Assistant City Attorney- Prosecution Division at City of Kent in Kent, Washington

Job Description:

Come work at a place where you have a direct impact on the quality of life for Kent residents, business owners and visitors alike!

Are you interested in a meaningful job where you will work to improve the safety and enjoyment of the community in a collaborative work environment? If so, then consider the City of Kent and its current employment opportunities for two (2) new Assistant City Attorneys in its Prosecution Division. In this position, you will work with a team of experienced attorneys to prosecute criminal matters in a fast-paced environment, and will have the opportunity to perform other related duties such as appellate work, police training, and program development.  Kent offers competitive pay and excellent benefits.

Applicants must be admitted to practice and in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association.  While prosecution experience is preferred, it is not required. Candidates must have excellent written and oral communication skills, and must be able to work as part of a cohesive and collaborative team. 

**This is a full-time, overtime exempt position that is not represented by a union.  A cover letter and resume are required with your online application in order for your application to be considered complete.  Uploading your resume to auto-fill portions of the application does not automatically attach it to your application.  Incomplete applications will not be considered for this position.  Please note that you cannot attach documents to your application after it has been submitted.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding your online application, please call our office at (253) 856-5270 and we will do our best to assist you.**

First review of applications will occur on, or before, June 7, 2021. This position is open until filled.

SALARY:

$81,060- $127,380 annually; depending on experience

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Under the direction of the Chief Prosecuting Attorney, or designee, serve as a prosecuting attorney for the City of Kent.

Work is characterized by professional, legal services as a licensed attorney for the City. The incumbent will work in a team atmosphere with other attorneys and support personnel. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, reviewing and filing criminal cases; analyzing, evaluating, and preparing cases for trial; representing the City in arraignments, pretrial hearings, motion hearings, bench and jury trials, sentencing hearings, probation review hearings, contested traffic hearings, appeals, forfeiture actions, and other court hearings or legal proceedings; researching, drafting, and writing briefs, opinions, and ordinances; providing professional advisory, litigation, and administrative support services to City departments and officials; providing assistance on civil matters as directed by the City Attorney or Deputy City Attorney; providing training and/or assistance to police agencies or other outside agencies; and responding to citizen inquiries and concerns.

Work is performed under limited supervision. The supervisor sets the overall objectives and resources available. The incumbent and supervisor work together to develop the deadlines, projects, and work to be completed. The incumbent is responsible for the work, plans and carries out the assignment, resolves most conflicts that arise, coordinates work with others, and interprets policies on own initiative in terms of established objectives. The incumbent keeps the supervisor informed of progress, potentially controversial matters, or far reaching implications. Work is reviewed in terms of feasibility, compatibility with other work, or effectiveness of results.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Serve as a prosecuting attorney in all criminal cases filed by the City. Maintain knowledge of current laws, court rules, court opinions, and legal issues pertinent to the position.

Provide effective criminal and infraction prosecution trial services for the City; organize case information; perform discovery, investigate cases, and interview witnesses; analyze evidence and the law; develop trial or motion strategies; perform legal research; prepare briefs; effectively and confidently present the City’s case and oral arguments in court; and perform appellate work.

Review cases in order to make filing decisions and prepare decline notices when appropriate. Represent the City in arraignments, pretrial hearings, motion hearings, bench and jury trials, sentencing hearings, probation review hearings, contested traffic hearings, appeals, and other court hearings as assigned; represent the City in forfeiture actions; and seek restitution for crime victims.

Effectively, professionally, respectfully, and confidently interact with the defense bar; treat defendants and witnesses professionally; develop and utilize effective case negotiation skills.

Evaluate cases and make filing determinations regarding writs and appeals; prepare legal memoranda and briefs in support of or in response to writs and appeals; effectively and confidently present persuasive oral arguments before the appellate courts.

Provide legal advice and training to the police department concerning a variety of criminal legal matters including, but not limited to, criminal investigation procedures, and the application of state and federal law to police investigations.

Interact with and effectively and confidently provide legal advice and services to the City Council, City committees and boards, community groups, employees, elected officials, and departments. Attend and effectively and confidently participate in committee meetings and council and board meetings regularly, both during and after regular work hours. Be available and able to assist employees and elected officials with little advanced notice.

