Assistant City Attorney (Prosecutor)

Job Description

About Longview:

Longview, Washington is located in Southwest Washington along the scenic Columbia River Basin 50 miles north of Portland, Oregon and 145 miles south of Seattle. Longview is a comfortable and affordable community with close proximity to larger city amenities as well as abundant outdoor recreational activities in the Cascade Mountains, Pacific beaches, and numerous rivers and lakes.

Essential Job Duties

• Provide effective criminal and infraction prosecution trial services for the City; organize case information; perform discovery, investigate cases, and interview witnesses; analyze evidence and the law; develop trial or motion strategies; perform legal research; prepare briefs; effectively and confidently present the City’s case and oral arguments in court; and perform appellate work.
• Review cases in order to make filing decisions and prepare decline notices when appropriate. Represent the City in arraignments, pretrial hearings, motion hearings, bench and jury trials, sentencing hearings, probation review hearings, contested traffic hearings, appeals, and other court hearings as assigned; represent the City in forfeiture actions; and seek restitution for crime victims.
• Participates in litigation activities, which may include: reviewing cases, consulting with litigator and opposing counsels, arguing motions, and/or performing other related activities.
• Travel between various court locations, client locations and City buildings to conduct essential business, offsite meetings and court appearances.
• Prepares and reviews a variety of legal documents, offerings, and requests for information, which may include: court summaries, appellate briefs, court orders, position statements, authorization forms, pleadings, memorandums, legal opinions, briefs, contractual agreements, sentencing recommendations, petitions, and/other related information.
• Opens cases, which includes: reading case files; contacting witnesses; overseeing investigative activities; evaluating strengths and weaknesses of each case; sending out discoveries; filing pleadings; and/or, performing other related activities.
• Consults with and advises City employees, victims, witnesses, and/or other interested parties on legal procedures and cases.
• Effectively, professionally, respectfully, and confidently interact with the defense bar; treat defendants and witnesses professionally; develop and utilize effective case negotiation skills.
• Work effectively with the court administration, jail, police department, and public defender to develop processes to ensure the efficient operation of the criminal justice system.
• Conducts a variety of legal research, analysis, and document preparation related to cases, statutes, records, and related information to determine applicable arguments and potential case outcomes.
• Work productively in a team atmosphere with other attorneys and support personnel and pursue team goals and objectives as determined by superiors. Be available to assist other attorneys and support staff in order to meet deadlines.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctorate degree.
• 1-2 years of professional legal experience preferred.
• Licensed to practice law with the Washington State Bar Association. Will consider Rule 9 Intern from Washington State Bar and continued employment contingent upon passing the Washington State Bar Exam by within 6 months of employment.
• Active membership in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association at all times during employment
• Valid driver’s license, or the ability to obtain within thirty (30) days of employment and maintain an acceptable driving record.
• Must successfully pass the City’s pre-employment fingerprinting and background check, subject to periodic re-evaluation during course of employment.

Ideal Candidate Information

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Maintain knowledge of current laws, court rules, court opinions, and legal issues pertinent to the position.
• Knowledge of the Revised Code of Washington, Rules of Professional Conduct, Washington Administrative Code, various federal codes, and the Longview City Municipal Code.
• Legal research methodology using paper-bound and computer-based libraries.
• Municipal government organizational structure, operations, policies, objectives and jurisdiction.
• Principles, practices, and procedures of criminal law including court procedures and rules.
• Legality and preparation of various documents and instruments.
• Conflict management skills.
• Performance of legal research and investigation, including the use of computer-based legal research systems.
• Organizing, analyzing, and evaluating case facts, evidence, and legal precedent.
• Case preparation and prosecution techniques.
• Preparation and delivery of oral presentations and arguments.
• Correct use of English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary as it pertains to the job.
• Oral and written communications to effectively organize and express ideas and persuasive arguments.
• Effectively and productively work with, interact with, and develop trust with diverse communities including those of all races, ages, national origins, abilities or disabilities, and sexual orientations, particularly with protected classes, underrepresented groups, and immigrant communities.
• Good interpersonal and customer service skills to courteously deal with and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, City departments, vendors, local agencies and providers, and the general public.
• Maintain professional composure and demonstrate tact, patience, safety, and courtesy at all times.
• Initiative to take action and be self-motivated. Work well independently as well as in a team or cooperative setting.
• Communicate in a professional business-like manner, both orally and in writing. Portray a professional image and attitude.
• Able to exercise discretion over sensitive and confidential issues related to the department and its business.
• Meet schedules and timelines.
• The ability to handle job stress and interact effectively with others in the workplace.

The City provides a comprehensive benefits package that is predominantly employer-paid for full family coverage, which includes medical, dental, vision, employee assistance program, long-term disability insurance, and basic life insurance with buy-up options for the employee, employee’s spouse and dependents. All employees are required to participate in the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems programs and have the option to participate in a 457 deferred compensation program. Other benefits include generous paid leave such as vacation, holidays, and sick leave, and voluntary participation in a tax-deferred medical or dependent 125 plans.