Closing Date: 21st July, 2026
Description:
Position Description: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.
Job 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.
- 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
Additional Information:
Union: Local 21-PA
Application Process – For your application to be accepted, you must:
- Complete the online City of Seattle Application
- https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle
- 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.
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.
Race and Social Justice Initiative – The City of Seattle recognizes that every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. We seek individuals who will work toward the goals of the Race and Social Justice Initiative.
Compensation – The full pay range for this step-progression position is $50.15-$67.12 per hour. New employees begin at Step 1 of the pay progression, which is $50.15 hourly. Current City employees' starting pay rate will be based on the Personnel Rules regarding promotions. Advanced initial step placement may be considered under limited circumstances, but step salaries are not subject to negotiation.
Benefits – The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package, including vacation, 12 official holidays, 2 floating holidays, sick leave, and paid parental leave, as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees. Additional benefits include executive leave and eligibility for merit leave. City Attorney's Office employees also have the opportunity to participate in a defined benefit retirement program. More information about benefits is available at https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits under “Most Employee Benefits”.
Language Premium (Protec 17, L21PA)* – Individuals selected to fill this position may be eligible to receive Language Premium Pay (SMC 4.20.360), which provides a $200.00 monthly stipend to qualified bilingual employees who are properly evaluated and assigned to provide direct communication in-language, interpretation, or translation services to the public on behalf of the City of Seattle.
Workplace Environment – Currently, the Seattle City Attorney's Office has a Flexible Work Arrangements Policy. Employees have the option to work a hybrid schedule (3 days in the office, 2 days remote). This is subject to change as circumstances and business needs dictate.
Office Location: Columbia Center, 701 5th Avenue, Suite 2050, Seattle, WA 98104
Background Check Requirements – All positions are security sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the verification of credentials and/or other information required by the municipal corporation's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check in accordance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be given a chance to explain or correct background information and provide verifiable information on good conduct and rehabilitation.
Who may apply – This position is open to all candidates who meet the minimum qualifications.
The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, family or marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, pregnancy, or other protected characteristics. The Seattle City Attorney's Office encourages people of all backgrounds to apply.
Questions? Contact our Human Resources team at LAW_HR@seattle.gov.