Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney

The Island County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is seeking a full-time Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney.  The successful applicant will have significant municipal practice and litigation experience.  The Chief Civil DPA must adhere to the highest ethical standards at all times and consistently exercise sound judgment.  This attorney gives legal advice to elected county officials and appointed department heads.  He or she represents Island County and county officials in court and before administrative law bodies.  He or she may draft legal opinions, ordinances, and contracts for county clients. He or she must be able to provide forthright and understandable advice to county officials, while being sensitive to non-legal issues that may be of concern to them.  Superior written and oral communication skills are essential.  The Chief Civil DPA is part of the prosecutor’s office management team, and provides the elected prosecutor with counsel on all matters affecting the functioning of the office.

All applications must include a cover letter, resume, and legal writing sample.

• Advise and represent the Board of Island County Commissioners, the Island County Board of Health, and all County and precinct officers on all legal matters pertaining to their official duties.  

• Examples of relevant practice areas include:  

• Municipal governance
• Open meetings and public records
• Election law
• Municipal tax law
• Tort liability / risk management
• Land use planning and growth management
• Land use and public health code enforcement
• Public health environmental law
• Municipal bidding and contract law
• Employment law

• Review ordinances and contracts for effectiveness and compliance with the law.
• Serve as the Island County Code Reviser.
• Responsible for all aspects of the prosecution and defense of civil litigation, including filing, discovery, motion practice, negotiations, trial, and appeal. These duties include the management of other attorneys and staff, to ensure their cases and workloads are also competently and efficiently handled. 
• Represent the County in administrative hearings and appeals, such as before the Growth Management Hearings Board, Shoreline Hearings Board, Pollution Control Hearings Board, Board of Tax Appeals, and others.
• Develop and enforce policies and procedures to ensure efficient and competent practice by all members of the Civil Division.
• Responsible for the management, training, and supervision of attorneys and support staff who work in the Civil Division.
• Perform other tasks as directed.

• Broad and deep knowledge of municipal law.
• Knowledge of procedural law and court rules.
• Superior legal research skills.
• Superior oral and written communication abilities.  In particular, the successful candidate will be adept at drafting a variety of documents, including legal pleadings, municipal code provisions, legal opinions, and client correspondence.
• Superior civil litigation skills.
• Knowledge of county government structures in the State of Washington.
• Seasoned leadership abilities.
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative environment.
• Fluency with digital office management tools and processes.

• Bachelor of Arts or Sciences Degree
• Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school, unless admitted to practice law through APR 6.
• Current membership in good standing in the Washington State Bar Association.
• At least ten years as a practicing attorney.
• Significant municipal law and civil litigation experience, including jury trials, appellate practice, and experience before administrative boards.
• Progressive experience in a lead, supervisory, or managerial capacity.
• Valid Washington driver's license and proof of auto insurance.