Assistant City Prosecutor | Criminal Division

Position Description

With more than 200 attorneys and professional staff, the Seattle City Attorney’s Office is one of the largest law offices in Seattle and is the third-largest public law office in the state. Our office is committed to making Seattle a safe, healthy, empowered, and thriving community for everyone. We strive to address historical injustices within the court system with self-examination and to pursue justice in Seattle with integrity, creativity, and fairness. We believe working transparently, innovatively, and in collaboration with our partners in the community is necessary to achieve outcomes that promote equity, accountability, and healing.

The Criminal Division seeks one or more Assistant City Prosecutors to join the team. This is an exciting opportunity for a candidate to learn to manage a dynamic caseload and develop trial skills.

The Criminal Division represents the City in prosecuting misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, and traffic infractions in Seattle Municipal Court, including driving under the influence, domestic violence, theft, assault, property damage, and trespassing. Prosecutors rotate through units dedicated to reviewing incident reports and filing cases, trials, and domestic violence cases. Opportunities also exist for prosecutors to work in therapeutic courts - Mental Health Court and Veterans Treatment Court. All prosecutors assist in formulating and implementing policies to promote racial and social justice equity, including developing potential alternatives to incarceration for criminal offenders.

Job Responsibilities

• Represents the City Attorney in prosecuting misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor criminal offenses and probation violations; learns prosecutorial techniques and strategies; meets competing deadlines; and develops trial skills in a fast-paced, high-volume work environment.
• Reviews citations, arrest sheets, and other law enforcement documents; gathers facts and data; conducts factual and legal analysis to determine whether charges should be filed.
• Drafts complaints, briefs, motions, memorandum of law, and other legal documents.
• Manages assigned cases in accordance with standard protocols and procedures; confers with witnesses and crime victims; negotiates plea agreements with defense counsel within established guidelines; develops trial and prosecution strategy for supervisor approval.
• Coordinates with members of the Seattle Police Department and members of other law enforcement agencies, and other involved parties to establish and verify the basis for prosecution or dismissal.
• Represents the City of Seattle at arraignments, hearings and trials; compiles records and other information; identifies witnesses for subpoena; brings cases before the court and argues facts of the case in relation to points of law, case law and legal precedent; interviews and cross-examines witnesses.
• Assists city prosecutors in preparing complex misdemeanor arraignments, motions, pleas, and hearings.
• Adheres to a high degree of professional ethics and integrity.

Qualifications

This position requires membership in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association, OR the ability to complete the process of obtaining membership within 30 days of an offer of employment, OR being a Rule 9 Licensed Legal Intern awaiting Washington State Bar Examination results. Continued employment for Rule 9 candidates is contingent on passing the Washington State Bar Examination and becoming a member in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association within six months of beginning employment.

Additionally, a successful candidate will have the knowledge and skills to effectively manage a large and diverse trial focused caseload, including:

• Thorough knowledge of the rules of evidence and criminal procedure.
• Effective legal research and writing.
• Persuasive advocacy skills, including techniques to present the prosecution's case as a narrative storyline.
• Ability to quickly address a wide variety of legal issues.
• Creativity in developing different solutions to problems; and
• Flexibility to respond to competing demands.

Additional Information

Union: Local 21-PA

Application Process – For your application to be accepted, you must:

• Complete the online City Application.
  • (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle)
• Attach a cover letter describing your interest in the position and how you meet the above-listed qualifications.
• Attach a resume detailing your relevant experience.
• Attach a legal writing sample that is 5-15 pages in length. This can be an excerpt from a larger sample.

Race and Social Justice Initiative – The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. We seek individuals who will work toward the goals of the Race and Social Justice Initiative.

Workplace Environment – Currently, the Seattle City Attorney's Office has a Flexible Work Arrangements Policy. Employees have the option to work a hybrid schedule (3 days in the office, 2 days remote). This is subject to change as circumstances and business needs dictate.

Background Check Requirements – All positions are security sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the verification of credentials and/or other information required by the municipal corporation’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check in accordance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be given a chance to explain or correct background information and provide verifiable information on good conduct and rehabilitation.

Who may apply – This position is open to all candidates who meet the minimum qualifications.

The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, family or marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, pregnancy, or other protected characteristics. The Seattle City Attorney's Office encourages people of all backgrounds to apply.

Questions? Contact our Human Resources team at LAW_HR@seattle.gov.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.