Criminal Deputy Prosecuting Attorney I or II - Depending on Experience

This opening is for a full-time permanent position.  We are open to filling at the DPA I and II level and welcome applications from entry level attorneys to attorneys with up to 12 years of experience. 

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 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 Website

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.

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.

1. Evaluates, charges, negotiates and tries criminal cases as assigned.
2. Establishes and maintains effective and positive work relationships with groups and individuals inside and outside the office, particularly attorneys, support staff, Bench, Bar, County government, law enforcement agencies, and community.
3. Works effectively across division and departmental lines to achieve goals.
4. Assists others when asked or as directed.
5. Understands that the paramount duty is to seek justice; keeps track of all costs associated with each case; while cost should never direct action that will be taken on a case, the use of broad discretion regarding the allocation of resources must be considered; it is important to minimize officer overtime, witness costs, and extra fees while minimizing inconvenience to witnesses.

STATEMENT OF ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES FOR CRIMINAL DEPUTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY II

1. Performs all of the duties of a Criminal Deputy Prosecuting Attorney I. 
2. Successfully manages cases at all stages of review, charging, trial preparation, trial, and pre- and post-trial motions; appropriately manages litigation costs. 
3. Establishes and maintains effective and positive work relationships with groups and individuals inside and outside the office, particularly attorneys, support staff, Bench, Bar, County government, law enforcement agencies, and community. 
4. Works effectively across division and departmental lines to achieve goals. 
5. Understands that the paramount duty is to seek justice, keeps track of all costs associated with each case; while costs should never direct action that will be taken on a case, the use of broad discretion regarding the allocation of resources must be considered; it is important to minimize officer overtime, witness costs, and extra fees while minimizing inconvenience to witnesses.

1. Helps others when asked or as directed.
2. Performs related duties as required.

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 a lawful permanent resident. A valid Washington State Drivers License may be required. Must successfully pass a criminal background investigation, which includes fingerprinting.

 

• charging and disposition standards
• judicial procedures and the law of evidence
• basic appellate practices
• office procedures, methods, and equipment, including computers and applicable software applications
• methods and techniques of legal research
• rules of professional conduct

• communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively, both orally and in writing;
• perform quality legal research
• work under pressure and with individuals who may be distraught or challenging
• meet deadlines
• use time and resources efficiently
• organize and perform multiple tasks to meet deadlines
• maintain a high level of confidentiality of records and information
• exercise excellent judgment and tact in all relationships
• communicate clearly, effectively, and courteously with attorneys, support staff, judges, and the general public
• respond quickly and effectively to unanticipated situations
• manage the day to day and long range work responsibilities of one or more support staff members, where directed by an Assistant Chief or the Chief Criminal Deputy Prosecutor
• uphold the highest ethical standards and commitment to professionalism in all areas of work performance and practice
• be courteous, professional, and honest at all times
• comply with Office standards and policies
• support the Washington State Bar Association's aspirational goals for pro bono work

Knowledge of:

• charging and disposition standards
• evidence rules, court rules, and criminal law
• basic appellate practices
• office procedures, methods, and equipment, including computers and applicable software applications
• methods and techniques of legal research
• rules of professional conduct 

Ability to:

• handle professionally and effectively, with a minimum of supervision, even the most complex of cases and trials
• effectively and responsibly communicate with the press and media, while complying with the Rules of Professional Conduct
• be a solid example of reliable attendance, competence and dedication
• communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively, both orally and in writing
• perform quality legal research
• work under pressure and with individuals who may be distraught or challenging
• meet deadlines
• use time and resources efficiently
• organize and perform multiple tasks to meet deadlines
• establish and maintain effective and positive work relationships with groups and individuals inside and outside the office, particularly attorneys, support staff,  Bench, Bar, county council, county executive, county departments, division of child support, and  community
• work effectively across section, departmental, and organizational lines to achieve goals
• assist others when asked or directed
• maintain a high level of confidentiality of records and information
• exercise excellent judgment and tact in all relationships
• communicate clearly, effectively, and courteously with attorneys, support staff, judges, and the general public
• respond quickly and effectively to unanticipated situations
• supervise the day to day and long range work responsibilities of one or more support staff members
• uphold the highest ethical standards and commitment to professionalism in all areas of work performance and practice
• be courteous, professional, and honest at all times
• comply with office standards and policies
• support the Washington State Bar Association's aspirational goals for pro bono work

 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. 

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. 

Salary : $92,076 - $152,664