Attorney-Involuntary Treatment Act

The Civil Division of the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office is seeking a highly motivated attorney with a commitment to justice, integrity, compassion, leadership, and professionalism to join our office as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in the Involuntary Treatment Act Section. This is an excellent opportunity to develop expertise and gain negotiation and courtroom experience, particularly for attorneys passionate about behavioral health. If you seek enriching, meaningful work and a chance to serve your community while working as part of a dynamic team, this opportunity may be for you.
 
About the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office

The Civil Division is made up of eight sections: County Services, Land Use, Transportation and Real Property, Natural Resources, Employment, Litigation, Contracts, and Involuntary Treatment Act. We are guided by our core values of Integrity, Compassion, Professionalism, and Leadership.
 
The mission of the Civil Division is to provide excellent legal representation and advice to County clients, in a timely and cost-effective manner. We are committed to upholding the highest ethical standards and maintaining a professional and supportive relationship with our clients and each other.
To learn more about the PAO, please visit our website.
 
We value diversity and strive to hire a workforce that reflects the community that we serve. It is essential to our mission that we create and maintain an office that is diverse and inclusive. All PAO employees are expected to participate in PAO equity work and attend equity trainings and discussions. PAO employees are expected to comply with equity and social justice principles, and to work with PAO colleagues and management to identify opportunities for improvement.  

This position is for a minimum of a two-year term as an ITA Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney (DPA). ITA DPAs represent local behavioral health facilities where patients are civilly committed. The DPA assigned to this position will work closely with behavioral health professionals from the hospitals, out-patient mental health providers, and civilian witnesses. The DPA will handle a daily calendar of civil commitment behavioral health trials and hearings under RCW 71.05 and RCW 71.34. By working in this area, the assigned DPA will develop a strong understanding of how behavioral health illnesses affect behavior and a thorough knowledge of behavioral health treatment options. The assigned DPA will also have opportunities to train behavioral health professionals and patients' families about ITA law.

• At least two years of criminal and/or general civil law experience. 
• Potential for continued growth.
• Outstanding client relations and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrable enthusiasm, initiative, and an ability to successfully lead a team on complex matters.
• Outstanding analytical abilities.
• Excellent legal research, writing and communication skills.
• Ability to translate complex legal concepts into easily understandable language.
• Must have a strong commitment to RESJ, including ongoing development of personal cultural competency.
• Active participation in PAO RESJ work, attending equity trainings and discussions.
• Must be Washington State bar qualified and in good standing.

• Member in good standing with the Washington State Bar.
• Must submit to a criminal history check.
• U.S. Citizenship or a lawful permanent resident (per RCW 36.27 and 29A.04 and Article VI of the WA Constitution).

Hybrid Work Model

Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys (DPAs) work under a hybrid model alternating between three days per week in-person and two days per week in-person* every other week. ITA DPAs will rotate between a Pretrial Team and a Trial Team. When working on the Pretrial Team, ITA DPAs will work their in-person days from the Civil Offices located in the Columbia Tower in downtown Seattle. While working as part of the Trial Team, ITA DPAs will work their in-person days from the Civil Offices and courtrooms located at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. All deputies are expected to be able to work at both of these locations.  

 Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and when working remotely must maintain a workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Employees must reside in Washington State and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksites to respond to workplace reporting requirements.
*Deputies may need to work 3+ days in person during the training period for this role.

Salary:  $84,755-$140,441* commensurate with 0-5 years of experience.
*Effective 1/1/2025, salary steps will include an additional 5.5% general wage increase per the agreement reached between King County and the Coalition of Unions agreement.

Non-senior attorneys assigned to the Involuntary Treatment Action Section are represented by the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Association (KCPAA).

Benefits: In addition to the County benefits and retirement information provided, the PAO pays for annual Washington State bar dues and provides in-house CLEs for all attorneys.

Application Process:
 1.  Fully complete King County application*
 2.  Attach Cover Letter addressed to the Hiring Committee
 3.  Attach Resume
 4.  Answer supplemental questions

 *Applications or supplemental questionnaires that state “see my resume” or that are blank are considered incomplete and will not be considered competitive.

Please feel free to contact Anne Mizuta, Section Head, at 206-477-8522 if you have questions regarding the position. 
 
 For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact:
 Heidi Parkington-Thal (she/her)
 Director of Human Resources
 Heidi.Parkington-Thal@kingcounty.gov