Prosecuting Attorney I/II

About the role

The City of Bellingham is seeking a Prosecuting Attorney to lead the prosecution of misdemeanor and municipal ordinance violations in Municipal Court. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in municipal law and experience in prosecuting criminal cases.

Responsibilities

• Prosecutes misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors, traffic offenses and other municipal ordinance violations in Municipal Court.
• Provides advice to police officers regarding appropriate charges and methods of law enforcement.
• Contacts victims, gathers information, evaluates evidence, determines whether a victim will assist in prosecution, and monitors the victim’s safety.
• Conducts legal research, interviews witnesses, decides discovery methods, and makes settlement suggestions for pursuing the defense of the City in criminal cases and motion hearings.
• Prepares and conducts arraignments, reads police reports, summarizes factual elements of crimes, evaluates probable cause, determines bail amounts and sentencing recommendations, presents factual basis for plea, makes offers to defendant, and determines whether a reduction or dismissal is merited.
• Prepares and investigates pretrial cases, reviews reports, evaluates evidence, locates missing information or evidence, contacts and negotiates with defense attorneys, determines the likelihood of success, and makes sentencing recommendations.
• Conducts pretrial hearings, sets motions, trial dates, or offers guilty plea to the court.
• Conducts no-contact order rescission hearings and contested infraction and motion hearings, presenting the City’s case, determining whether the rescission of a no-contact order threatens victim safety, and evaluating legal issues and relevant case law.
• Prepares and responds to appeals of trial court decisions, including direct appeals after trial, habeas corpus petitions, and infraction appeals.
• Performs other related work of a similar nature or level.

Requirements

• Admission to the Washington State Bar and a member in good standing throughout duration of employment.
• Experience in the practice of municipal law or civil discovery and procedure preferred.
• Two years of professional work experience as an attorney in criminal law, or two years of experience as a Prosecuting Attorney I at the City of Bellingham.

Qualifications

• Some experience in the practice of municipal law or civil discovery and procedure preferred.
• Two years of professional work experience as an attorney in criminal law, or two years of experience as a Prosecuting Attorney I at the City of Bellingham.

Skills

• Strong legal research and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Knowledge of municipal law and procedures.
• Experience with legal documentation and court procedures.

Benefits

• 13.33 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time.
• 12 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday per year.
• 40 hours of sick leave upon hire + 8 hours accrued monthly.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families.
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security.
• Optional 457 deferred compensation savings plan and 401(a) Retirement Savings Plan with employer match.

Pay

This position will be filled at the appropriate level based on requisite experience and training. Prosecuting Attorney I: The current full salary range is $9,127/month - $11,093/month. Prosecuting Attorney II: The current full salary range is $10,062/month - $12,230/month.

Schedule

Work is performed primarily in an office environment with frequent court appearances. Extensive work at a computer workstation. Travel to court, seminars and meetings as needed.

Equal Opportunity

The City of Bellingham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its work force. We do not make decisions on the basis of an individual's race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, age (40+), disability, retaliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. All are encouraged to apply for employment.