Position Description

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.  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.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.  Please indicate your preference of full-time or part-time employment when answering the supplemental questions.   Applicants are screened monthly for minimum qualifications to maintain an up-to-date pool of candidates for openings as they become available.

Job Responsibilities

The responsibilities of this position will include, but are not limited to:

• Performing entry-level professional duties, including investigating, preparing and prosecuting cases in Seattle Municipal Court;
• Collaborating with and across units to achieve an outcome fair to both the victim and the defendant;
• Working and negotiating with criminal justice stakeholders – judges, defense attorneys, law enforcement and members of the public – in order to protect public safety while promoting rehabilitative justice;
• Meeting competing deadlines and complying with schedules in a fast paced, high volume work environment through excellent time management; and
• Adhering to a high degree of professional ethics and integrity.

Qualifications

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.

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.

Additional Information

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.

Compensation and Benefits – This position is part of a stepped salary system with an initial Step 1 placement ($46.55). Advanced initial step placement may be considered under limited circumstances, but step salaries are not subject to negotiation.

The full salary range for this position is $ 46.55 - $ 62.30 per hour.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, 12 official holidays, 2 floating holidays, sick, and paid parental leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees.  Additional benefits include executive leave and eligibility for merit leave. City Attorney’s Office employees also have the opportunity to participate in a defined benefits retirement program. More information about benefits can be found at https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.

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.

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 and how you meet the above listed qualifications.
• 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.

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 above at Law_HR@Seattle.gov should you need assistance with the online application process.

Background Check Requirements – All positions are security sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the verification of credentials and/or other information required by the municipal corporation’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history 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.