DEPUTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY I - PROSECUTING ATTORNEY'S OFFICE

Job Title: Deputy Prosecuting Attorney I - IV
Department/Division: Prosecuting Attorney
Reports to: Assistant Chief Deputy
Supervises: n/a
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Pay Grade: DPA I: 150
DPA II: 155
DPA III: 160
DPA IV: 165
Employee Group: Non-Bargaining
Revision Date: January 2025

Minimum Education: Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university preferred.

Minimum Experience:
DPA I: One year of criminal law experience and/or internship preferred OR any combination of education and experience which would provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job.
DPA II: Three years of relevant criminal law experience OR any combination of education and experience which would provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job.
DPA III: Five years of relevant criminal law experience OR any combination of education and experience which would provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job.
DPA IV: Ten years of relevant criminal or civil law experience OR any combination of education and experience which would provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job.

Minimum Certifications: n/a

Other Requirements:
ALL POSITIONS

• License to practice law in the State of Washington
• In good standing of the State Bar of Washington
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License if driving a vehicle for County business

DPA I

• Trial advocacy training preferred

POSITION SUMMARY:
These positions provide legal representation to prosecute individuals accused of crimes in District, Juvenile, or Superior Court. Civil deputies provide advice and representation to County departments and officials. The Deputy Prosecuting Attorney IV position is reserved for prosecutors handling civil and criminal cases of the highest degree of complexity and significance.

This is a career progression series opportunity. Employees are eligible for progression through the classification series based on attaining the minimum qualifications for each level and meeting performance measures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The following duties are essential for this position. However, they are not to be construed as exclusive or all–inclusive. To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may also be required or assigned.
ALL POSITIONS

• Reviews and evaluates factual and legal bases of cases filed to determine legal sufficiency. Directs further investigation as needed. If a criminal matter, makes charging decisions and prepares charges to be filed with County Clerk. In civil matters, consults with county policymakers as appropriate.
• Prepares cases through legal research, evidence review, witness interviews, and drafting legal documents; develops case strategy and organizes exhibits, questions, and arguments; prepares for and attends hearings and trials.
• Evaluates cases for appropriate disposition, conducts negotiations and plea or settlement discussions with opposing counsel, and maintains professional relationships to facilitate case resolution.
• Communicates with victims, witnesses, law enforcement, and other stakeholders as appropriate to provide information, coordinate participation, and connect individuals with services; collaborates with coworkers, other departments, and outside agencies.
• Works with the Division of Child Support to secure and enforce financial support obligations for children through legal advocacy and collection efforts. (Civil Division, Child Support).
• Assists and trains support staff as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

DPA I

• Under general direction, conducts legal proceedings; determines strategy, organization, evidence presentation, appearance of witnesses, and jury instructions.
• Under general direction, provides legal advice and representation to County departments and elected officials.

DPA II, III, IV

• Without need for significant direction, conducts legal proceedings; determines strategy, organization, evidence presentation, appearance of witnesses, and jury instructions.
• Without need for significant direction, provides civil legal advice and representations to County departments, elected officials. (Civil Division).
• Provides legal advice to law enforcement.

DPA III, IV

• Works closely with law enforcement officials to ensure thorough investigation of cases. (Criminal Division).
• Advises law enforcement agencies/officers on legal aspects of specific offenses and on proper arrest, search and seizure, and related policy/procedure/statutes; involves reviewing search warrants, attending briefings, and being available via phone/email during typical non-working hours. (Criminal Division).
• Regularly handles matters of particular significance and/or complexity.

DPA IV

• Possesses a depth of experience and provides advice and guidance to other attorneys and staff in the office.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:

• Washington state criminal and civil law and related local statutes, ordinances, case law, and procedures.
• Duties and responsibilities of the Prosecuting Attorney's Office.
• Principles, methods, and practices of legal research and investigation.
• Judicial procedure and rules of evidence.
• Administrative policies and procedures of the County.
• The County’s and Office’s operating requirements, policies, procedures, and practices; and local, state, and federal regulations related to department programs and operations.
• Current office practices and procedures.
• Operation of standard office equipment and software consistent with this position.

Skill in:

• Taking notes and accurately incorporating essential details in preparing legal documents.
• Organizational and time management to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.

Ability to:

• Plan, prepare, present, and conduct case strategies for criminal or civil cases.
• Interpret and explain codes, statutes, ordinances, and procedures.
• Manage heavy caseloads and maintain appropriate records, logs, and case files.
• Instruct and train in methods and procedures.
• Interpret and implement local policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence; Federal, State, and local laws and regulations.
• Read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position.
• Prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports.
• Apply sound judgment and discretion in performing duties, resolving problems and interpreting policies and regulations.
• Communicate detailed and often sensitive information effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.
• Maintain professionalism at all times.
• Maintain effective working relationships with individuals within and outside the organization.
• Maintain confidentiality and discretion regarding business-related files, reports and conversations, within the provisions of the Public Records Act and other applicable State and Federal statutes and regulations.
• Work the allocated hours of the position and respond after hours as needed.

PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This work requires occasional exertion of up to 35 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, frequently requires standing, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and occasionally requires walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and reaching with hands and arms.
• Work has standard vision requirements.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities.
• Work has no exposure to adverse environmental conditions.
• Work is generally in a moderately noisy office setting (e.g. business office, light traffic).
• May require dealing with persons who are hostile or aggressive, posing threatening conditions.