JOB
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 OfficeThe 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 is in northwest Washington State between the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains. Just 15 miles north of Seattle, the county is rich in scenery with abundant opportunities for outdoor activities and has a thriving economy. It is a great place to live, work, raise a family, and play. Snohomish County WebsiteSnohomish 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.
EXAMPLE OF 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.BASIC FUNCTION FOR A CRIMINAL DEPUTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY IThis 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. BASIC FUNCTION FOR A CRIMINAL DEPUTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY IIThis is a mid-level attorney classification in the Criminal Division of the Prosecuting Attorney's Office. Attorneys in this class are generally assigned to more complex criminal legal matters and work with greater independence and assume responsibility for more difficult and complex assignments as experience is gained. BASIC FUNCTION OF A CRIMINAL DEPUTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY IIIThis is an advanced range attorney classification in the Criminal Division of the Prosecuting Attorney's Office. Prepares and presents the most complex and sensitive cases, serves as unit leads, mentors, trains and supervises other Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys and supervises support staff where directed by an Assistant Chief Criminal Deputy or the Chief Criminal Deputy Prosecutor.Essential Job DutiesHandle 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.STATEMENT OF OTHER JOB DUTIES Helps others when asked or as directed.Performs related duties as required.
SUPPLEMENTAL 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 softwareAdditional InformationSALARY INFORMATION Starting salary is dependent on experience and qualifications. The annual salary ranges are as follows: Deputy Prosecuting Attorney I: $92,075.76 to $117,513.36Deputy Prosecuting Attorney II: $119,616.96 to $152,664.36Deputy 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. SUPERVISIONDeputy 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 CONDITIONSMost 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. 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.EEO policy and ADA notice