Dep Prosecuting Attorney

County of Thurston•Olympia, WA

About The Position

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. Duties include prosecution of District Court, Juvenile Court, and/or Superior Court cases, depending on level of qualifications. Under general supervision, incumbents in this classification are responsible to perform a wide range of professional legal work consistent with the constitutional and statutory duties of the Prosecuting Attorney. The work includes legal research and analysis, document preparation or review, and prosecuting criminal cases in the name of Thurston County or the State of Washington. They exercise considerable legal discretion while working with minimal supervision. All Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys are appointed by and represent the elected Prosecuting Attorney in all aspects of their work. They are expected to conduct themselves in a high ethical standard and in accordance with their oath of office and the core values of the office. Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: 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. This includes responding to crime scenes at any time to better understand the scene and provide on-scene advice to investigators. Responsible for all aspects of preparing charged cases for trial including but not limited to 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. Responsible for all aspects of trial work including the presentation of evidence and overall trial advocacy on behalf of Thurston County or the State of Washington. This work is done independently, with minimal supervision and involves the exercise of considerable professional discretion. May be assigned to handle appeals filed by either party in any criminal case. This work includes but is not limited to legal research, brief writing, and the presentation of oral arguments in state or federal appellate courts. May be asked to provide training presentations to attorneys and staff in the office, law enforcement officers, or other lawyers and legal staff on behalf of other organizations such as the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys. May 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.

Nice To Haves

Confidence and professionalism in courtroom presentation and oral advocacy
Ability to effectively examine witnesses, argue motions, and conduct bench or jury trials
Skill 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
Ability 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
Ability 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
Competence with Microsoft Office Suite, legal research tools (e.g., LexisNexis), and electronic filing and case management systems

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. This includes responding to crime scenes at any time to better understand the scene and provide on-scene advice to investigators.
Responsible for all aspects of preparing charged cases for trial including but not limited to 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.
Responsible for all aspects of trial work including the presentation of evidence and overall trial advocacy on behalf of Thurston County or the State of Washington. This work is done independently, with minimal supervision and involves the exercise of considerable professional discretion.
May be assigned to handle appeals filed by either party in any criminal case. This work includes but is not limited to legal research, brief writing, and the presentation of oral arguments in state or federal appellate courts.
May be asked to provide training presentations to attorneys and staff in the office, law enforcement officers, or other lawyers and legal staff on behalf of other organizations such as the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys.
May lead or supervise other attorneys or legal support staff.