Conduct research and prepare a wide variety of legal documents. Research and writing should demonstrate thoughtful, reasoned analysis based upon the law and public policy, as well as correct legal formatting and proper English, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Work productively in a team atmosphere with other attorneys and support personnel and pursue team goals and objectives as determined by superiors. Be available to assist other attorneys and support staff in order to meet deadlines.

Work effectively with the court administration, jail, police department, and public defender to develop processes to ensure the efficient operation of the criminal justice system.

Provide information and assistance to citizens or refer them to appropriate city, state or federal agencies; respond to public inquiries regarding municipal legal requirements, public records, and respond to customer complaints.

Periodically attend continuing legal education trainings to meet Washington State Bar Association requirements and to improve professional skills.

Represent the City’s interests during the Washington State legislative session; prepare documents; and make presentations to legislators and legislative committees.

May be required to give work direction to legal interns, make case assignments, delegate various duties, and coordinate coverage in the court as directed by the Chief Prosecuting Attorney.

Speak before courts, legislative bodies, community groups, citizens, fellow attorneys, and other large groups of people.

Prepare ordinances, resolutions, and reports and effectively present them to the City Council; advise supervisors and employees regarding the need for amendments to the Kent City Code.

Provide assistance on civil matters as directed by the City Attorney or Deputy City Attorney.

Advise supervisors of potentially controversial matters with far reaching implications.

Actively support the vision, mission, values, and goals of the department and the City.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Fill in for other attorneys in their absence as assigned.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

SUCCESSFUL INCUMBENTS FOR THIS POSITION WILL:

HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Revised Code of Washington, Rules of Professional Conduct, Washington Administrative Code, various federal codes, and the Kent City Code
  Legal research methodology using paper-bound and computer-based libraries


• Municipal government organizational structure, operations, policies, objectives and jurisdiction
  Principles, practices, and procedures of criminal law including court procedures and rules
  Legality and preparation of various documents and instruments


• Conflict management skills

BE SKILLED IN:

• Performance of legal research and investigation, including the use of computer-based legal research systems


• Organizing, analyzing, and evaluating case facts, evidence, and legal precedent


• Case preparation and prosecution techniques


• Preparation and delivery of oral presentations and arguments


• Correct use of English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary as it pertains to the job


• Oral and written communications to effectively organize and express ideas and persuasive arguments


• Effectively and productively work with, interact with, and develop trust with diverse communities including those of all races, ages, national origins, abilities or disabilities, and sexual orientations, particularly with protected classes, underrepresented groups, and immigrant communities

HAVE THE ABILITY TO:

• Serve as prosecuting attorney for the City


• Work with and for a highly proficient team of attorneys and support staff


• Maintain professional composure and demonstrate tact, patience, safety, and courtesy at all times


• Analyze, organize, and evaluate case facts, evidence, and legal precedent


• In a poised manner, speak before courts, legislative bodies, community groups, citizens, fellow attorneys, and other large groups of people


• Appear and effectively represent the City in court proceedings and in other forums on behalf of, and as an attorney for, the City


• Work effectively on several projects concurrently


• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others


• Meet schedules and timelines


• Read, interpret, apply, and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures


• Compose, proofread, and edit general legal briefs, correspondence, routine reports, contracts, etc.


• Apply common sense understanding to solve practical problems and deal with legal issues

SKILLS FOR THE POSITION MAY BE GAINED THROUGH EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, RELEVANT JOB EXPERIENCE or a COMBINATION, SUCH AS:

Education:  Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor Degree Experience: Prosecutorial experience preferred but not required.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Active membership in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association at all times during employment




• Valid Washington State Driver's License, or the ability to obtain within thirty (30) days of employment and maintain an acceptable driving record




• Multilingual desirable




• Must successfully pass the City’s pre-employment fingerprinting and background check; subject to periodic re-evaluation during course of employment.

MACHINES, TOOLS, AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Typical business office machinery and equipment including, but not limited to, personal computer, calculator, telephone, copy machine, fax machine, and Lexis/Nexus and Microsoft computer programs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to sit; talk; hear; stand; see and use hands to finger, handle or feel objects. The incumbent is occasionally required to walk; reach with hands and arms. The incumbent must occasionally lift and/or move things with or without assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed in an office, public forum, courtroom, and municipal jail. The incumbent  may be exposed to individuals who are irate, distraught, or hostile, or who have a contagious medical condition. The incumbent may be required to travel to different sites to conduct City business. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The City of Kent is an Equal Opportunity Employer.