Attorney
: Job Details :

The Kittitas County Prosecutor's Office is currently seeking Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys. This is a full-time, exempt, benefit and retirement-eligible position located in Ellensburg, WA. Candidates with limited experience will also be considered. The Kittitas County Prosecutors Office The Kittitas County Prosecutors Office is a small, close-knit office dedicated to victim-centric prosecution and commitment to a safe community. The office, employing 26 staff, is made up of two divisions; the Civil Division and the Criminal Division. The Civil Division serves as the attorney for Kittitas County, providing legal advice and representation. The Criminal Division receives referrals from law enforcement agencies to review for possible criminal charges. The office utilizes a paperless file system for case management and court dockets. Our office values supporting a work/life balance for all staff, and we strive to bring fun and laughter to each work day. Kittitas County Situated in central Washington between the foothills of the stunning Cascade Mountains and the mighty Columbia River, Kittitas County residents enjoy limitless activities and recreation opportunities year-round. With over 200 days of sunshine each year, residents and visitors can enjoy activities including hiking, camping, numerous golf courses, fishing and boating, horseback riding, cross country skiing, snowboarding, snow shoeing, snowmobiling, climbing, and backpacking. Residents here enjoy the small-town feel with easy access to Seattle, just a two hour drive from Ellensburg, the largest city in Kittitas County. Ellensburg is well known for its friendly residents and rural life-style, along with summer music festivals, seasonal Farmers Market, and the annual Kittitas County Fair and Ellensburg Rodeo. The Position While the Prosecutors Office handles both civil and criminal matters, Kittitas County is seeking experienced Deputy Prosecutors to handle a felony caseload. This position is responsible for criminal prosecutions in Kittitas County. Deputy Prosecutors in the Criminal Division are often called to crime scenes and routinely work closely with investigators to provide advice and assistance with legal procedures such as obtaining search warrants or authorizations to intercept and record conversations. The Prosecuting Attorneys Office recognizes that the effects of crime can be profound and recovering from a crime can take time. We believe that victims and witnesses deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. The ideal candidate must possess a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school OR successful completion of the Rule 9 program, followed by admission to the WA State Bar. Benefits Kittitas County provides base medical, dental, and vision insurance covered in full for employees and their eligible family members. Leave benefits include 11 paid legal holidays, vacation and sick leave, bereavement leave, FMLA, Washington State Paid Family & Medical Leave, and more. Student loan forgiveness is available under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Retirement benefits are provided through the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS). Responsible and carry out any or all the following duties of Deputy Prosecutor as directed and assigned by the Kittitas County Prosecuting Attorney and/or Division Chief Consult on a frequent basis with all attorneys in the office by being available for questions and providing guidance or feedback for other DPAs as appropriate; attend weekly attorney meetings. Work on special projects as assigned or as deemed appropriate. Read and become familiar with current laws and maintain proficiency with any changes in the law (statutory, admin, and/or caselaw). Provide information and expertise as requested by community groups or classes. Understand and follow all office polices. Work effectively and cooperatively with all office staff. Maintain an accurate calendar (using Outlook) with court appearances, scheduled training, and any time out of the office (sick, vacation, meetings). Communicate clearly and frequently with Division Chief about performance expectations, goals, and work habits. Criminal Division-specific duties Prosecute crimes within the county (felony and misdemeanor), within Superior Court (including Juvenile cases), and District Court as assigned by the Kittitas County Prosecuting Attorney and or Division Chief. Review search warrants and other law enforcement generated investigative documents, advising on necessary changes and additions. Consult with law enforcement regarding their investigations when requested; advise law enforcement about legal issues related to the criminal cases; take on call weeks to be available to answer law enforcement questions 24/7. Meet with and be accountable to members of the community regarding criminal prosecutions. Review reports for legal sufficiency and determine appropriate charges to be filed, referred back to LE for further investigation, or declined. Draft legal pleadings that are detailed, accurate, and professional including Informations and/or Criminal Complaints, Jury Instructions, Trial Briefs, Motions in Limine, Probable Cause statements, etc. Identify witnesses and evidence in each case and contact/interview victims and witnesses before trials; work with legal assistants and victim