What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney position at Grant County?
PURPOSE OF POSITION: Under managerial direction, the Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney serves as the senior-most attorney under the elected Prosecuting Attorney, providing high-level leadership, legal expertise, personnel supervision, and strategic direction for the Criminal Division and/or Civil Division as assigned. This role is responsible for overseeing daily legal operations, ensuring high-quality prosecution and representation, maintaining compliance with Washington statutes and court rules, and fostering a professional, ethical, and collaborative office culture.
The Chief Deputy acts on behalf of the Prosecuting Attorney when delegated, represents the office in complex and high-profile matters, and plays a key role in policy development, training, and organizational management.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: The Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney is a licensed attorney who, like other Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys, is responsible for representing the State and/or County in legal matters.
The Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney position is distinguished from other Deputy Prosecuting Attorney classifications by its executive-level leadership responsibilities, delegated authority to act on behalf of the Prosecuting Attorney, broad supervisory role, and involvement in policy development, strategic planning, and high-level legal decision-making affecting the entire Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney may have a reduced caseload compared to other attorneys, reflecting increased administrative and supervisory duties. The Chief handles the most complex, sensitive, and/or high-profile cases, often with significant legal or public safety implications.
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.
- Assists the Prosecuting Attorney in the overall management and strategic direction of the office. Serves as second-in-command to the Prosecuting Attorney. Acts with delegated authority to make binding decisions on behalf of the Prosecuting Attorney in operational, legal, and personnel matters. May assume full responsibility for the office in the absence of the Prosecuting Attorney. Serves as a primary representative of the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office at interagency meetings, stakeholder committees, task forces, and trainings.
- Develops, implements, and enforces office-wide policies, procedures, and performance standards. Participates in budgeting, staffing decisions, hiring panels, and resource allocation. Evaluates office operations and recommends improvements in workflow, technology, communication, and training. Offers guidance on complex legal issues, evidence challenges, ethical questions, sentencing analysis, and statutory interpretation.
- Provides direction, feedback, and support to direct reports to promote professional development, improve performance, and foster a collaborative and accountable work environment. Assigns and oversees daily work of staff to align duties with individual skills, experience, and development needs. Conducts regular reviews of assigned division’s caseload, case strategies, plea negotiations, and trial preparation. Provides consultation and technical expertise to Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys on trial strategy, charging decisions, motions, plea offers, and appeals.
- Represents the State or County in court, including trials, appellate arguments, writs, and administrative hearings. Handles complex, sensitive, or high-profile cases, including serious violent felonies, sexual-assault cases, child-exploitation matters, homicide, or major civil litigation. Reviews and approves or declines criminal charging decisions in accordance with RCW 9.94A.411, ethical standards, and office policy.
- Drafts and updates policies related to prosecution, discovery, charging, office operations, technology, and remote work. Ensures compliance with CrR/CrRLJ rules, discovery obligations (Brady), and statutory requirements.
- Liaises with law enforcement agencies regarding investigations, charging standards, interview protocols, and case development. Reviews search warrants, major investigations, Net Nanny/ICAC operations, and officer-involved incidents when needed.
- Builds positive working relationships with law enforcement, courts, public defense, county departments, community groups, and outside agencies. Provides legal education or community presentations when requested. Oversees communication with courts, defense counsel, victim-services personnel, and partner agencies.
- Assists in risk management and reduction of civil liability for the County.
- Assists in responding to public records requests, drafting opinions, and advising county departments as needed.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Education and Experience:
- High school diploma or GED.
- Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school or successful completion of the Rule 9 program, followed by admission to the Washington State Bar.
- Ten years of professional legal experience, with the majority of that experience as a practicing attorney, in criminal prosecution or a related legal practice.
- Knowledge of applicable statutes, common law, case law, and procedural rules.
- Experience in courtroom litigation, legal research, negotiation, and trial preparation is required, with advanced levels requiring extensive felony trial experience, independent case management, and leadership or mentorship of other attorneys and staff.
Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the necessary qualifications to successfully perform the duties of the position will be considered.
Preferred Education and Experience:
- None.
Professional Licenses/Certifications:
- Valid Washington State Bar Associations (WSBA) license.
Other Requirements:
- Valid WA State Driver’s License preferred.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT:
- Work is performed in an office and courtroom environment with frequent interaction with the public, attorneys, and defendants, occasionally involving individuals who are upset or under stress.
- Some work requires travel to crime scenes, interviews, and training.
- May involve exposure to graphic evidence, trauma-related material, and emotionally difficult subject matter.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Sits for long periods of time, with walking and standing required occasionally.
- Performs substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and fingers that include repetitive motions.
- Utilizes a computer for prolonged periods of time to complete work tasks.
- Exerts up to 10 pounds occasionally to lift or move objects such as files or office materials.
Salary : $153,660 - $178,095