Supreme Court of Washington; A minimum of eight (8) years of law practice experience.

Attorney IV- Admission to the Washington State Bar; Admission to practice in the Supreme Court of Washington; A minimum of twelve (12) years directly related law practice experience is required. A significant amount of jury trial and/or courtroom experience in Superior Court is also required.

Required:

• Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation which includes fingerprinting.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License and proof of insurance at time of employment may be required.

Equipment Used:

Telephone, copy and fax machines, and personal computer. Must have the ability to drive personal and/or County vehicle, and travel to locations outside of thecourthouse.

Working Conditions:

This position is rated as Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting, most of the time.

Environment: Pathogen exposure work in locked down facilities, exposure to hostile/angry individuals, work outside of standard business hours and multiple work locations;

Physical Demands: bending, carrying, handling, lifting, reaching, sitting, standing, walking, fingering, balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, kneeling, hearing, smelling, talking, visual acuity.

Intellectual Demands: ability to multitask, confidentiality, ability to work under pressure, ability to articulate and communicate in conversations, ability to follow written and verbal instruction.

Knowledge:

• The laws of the State of Washington, rules of evidence and procedure, and Washington Court rules;
• The field of assignment sufficient to perform thoroughly and accurately the full scope of responsibility as illustrated in the class description and essential duties;
• The ethical and professional responsibilities of an attorney generally and for the field of assignment.

Skills and Abilities:

• Using a personal computer and related software applications, and operating basic office equipment;
• Performing legal research; analyzing and applying legal principles, statutes, constitutional provisions, facts, evidence and precedents to legal problems;
• Applying supervisory techniques and methods; and assigning, reviewing and evaluating the work of others (supervisory positions);
• Prioritizing work under varying conditions and effectively managing time;
• Finding solutions to problems and making decisions within the scope of responsibility and the law;
• Exercising sound judgment in consulting senior attorneys and supervisors with questions and concerns, and, in referring matters to others which are beyond the scope, knowledge or authority of the position.
• Working individually and cooperatively as a member of a team;
• Applying knowledge of the law in writing various documents, organizing evidence, drafting interview questions, presenting legal arguments, and legal and/or factual situations;
• Establishing and maintaining effective interpersonal relationships with co-workers, individuals involved in the court systems, media and diverse members of the public.
• Maintaining confidentiality; and
• Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, in clear concise language appropriate for the purposes involved and the parties addressed, including court appearances

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans and the Disabled are encouraged to apply.

Yakima County ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of a person’s age, color, creed, sensory, mental or physical disability, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political belief, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and military status, or any other protected status under federal or state statute.

PAY TRANSPARENCY NONDISCRIMINATION PROVISION
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish the information.

Disabled applicants may request accommodation to participate in the job application and/or selection process for employment. Please contact Human Resources for further information.

Yakima County is a qualified Public Service entity for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, go to https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service or contact your federal loan servicer.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Yakima County will hire only United States citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States.

Yakima County is an E-Verify Employer.