- Job Name
- Temporary Assistant City Prosecutor, Criminal Division
- Brief Description
- This temporary assignment is expected to last through the end of April 2025 but may end sooner or be extended depending on business needs.
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 is seeking one or more Assistant City Prosecutors to join the team. Recent graduates and licensed Rule 9 Interns awaiting bar exam results are encouraged to apply. This is an exciting opportunity for an attorney 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. Criminal attorneys rotate through units dedicated to reviewing incident reports and filing cases; trials; and domestic violence cases. Opportunities also exist for attorneys to work in therapeutic courts – Mental Health Court and Veterans Treatment Court. All prosecutors assist in formulating and implementing policies to promote race and social justice equity, including developing potential alternatives to incarceration for criminal offenders. - Job Type
- Full-Time
- Education Level Required
- None
- Location City
- Seattle, WA , United states
- Contact Person
- Contact Email
- Contact Phone
- How to Apply
- Application Process- For your application to be accepted you must:
Complete the online City Application.
Attach a resume detailing your relevant experience.
Attach a cover letter describing your interest in the position.
Attach a legal writing sample that is 5-15 pages in length. This can be an excerpt from a larger sample.
Application Submission Guidelines- All applicants are required to apply on or before the closing date indicated on the job posting. Applicant inquiries received via email and websites such as indeed, etc. Will not be considered unless the individual has applied to the available position via the Government Jobs site. - Direct Link
- Click here for more info
- Job Details
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Job Responsibilities
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The responsibilities of this position will include, but are not limited to:
- Represents the City Attorney in prosecuting misdemeanors and gross misdemeanor criminal offenses and probation violations; learns prosecutorial and strategies; meets competing deadlines; and develops trial skills in a fast paced, high volume work environment.
- Review citations, arrest sheets and other law enforcement documents; gather 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 basis for prosecution of dismissal.
- Represents the City of Seattle at arraignments, hearings and trials; complies records and other information; identifies witnesses for subpoena; brings cases before the court and argues facts of the case in relation to point of law; cases law and legal precedent; interviews and cross-examines witnesses.
- Assists city prosecutors in preparing complex misdemeanor arraignments, motions, pleas, and hearings.
- Adhere to a high degree of professional ethics and integrity.
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Qualifications
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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 of an offer of employment OR being a Rule 9 licensed legal Interns 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 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.
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Additional Information
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Compensation and Benefits – This position is part of a stepped salary system with an initial Step 1 placement ($46.55 per hour). The full salary range for this position is $97,196 - $130,082 annually.
Union Membership – This position is a member of Local 21-PA.
Application Process- For your application to be accepted you must:
- Complete the online City Application.
- Attach a resume detailing your relevant experience.
- Attach a cover letter describing your interest in the position.
- Attach a legal writing sample that is 5-15 pages in length. This can be an excerpt from a larger sample.
The required documents listed in the above “Application Process” section must be attached to the application prior to the job closing date indicated to ensure full consideration for the application submitted. Please contact the Office of Human Resources on or before the closing date indicated about at LAW_HR@Seattle.gov should you need assistance with the online application process.
Race and Social Justice Initiative – The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.
EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS: As a non-benefited temporary employee, you will receive an additional 5% of the regular hourly rate of pay for the first 520 cumulative straight-time hours of work; 10% of the regular hourly rate of pay for cumulative straight-time hours 521 through 1040; After 1040 straight-time hours you will become eligible for benefits and stop receiving premium pay. As you approach 1040 straight-time hours, Law HR will reach out with additional information. Additionally, you accrue paid sick leave consistent with Personnel Rule 11.17.
Workplace Environment – Effective September 12, 2022, the Seattle City Attorney’s Office has implemented an Alternative Work Arrangements Policy. Employees will have the option to work a hybrid schedule (2 days in office, 3 days remote). This is subject to change as circumstances dictate.
Background Check – Applicants must successfully pass a background check. Applicants will be given a chance to explain or correct background information and provide verifiable information of good conduct and rehabilitation.
Who may apply – This position is open to all candidates that 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, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy. The Seattle City Attorney's Office encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.
Questions? Contact our Human Resources team at LAW_HR@seattle.gov.
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