Criminal Deputy Prosecuting Attorney I, II or III - Depending on Experience

Description

This opening is for a full-time permanent position and will remain open until filled. We are looking for an attorney with a minimum of three years of criminal experience to fill a DPA I through III level position.

About the Office

The Criminal Division is responsible for prosecuting all adult and juvenile felonies that occur within Snohomish County, as well as misdemeanor and gross misdemeanors that occur in unincorporated areas. The Snohomish County Prosecutor's Office is committed to the responsible exercise of its prosecutorial discretion in ways that best serve our diverse community. We do so by supporting and advocating for crime victims and their families, holding individuals who harm others and commit crimes accountable, and preserving and protecting the rights of the accused. It is our mission to pursue justice fairly, firmly, and ethically, and to help create safe and livable communities for everyone while maintaining the trust and respect of those we humbly serve. We are also dedicated to pursuing innovative alternatives to traditional prosecution that include embedded therapeutic programs designed to address the root causes of criminal behavior. As an office, we highly value hard work, teamwork, and a healthy work-life balance.

Snohomish County offers a generous total compensation package. For example, total compensation for a full-time first year criminal deputy prosecuting attorney I is $126,208.00. This includes a gross annual salary of $92,076.00 and annual benefits with a current approximate value of $34,132.00. These benefits consist of medical, dental, vision, FICA, Medicare, Washington State Paid Family and Medical Leave, PERS (pension), disability insurance, and a limited employer matching contribution for deferred compensation plan. This position provides for paid state and local bar dues, Prosecutor sponsored CLEs, and may qualify for school or federal student loan forgiveness programs.

In addition to these benefits, first year employees receive 96 hours of annual paid sick leave, 96 hours of annual paid vacation leave, 16 additional hours of annual floating holiday leave and 11 paid holidays. Hours of annual leave will be increased according to the union contract for continuous service in a qualified position.

Criminal Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys are also eligible to receive yearly merit money awards that can be as high as $4,000 and for annual wage increases.

Job Duties

A Deputy Prosecuting Attorney provides legal services to the Criminal Division of the Prosecuting Attorney's Office. The complexity of the assigned criminal legal matters will be dependent on relevant prior experience, with the opportunity to work with greater independence and to assume greater responsibility over time. We are looking for applicants with three or more years of experience to start in the felony division.

Essential Job Duties

• Handle all aspects of criminal prosecution from case evaluation, charging decisions, plea negotiations, and criminal jury and bench trials as assigned.
• Establish and maintain productive and positive working relationships with groups and individuals both inside and outside the office, including with fellow DPAs, advocates and support staff, defense counsel, judges, court staff and the Clerk’s Office, victims and witnesses, law enforcement agencies, and members of the community at large.
• Oral and written advocacy.
• Conduct legal research.
• Understand that the principal duty of every deputy prosecutor is to seek justice and to exercise his or her discretion with that responsibility in mind.

• Helps others when asked or as directed.
• 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 lawful permanent resident. A valid Washington State Drivers License may be required. Must successfully pass a criminal background investigation, which includes fingerprinting.

Additional Information

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES (WITH AN EXPECTATION THAT SOME WILL BE LEARNED WITHIN THE PROBATIONARY PERIOD):

• A working familiarity with, and commitment to, the Rules of Professional Conduct.
• Knowledge of the Rules of Evidence;
• Knowledge of applicable Court Rules and judicial procedures;
• Understanding of appellate practices;
• A practiced background in methods and techniques for legal research;
• The ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively, both orally and in writing;
• The ability to work under pressure, particularly with individuals who may be upset, uncooperative, or in distressing circumstances;
• The ability to exercise excellent judgment and tact in all relationships, and to practice courtesy and honesty at all times;
• The ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and use time and resources efficiently;
• The ability to respond to, and manage, quickly evolving situations;
• The ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality of records and information;
• A commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards and to professionalism in all areas of work performance and practice;
• Knowledge of the Office’s charging and disposition standards;
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with office standards and policies;
• Familiarity with office procedures, methods, and equipment use, including computers and applicable software

Additional Information

SALARY INFORMATION

Starting salary is dependent on experience and qualifications. The annual salary ranges are as follows:

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney I: $92,075.76 to $117,513.36

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney II: $119,616.96 to $152,664.36

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney III: $155,965.92 to $199,056

There are six automatic step increases within each DPA Level (I, II, and III), with corresponding, 5% salary increases. Promotion from one Level to the next is performance-based and subject to the recommendation of the Assistant Chief Criminal Deputy, the Chief Criminal Deputy and the discretion of the elected Prosecuting Attorney. The Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office salary scale can be found here. On January 1, 2026, all Criminal Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys will receive a 2.7% COLA salary increase.

SUPERVISION

Deputy Prosecutors report to and receive direction from their assigned Unit Lead (i.e., District Court Unit, Juvenile Court Unit, Non-Violent Felony Trial Unit, Charging Unit, Special Assault Unit, etc. ) and/or from the Assistant Chief Criminal Deputy and the 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 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 AM to 5:00 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.

Snohomish County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.
Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.