Lead Prosecuting Attorney

Basic Function

Under the direction of the City Attorney, the Lead Prosecuting Attorney serves as the City's primary prosecutor for misdemeanor and gross-misdemeanor criminal cases and select civil matters, including code compliance. This role represents the City in arraignments, pre-trial hearings, motions, jury and bench trials, appeals, probation violations, and related proceedings. The position supervises and manages the Criminal Division, providing leadership, direction, and support to staff and ensuring high standards of professionalism, fairness, and accountability.

Representative Duties

• Serve as Lead Prosecuting Attorney in criminal misdemeanor cases filed by the City; represent the City in jury and bench trials, arraignments, pre-trials, motions, sentencing, probation violations, and other misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor hearings and cases and probable cause;
• Investigate and charge criminal cases; prepare documents including complaints, memorandums, and jury instructions;
• Make plea offers and negotiate in various cases.

E-Manage and Organize

• EManage and organize case information and analyze pertinent case facts and evidence;
• Research legal precedent and develop arguments as appropriate;
• Perform a variety of case preparation duties such as brief writing, negotiating, and interviewing witnesses;
• Litigate cases from filing through conviction and appeal.

Supervise and Delegate

• Supervise and delegate/assign work to Prosecuting Attorney and support staff in the criminal division in accordance with the City’s policies, procedures, labor contracts, applicable laws, and its vision, mission, and values.
• Communicate with witnesses, police, other attorneys, and defendants as needed;
• Communicate and coordinate with court administrative personnel, City departments, Public Defenders, and other personnel in matters related to criminal cases.

Legal Research and Drafting

• Perform legal research and prepare opinions related to various legal issues;
• Prepare and draft ordinances and resolutions, contracts and other legal documents and instruments.

Communication and Coordination

• Communicate and coordinate with City departments including police, code compliance, and court staff, regarding procedure, the legality of documents and instruments, and the prosecution of criminal cases.

Professional Development

• Aid in the professional development of Prosecuting Attorney and support staff.

Required Education and Experience

• Graduation from an accredited law school;
• A minimum of seven (7) years criminal legal experience;
• At least three (3) years prosecution experience required;
• Knowledge of City and State laws related to the prosecution of court cases;
• Municipal government organizational structure, operations, policies, objectives and jurisdiction;
• Legal research methodology;
• City organizations, operations, policies, and objectives;
• Supervisory principles and practices;
• Principles, practices, and procedures of civil and criminal law including court procedures and rules and case decisions;
• Case preparation and litigation techniques;
• Negotiation and trial techniques;
• Oral and written communication;
• Interpersonal skills exercising tact, diplomacy, patience, and courtesy;
• Methods, principles and practices of effective conflict resolution;
• Interpreting and explaining codes, rules, and regulations;
• Preparing and delivering oral presentations and arguments;
• Supervising, training, assigning, and reviewing the work of direct reports;
• Researching, drafting, and authoring briefs, opinions, and ordinances;
• Analyzing, evaluating, organizing, and preparing case information;
• Organizing and analyzing case facts and legal precedents;
• Establishing guidelines, and best practices for prosecuting criminal cases;
• Maintaining confidentiality and operating with discretion as appropriate;
• Providing assistance on civil matters.

Licenses and Other Requirements

• Admission to the Washington State Bar Association;
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License and satisfactory three-year driving abstract prior to hire.