witness personnel to provide complete discovery to defense. Prepare pre-trial motions and perform necessary legal research for drafting pre-trial, trial, and post-trial memoranda and briefs for the court. Respond to defense motions with legal research and argument. Perform as a trial litigator, including being able to: Prepare for direct and cross-examination of witnesses, including further consultations with police, and research on witness backgrounds. Prepare opening statements and closing arguments, bearing in mind voluminous court cases which pertain to the allowable content of such statements and arguments. Select juries who will be fair and impartial and base their verdicts on evidence. Be prepared for making and meeting objections as they occur. Know and be able to use the rules of evidence and the foundational requirements for any physical or testimonial evidence sought to be introduced in court by either side. Consult with victims regarding their input into plea bargaining decisions or sentencing in cooperation with victim/witness personnel. Correctly apply the various rules of the sentencing reform act to determine the presumptive range for criminal offenses, and take steps to ensure that adequate documentation of criminal history is available. Make appropriate recommendations for sentencing and be able to defend those recommendations in court. Work with probation officers and department of corrections personnel to come up with appropriate responses to probation violations. Present probation violation testimony as needed and argue for the position of the State. Draft appeals of pre-trial rulings as appropriate. Respond to defendants appeals or personal restraint or habeas corpus petitions, performing all necessary legal research and writing of legal briefs. Argue appeals at the Superior Court, Court of Appeals, and/or the Supreme Court. Negotiate cases with other parties and attorneys through written, in person, telephonic, and e-mail means. Civil Division-specific duties Advise all County boards and commissioners on County civil issues. Advise all County Elected Officials and their offices regarding County government civil issues. Advise all Department Heads and their departments regarding County government civil issues. Represent the Prosecutors Office at public meetings and executive sessions. Review and evaluate County contracts and forms for legality and recommend changes when necessary. Prepare and/or evaluate drafts of proposed resolutions and ordinances. Research civil and legal issues on behalf of County boards, commissions, and departments. Initiate and process appropriate County civil court actions and appeals on behalf of the County in state or federal court and represent the County in all proceedings related to such legal actions. Appear and represent the County in civil court actions and appeals brought against the County in state and federal court and represent the County in all proceedings related to such lawsuits. Respond to public disclosure requests made to the Prosecutors Office and assist boards, commissions, and other departments in the processing of their public disclosure requests. May be designated as County Claims Administrator. All Positions High School diploma or GED equivalent. Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school OR successful completion of the Rule 9 program, followed by admission to the Washington State Bar. Knowledge of applicable statutes, common law, case law, and procedural rules. Valid WSBA number/license Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to: Set priorities; work with law enforcement, other criminal justice personnel and clerical personnel; follow the rules of court; maintain professionalism; and provide service to the public on a daily basis. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for the qualifications stated below at the discretion of the Elected Prosecutor. Valid Washington State drivers license. A criminal history and background check to include fingerprinting will be performed on qualified candidates. Convictions may preclude candidates from employment in certain circumstances. Factors such as relativity to the position, age at time of the offense, seriousness and nature of the violation, and rehabilitation will be taken into account. Deputy Prosecutor I 0 5 years of experience as a licensed attorney. Deputy Prosecutor II 5 10 years of experience as a licensed attorney. Deputy Prosecutor III 10 or more years of experience as a licensed attorney. The person in this position will be required to work in an office or courtroom setting but may also travel to view crime scenes throughout the County. Sustained posture in a seated position, walking, kneeling, crouching, stooping, reaching, climbing (stairs or other), twisting, crawling, and prolonged periods of computer operation; and strength to lift up to 25 pounds or more with assistance. Must have close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, ability to adjust focus, read printed materials, a computer screen, and assess situations in varying environments and degrees of light; and hearing and speech to communicate clearly in person or over the telephone. The position involves constant deadlines, interruptions, and emergencies. The Deputy Prosecutor works with persons whose negative emotions may range from crying and nearly incapacitated to hostile and openly enraged.