City Prosecutor

Under the direction of the City Attorney and Chief Prosecutor, serve as prosecuting attorney for the City in jury and bench trials and other court and administrative hearings.

Serve as prosecuting attorney in criminal misdemeanor cases filed by the City; represent the City in bench and jury trials, pre-trials, arraignments, sentencing, traffic violations and other misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor cases; represent the City in civil matters such as forfeitures or code enforcement. 

Charge criminal cases; review and prepare documents and cases and review probable cause; attempt to resolve cases without necessity of trial if appropriate; perform jury and bench trials, including preparation of jury instructions and preparation of motions related to cases. 

Communicate with witnesses, police, other attorneys and defendants as needed; communicate and coordinate with court administrative personnel, City departments, public defenders and other personnel in matters related to criminal cases. 

Participate in pre-trial conferences and in-court hearings to potentially resolve cases prior to trial; negotiate, review cases, make offers, investigate and extend offers; place dispositions on the court record. 

Organize case information and analyze pertinent case facts and evidence; research legal precedent and develop arguments as appropriate; prepare and supervise the maintenance of criminal case records and other legal documents required to proceed with criminal cases. 

Analyze and evaluate the validity of each criminal charge; perform a variety of case preparation duties such as reviewing and signing citations and long form complaints; plea bargaining, negotiating and interviewing witnesses. 

Represent the City in court on contested hearings and other infractions as required. 

Perform appellate work as needed; research and prepare briefings and present oral arguments in court hearings as required. 

Perform legal research and prepare opinions related to various legal issues; prepare and draft ordinances and resolutions, contracts and other legal documents and instruments.   

Communicate with and train various City departments regarding the legality of documents and instruments and the prosecution of criminal cases. 

Serve as prosecuting attorney for the City in jury and bench trials and other court and administrative hearings regarding infraction, misdemeanor, and gross misdemeanor cases, and related civil matters.

Maintain regular, reliable and punctual attendance.

Education and Experience:

Requires Law degree with admission to the Washington State Bar Association in good standing. Entry-level attorneys are encouraged to apply. Rule 9 opportunities may be explored on a per-case basis. 

Licenses and Other Requirements:

• Member of the Washington State Bar Association
• Valid Washington driver's license

Knowledge of: 

• City and State laws related to the prosecution of court cases.
• Municipal Court rules and procedures.
• Legal research methodology.
• Justware, Lexis Nexis
• Municipal government structure, operations and jurisdiction.
• Criminal and civil court procedures and case decisions in Washington.
• Case preparation and litigation techniques.
• Principles of training and providing work direction.
• Negotiation and trial techniques and skills.
• Strong oral and written case presentation skills.
• Organization and analysis of case facts and legal precedents.
• Legality and preparation of various documents and instruments.
• City organization, operations, policies and objectives.
• Prosecution forms, office and court procedures.

Ability to: 

• Serve as prosecuting attorney for the City in jury and bench trials and other court and administrative hearings regarding misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor cases.
• Analyze, evaluate, organize and prepare cases for trial, hearing or appeal.
• Perform comprehensive and professional criminal legal services, including researching, drafting and writing briefs, opinions and ordinances.
• Prepare and deliver oral presentation and arguments.
• Analyze, organize and evaluate case facts and evidence.
• Perform legal research and investigation.
• Appear in court and administrative proceedings and represent the City's interests.
• Render effective legal counsel and advice to City departments.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Read, interpret, apply and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
• Meet schedules and timelines.
• Work independently with little direction.
• Physically perform the essential functions of the job.
• Demonstrated ability to positively and effectively interact with diverse individuals to accomplish a common goal.

Environmental Conditions/Physical Effort:

Work is performed primarily in an office environment and in meeting and court rooms.  Employee may be exposed to noise from basic office equipment operation. Performs sedentary work exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Travel to attend meetings and hearings is required.