Lead Prosecutor, Specialty Courts Unit | Criminal Division

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 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’s Specialty Court Unit (SCU)  is seeking a prosecutor with demonstrated leadership abilities and prosecutorial expertise to serve as a Lead Prosecutor. SCU houses multiple prosecutorial teams, including the Mental Health Court team, the Veterans Treatment Court team, the LINC (Legal Intervention and Network of Care) team, the LEAD (Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion) team, and the Infractions team.  The Lead Prosecutor will oversee the Infractions team and supervise the Rule 9 intern program.  

• Prepare and prosecute contested infraction cases and related motions in Seattle Municipal Court. 
• Supervise and train Rule 9 interns throughout the year, which includes participating in the recruitment and hiring process, attending on-campus interviews, and monitoring the progress of the interns when preparing cases and while in court.
• Review and make filing decisions on serious infraction referrals from law enforcement.
• Oversee administrative aspects of infraction prosecution, including issues related to discovery, scheduling, office policy, etc.
• Consult with other City departments on infraction-related issues.
• Provide advice on proposed changes to City or State infraction laws. 
• Assist the SCU supervisor with duties as assigned.
• Provide advice and support to the SCU’s other teams and support personnel.
• Attend Division meetings and provide input on current Division issues.
• Cross-train with other SCU teams to provide back-up coverage.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in criminal and infraction prosecution.
• Ability to meet eligibility requirements of WSBA’s Rule 9 supervisory attorney.
  

The successful candidate will also have:

• At least 3 years of general prosecution experience.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory abilities.
• Thorough knowledge of the Infraction Rules for Courts of Limited Jurisdiction.
• Thorough knowledge of the Criminal Rules for Court of Limited Jurisdiction.
• Knowledge of Revised Code of Washington infraction laws and Seattle Municipal Code infraction ordinances.
• Commitment to diversity, racial equity, and inclusion principles.
  

Application Process– For your application to be accepted you must:

• Complete the online City of Seattle Application
  • https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle
• Include the following required attachments (.pdf, .doc, or .docx format):
  • Cover letter describing your interest in the position.
  • Resume detailing your relevant experience.
  • 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. 

Note: 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 consideration for the application submitted. Please contact the Office of Human Resources on or before the closing date indicated above at [email protected] should you need assistance with the online application process.

Race and Social Justice Initiative – The City of Seattle recognizes that every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism.  We seek individuals who will work toward the goals of the Race and Social Justice Initiative.

Compensation – The full salary range for this position is $67.13 - $87.26 per hour. Salaries are not subject to negotiation. Current City employees' starting rate of pay will be based on Personnel Rules regarding promotions. 

Benefits – The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, 12 official holidays and 2 floating holidays, sick leave, 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 Benefits - Human Resources | seattle.gov.

Language Premium (Protec 17, L21PA)* – Individuals selected to fill this position may be eligible to receive Language Premium Pay (SMC 4.20.360), which provides a $200.00 monthly stipend to qualified bilingual employees who are properly evaluated and assigned to provide direct communication in-language, interpretation, or translation services to the public on behalf of the City of Seattle.

Workplace Environment – Currently, the Seattle City Attorney's Office has a Flexible Work Arrangements Policy. Employees have the option to work a hybrid schedule (3 days in the office, 2 days remote). This is subject to change as circumstances and business needs dictate.  This is a represented position covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Seattle and Local 21PA.

Office Location: Columbia Center, 701 5^th Avenue, Suite 2050, Seattle, WA 98104

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 in accordance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17.  Applicants will be given a chance to explain or correct background information and provide verifiable information on good conduct and rehabilitation.

Who may apply – This position is open to all candidates who 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, gender identity or expression, family or marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, pregnancy, or other protected characteristics. The Seattle City Attorney's Office encourages people of all backgrounds to apply.

Questions? Contact our Human Resources team at [email protected].