HomeMy WebLinkAboutChief Deputy Prosecuting AttorneyJEFFERSON COUNTY JOB DESCRIPTION
Position: CHIEF CIVIL or CHIEF CRIMINAL DEPUTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
Department: Prosecuting Attorney FLSA: Exempt Professional
Annual Hours Worked: 2080 Union: Exempt
Exempt Salga Grade: MGR23 Approved: January 2020
Employee Status: AT WILL per RCW 36.27.040 Approved by: Human Resources Manager
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1.0 MAJOR FUNCTION AND PURPOSE
1.1 The Chief Civil and Chief Criminal Deputy Prosecuting Attorney positions are responsible for
accomplishing those legal assignments delegated by the Prosecuting Attorney including providing
legal opinions, analysis of legal principals, prosecution of the criminally accused on behalf of the
State of Washington, appeals and pursuing civil or administrative remedies or defenses in the
interest of the citizens of Jefferson County while maintaining the highest degree of ethical
conduct.
2.0 SUPERVISION RECEIVED
2.1 Persons in this position are given complete discretion, within the scope of policy and regulation, as
established by the Prosecuting Attorney and the County, in the performance of their duties. Policy
direction is received from the Prosecuting Attorney.
3.0 SUPERVISION EXERCISED
3.1 Provide leadership, legal advice, training and assistance to junior Deputy Prosecutors and support
staff in the criminal and civil departments. Responsibilities include leadership and case
responsibility by directing and evaluating work in all cases assigned in a timely manner and with
consideration to the work duties of others.
4.0 SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Duties include, but are not limited to the
following. Other duties may be assigned by the Prosecuting Attorney.
4.1 Prepares the prosecution of criminal cases to ensure the exercise of the County's or State's lawful
rights including performing extensive legal research, drafting documents, preparing arguments,
attending motion hearings and trials, interviewing law enforcement officers, witnesses and victims
in order to prepare criminal complaints in District or Superior Court in order to litigate cases on
behalf of Jefferson County and the State of Washington.
4.2 Prepares the defense or prosecution of civil matters as appropriate to ensure the exercise of the
County's lawful rights or to defend against wrongful claims against Jefferson County including
performing extensive legal research, drafting documents, preparing arguments, attending motion
hearings and trials to present the case of Jefferson County.
Jefferson County Job Description: Chief Civil or Chief Criminal Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
4.3 Direct and assist co -counsel or retained counsel [including Risk Pool attorneys], and subordinate
deputy prosecutors within the office relating to county civil and/or criminal legal issues.
4.4 Prepares the State of Washington's case against adult and juvenile criminal defendants including
performing extensive legal research, drafting documents, preparing arguments, attending motion
hearings and trials and presenting the State's case against the criminally accused before judge and
jury in Superior and District Court.
4.5 Provides legal advice, assists in and participates with other attorneys in the office.
4.6 Works with opposing counsel to develop negotiated civil and administrative settlements that are in
the best interest of the citizens of Jefferson County.
4.7 Provides information and education to citizens of Jefferson County on legal topics of interest
involving civil matters.
4.8 Works with opposing counsel to resolve criminal or civil cases in the best interest of the citizens
of Jefferson County and the citizens of Washington State.
4.9 Defend criminal convictions or civil judgments on appeal to the State Court of Appeals, the State
Supreme Court, or in federal court, including legal research, drafting of documents and pleadings,
preparing briefs and other legal memorandum and present legal argument before a Court.
4.10 Provides information and education to citizens of Jefferson County, law enforcement and others
on legal topics of interest involving criminal matters.
4.11 Act as Deputy Coroner, conducting death investigations as required by statute.
4.12 May be responsible for providing legal education and training to County employees.
4.13 Performs other duties as assigned or required.
5.0 REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: To perform the job successfully, an individual
must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are
representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made
to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
5.1 Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents. Ability to respond effectively
to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to write speeches and articles using original
or innovative techniques or style. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and
representations on controversial or complex topics to Courts.
5.2 Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability
to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
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Jefferson County Job Description: Chief Civil or Chief Criminal Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
5.3 Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and
practical problems. Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations,
graphs, musical notes, etc.) in its most difficult phases. Ability to deal with a variety of abstract
and concrete variables.
6.0 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
6.1 Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school. Ten (10) or more years active trial
experience in State or Federal Court at felony level, including prior civil, criminal, and appellate
issue experience. Appellate experience at State Court of Appeals or Federal Circuit Court of
Appeals, or higher; and extensive civil litigation experience.
6.2 Must be admitted to practice by the Washington State Bar for a minimum of ten (10) years. Must
be able to be admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. Must
complete a minimum of 45 hours of continuing legal education every three (3) years and maintain
a valid license to practice law in the State of Washington.
6.3 Maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License.
7.0 DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND ABILITIES
7.1 Ability to perform independent legal research, identify and analyze legal issues.
7.2 Knowledge of rules of evidence and court proceedings and ability to properly apply such
knowledge.
7.3 Ability to effectively and convincingly argue or present legal points in the interest of the State of
Washington and Jefferson County.
7.4 Ability to understand unorganized facts and to order them in an understandable, organized
manner.
7.5 Ability to evaluate prospective jurors and select a jury panel.
7.6 Ability to remain calm and organized in stressful situations or when dealing with people
experiencing stressful situations.
7.7 Ability to explain reasons for events or actions/non-actions to unreceptive or emotionally involved
listeners and to maintain the prestige and integrity of the office.
7.8 Ability to make decisions that will affect the lives and property of individuals.
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Jefferson County Job Description: Chief Civil or Chief Criminal Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
7.9 Ability to focus on the detail necessary to ensure proper notice to witnesses, public, court officials,
and law enforcement personnel in a timely manner, with adequate explanation and instructions.
7.10 Ability to successfully litigate criminal and civil cases.
8.0 WORK ENVIRONMENT: 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.
8.1 While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear.
The employee frequently is required to stand and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools,
or controls. The employee is occasionally required to walk and reach with hands and arms.
8.2 The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move
up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability
to adjust focus.
8.3 The noise level in the work environment has moderate noise.
9.0 CAREER LADDER POSITION: The Chief Civil and Chief Criminal positions are not part of the
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Career Ladder. Appointments made to Chief Civil or Chief Criminal
Deputy Prosecutor will be made by the Prosecuting Attorney, after determinations are made regarding
workload justification and funding.
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