With more than 200 attorneys and professional staff, the Seattle City Attorney’s Office is one of the largest law offices in Seattle and is the third-largest public law office in the state. Our office is committed to making Seattle a safe, healthy, empowered, and thriving community for everyone. We strive to address historical injustices within the court system with self-examination and to pursue justice with integrity, creativity, and fairness. We believe working transparently, innovatively, and in collaboration with our partners in the community is necessary to achieve outcomes that promote equity, accountability, and healing.
The Criminal Division is seeking a prosecutor to serve as an attorney in the Pre-Filing Diversion (PFD) Unit. In partnership with the PFD Lead, this position will be responsible for screening and reviewing incoming reports for diversion eligibility, engaging with community partners on day-to-day diversion programming needs, and working closely with other units within the Criminal Division as it relates to reports/cases that qualify for the SCAO’s PFD programs.
Responsibilities
The responsibilities of this position will include, but are not limited to:
- Reviewing Seattle Police Department reports to determine PFD program eligibility
- Filing criminal cases if not eligible for diversion
- Assisting with organizing trainings for the broader division on PFD-related issues
- Working with external partners to further expand and develop diversion for SCAO
- Assisting community partners with questions related to programming, case referrals, and issues with the criminal legal system
- Maintaining and assisting in drafting reports and updating internal documents regarding criteria, invitation letters, correspondence with officers and community partners, etc.
Qualifications
This position requires membership in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association OR the ability to complete the process of obtaining membership within 30 days of an offer of employment.
- One year of general prosecution experience within the CAO Criminal Division OR the equivalent in another jurisdiction.
- A clear track record of attendance at Race and Social Justice Initiative-type trainings/engagement at related events.
- Time spent working in specialty courts or alternatives to traditional prosecution at SCAO OR equivalent experience in another jurisdiction is a plus.
Additionally, a successful candidate will have the knowledge and skills to effectively manage a large and diverse caseload, including:
- Knowledge, experience and/or formal training about diversion practices
- Experiencing analyzing legal and evidentiary issues
- Experience working with the community and community partners in an official capacity
- Extensive Race and Social Justice training, including desire to continue to attend and strengthen those skills
- Data management skills
- Legal writing skills
- Commitment to prosecutorial diversion programs and alternatives to traditional prosecution
- Flexibility to deal with nuance and projects changing unexpectedly
- Experience filing criminal cases
- Strong communication skills and an ability to work with people from a variety of backgrounds
Application Process
Application Process – For your application to be accepted, you must:
- Complete the online City of Seattle Application
- Include the following required attachments (PDF, .doc, or .docx format):
- Cover Letter describing your interest in the position.
- Resume detailing your relevant experience.
- Other items – Writing assignment, etc.
Application Submission Guidelines – All applicants must submit their applications by the closing date indicated in the job posting. Applicant inquiries received via email or on websites such as Indeed will not be considered unless the individual has applied for the position through the Government Jobs site.
Note: The required documents listed in the “Application Process” section above must be attached to the application prior to the indicated job closing date to ensure consideration of the application. Please contact the Office of Human Resources at Law_HR@Seattle.gov on or before the closing date indicated above should you need assistance with the online application process.
