IV (Criminal)

Yakima County, WA•Yakima, WA

38d

About The Position

The mission of Yakima County Government is to provide accessible, responsive and responsible public service through leadership and teamwork committed to understanding and meeting public needs. Our Values: Integrity Common Sense Innovation Accountability 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 my 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!

Requirements

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.
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.
The laws of the State of Washington, rules of evidence and procedure, and Washington Court rules;
The field of assignment sufficient to perform thoroughly and accurately the full scope of responsibility as illustrated in the class description and essential duties;
The ethical and professional responsibilities of an attorney generally and for the field of assignment.
Using a personal computer and related software applications, and operating basic office equipment;
Performing legal research; analyzing and applying legal principles, statutes, constitutional provisions, facts, evidence and precedents to legal problems;
Applying supervisory techniques and methods; and assigning, reviewing and evaluating the work of others (supervisory positions);
Prioritizing work under varying conditions and effectively managing time;
Finding solutions to problems and making decisions within the scope of responsibility and the law;
Exercising sound judgment in consulting senior attorneys and supervisors with questions and concerns, and, in referring matters to others which are beyond the scope, knowledge or authority of the position.
Working individually and cooperatively as a member of a team;
Applying knowledge of the law in writing various documents, organizing evidence, drafting interview questions, presenting legal arguments, and legal and/or factual situations;
Establishing and maintaining effective interpersonal relationships with co-workers, individuals involved in the court systems, media and diverse members of the public.
Maintaining confidentiality; and
Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, in clear concise language appropriate for the purposes involved and the parties addressed, including court appearances.

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.