DEP PROSECUTING ATTORNEY

About the role

The Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Criminal Division, seeks an entry-level and/or experienced Deputy Prosecuting Attorney who demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to public service. Successful candidates will bring strong legal skills, sound judgment, and a collaborative spirit to support the office’s mission of pursuing justice, protecting the community, and serving victims with fairness and compassion.

Responsibilities

• Review and evaluate evidence presented in criminal referrals from law enforcement to determine if criminal charges should be initiated in accordance with office policy, ethical rules, and state law.
• Conduct all aspects of case prosecution including case management, legal research and document preparation, motion advocacy, plea negotiations and agreements, change of plea hearings, trials, and sentencing hearings.
• May be assigned cases with charges ranging from misdemeanor to felonies brought in District or Superior Court or other courts if required.
• Provide legal advice to law enforcement with respect to ongoing criminal investigations and assist law enforcement in applying for search warrants, subpoenas, or other investigatory judicial orders.
• Respond to crime scenes at any time to better understand the scene and provide on-scene advice to investigators.
• Prepare charged cases for trial including interviewing witnesses, examining physical evidence, trial strategy planning, bringing motions on behalf of the state, and responding to defense motions, preparation of trial memoranda and exhibits, and other tasks as may be necessary to the presentation of the evidence.
• Present evidence and overall trial advocacy on behalf of Thurston County or the State of Washington independently, with minimal supervision and involving the exercise of considerable professional discretion.
• Handle appeals filed by either party in any criminal case, including legal research, brief writing, and the presentation of oral arguments in state or federal appellate courts.
• Lead or supervise other attorneys or legal support staff.

Requirements

• Graduation from a recognized and accredited school of law and a member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association.
• Basic knowledge of the laws of the State of Washington; the rules and procedures of county, state, and federal courts and administrative agencies, and basic techniques of litigation and trial work.
• Ability to perform legal research; analyze and apply rules, statutes or other laws or legal principles and precedents to facts to provide advice to clients and formulate arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form; work harmoniously with County officials and court personnel; and maintain good public relations.

Qualifications

• Solid understanding of laws of the State of Washington, criminal procedure, and the rules of evidence.
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical reasoning abilities.
• Capacity to evaluate cases, apply statutes and case law, and make appropriate charging and disposition decisions.
• Proficiency in drafting clear, persuasive motions, memoranda, and trial materials.
• Confidence and professionalism in courtroom presentation and oral advocacy.
• Ability to effectively examine witnesses, argue motions, and conduct bench or jury trials.
• Skills in plea negotiations, case preparation, and presentation of evidence.
• Willingness to develop advocacy skills through mentorship, feedback, and courtroom experience.
• Commitment to ethical prosecution and the pursuit of justice over convictions.
• Able to exercise sound discretion, fairness, and transparency in decision-making.
• Respect for the rights of victims, defendants, and the broader community.
• Clear, professional, and respectful communication—both written and verbal.
• To work effectively with law enforcement, defense counsel, victims, court personnel, and office colleagues.
• Professional demeanor under pressure and in high-stakes environments.
• Empathy and sensitivity when interacting with victims and witnesses.
• Ability to manage a high-volume caseload with accuracy and efficiency.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to prioritize multiple deadlines.
• Self-motivated, organized, and responsive in a fast-paced team environment.
• Dedication to justice, public safety, and the fair administration of law.
• Understanding of the diverse communities served by Thurston County and a willingness to approach the work with cultural awareness and respect.
• Interest in ongoing professional growth, training, and community engagement.
• Proficiency with case management and digital evidence systems.
• Certainty with Microsoft Office Suite, legal research tools (e.g., LexisNexis), and electronic filing and case management systems.

Benefits

Work-life balance, great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family. Flexible work schedules, deferred compensation, and public service loan forgiveness are also available.

Pay

$6,825.00 - $13,188.00 monthly.

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Workload demands may require work outside the assigned work hours. Positions in this classification may be considered essential personnel. Essential personnel are defined as staff who are required to report to their designated work location to ensure the operation of essential functions during an emergency or when the county has suspended operations. During a catastrophic emergency that affects countywide operations, positions in this classification may be temporarily reassigned to help maintain certain essential functions that support Thurston County’s infrastructure and service level.