Prosecuting Attorney II​/III​/IV (Criminal

Criminal Attorney Position

The Yakima County Prosecuting Attorney's Office has immediate openings for Criminal Attorneys at the Attorney II, III, and IV levels. Candidates will work in a professional, collegial, and fast-paced environment. Assignment is at the discretion of the Prosecutor and placement may be in the General Felony or Special Assault division. We're looking for passionate and dedicated attorneys to join our Criminal Division.

This is a great opportunity to:
Gain valuable courtroom and litigation experience Make a real impact in our community Work alongside a supportive and professional team If you're ready to use your skills to serve justice and help make a difference in Yakima County, we'd love to hear from you!

Benefits included in position:

• Health Care Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Basic Life and Basic LTD)
• Retirement
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave

This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies that occur within 90 days of the closing of this position. (This excludes Yakima County Sheriff's Office and Department of Corrections)

Responsibilities:

• The Deputy Prosecuting Attorney will prosecute adult criminal cases of a moderate level of complexity and seriousness OR moderate to serious felony offenses.
• Evaluates each case and assesses its factual and legal sufficiency under the law at each stage of a criminal proceeding by reviewing police and other reports and analyzing all information available. Makes charging decisions regarding legal and factual sufficiency for filing of a case.
• Evaluates strengths, weaknesses and facts of each case for purposes of additional investigation, plea negotiations, development of case strategy and trial preparation.
• Coordinates or conducts case investigation for trial preparation as necessary. Arranges for tests of physical evidence, testimony of expert witnesses and interviews or directs interviews of witnesses as required.
• Instigates or responds to plea bargaining negotiations with opposing counsel and represents the interest of the state.
• Represents the State at preliminary appearances, arraignments, pre-trial motions, pleas of guilty, sentencing hearings and post-trial matters such as restitution hearings and sentence reviews/amendments.
• Conducts all trial actions including: selection of jury, opening arguments, direct and cross examination, introduction of evidence and exhibits, preparation of jury instructions, closing arguments and post-trial motions.
• Works with and responds to law enforcement at critical stages of proceedings, to achieve positive outcomes.
• Supervision in all matters:
  Close to moderate or moderate to low supervision in handling cases or matters of the type assigned. Works with supervisors in resolution of ethical issues and in response to problems and to complaints regarding services provided.
• Performs other duties as assigned such as: preparation of appellate briefs; participation in or preparation and presentation of in-house training programs; and presentation of educational programs to local school, community or civic organizations. Communication is critical during all stages of pleas/trial negotiations.

Education and Experience:

• Attorney II
  - Admission to the Washington State Bar. A minimum of four (4) years of law practice experience.
• Attorney III
  - Admission to the Washington State Bar;
  Admission to practice in the Supreme Court of Washington; A minimum of eight (8) years of law practice experience.
• Attorney IV
  - Admission to the Washington State Bar;
  Admission to practice in the Supreme Court of Washington; A minimum of twelve (12) years directly related law practice experience is required. A significant amount of jury trial and/or courtroom experience in Superior Court is also required.

Required:

• Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation which includes fingerprinting.
• Valid Washington State Driver's License and proof of insurance at time of employment may be required.

Equipment Used:

Telephone, copy and fax machines, and personal computer. Must have the ability to drive personal and/or County vehicle, and travel to locations outside of the courthouse.

Working Conditions:

This position is rated as Sedentary Work:
Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting, most of the time.

Environment:
Pathogen exposure work in locked down facilities, exposure to hostile/angry individuals, work outside of standard business hours and multiple work locations;

Physical Demands: bending, carrying, handling, lifting, reaching, sitting, standing, walking, fingering, balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, kneeling, hearing, smelling, talking, visual acuity.

Intellectual Demands: ability to multitask, confidentiality, ability to work under pressure, ability to articulate and communicate in conversations, ability to follow written and…