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 in Seattle 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.
We are seeking a dedicated prosecutor to lead our work on sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). This new role will carry a trial caseload, which could include a growing body of cases filed through the KCPAO in Superior Court, and the caseload is within the vertical prosecution model and offers the opportunity to define and shape the position’s policies, practices, and procedures. The prosecutor will work closely with partners at the local, state, and federal levels, as well as healthcare providers, community organizations, and survivor advocates. The role will also involve developing meaningful metrics and producing regular public reports that reflect the work’s impact. It is anticipated that the prosecutor in this role will be cross-deputized to allow for prosecution or co-prosecution of cases in King County Superior Court. As part of that process, the prosecutor will receive onboarding and case supervision from Senior Deputy Prosecutors at KCPAO on cases where they are acting under the authority of KCPAO’s cross-deputization.
Manage all aspects of prosecution, including case development (with occasional non-business hour operations), warrant review, filing, negotiation, trial, and post-trial litigation.
Work closely with KCPAO partners to ensure consistent case management and collaboration.
Build and sustain strong working relationships with system partners, including law enforcement, the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC), Harborview Abuse and Trauma Center (HATC), Crime Survivor Services (CSS), and others
Together with KCPAO partners, conduct regular staffing with victim advocates, including KCSARC, CSS, and community advocates, and seek survivor input throughout the progression of the case.
Engage with survivors and, where appropriate, their families regarding case developments and resolutions.
Where necessary for individual cases, participate actively in Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings with agencies and community partners, including DCYF/CPS, KCSARC, CSS, HATC, Seattle Children’s Hospital and other medical providers, law enforcement, and other agencies.
Work with Unit Leadership and KCPAO partners to identify additional strategies for case development and interrupting trafficking activity.
Together with KCPAO and community partners, develop and deliver trainings to increase awareness, enhance system capacity, and support trauma-informed practices.
Collaborate with system partners and lawmakers on anti-trafficking legislation and policy efforts.
Work with Unit Leadership and KCPAO partners to establish policies, practices, and procedures for this new role.
Represent the office publicly as its lead on sex-trafficking matters, communicating goals and work to community groups, partner organizations, and media when appropriate.
Uphold the highest standards of professional ethics and integrity.
This position requires membership in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association, OR the ability to obtain membership within 30 days of an offer of employment.
Additionally, a successful candidate will have the knowledge and skills to effectively handle all aspects of a criminal prosecution of a sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of children case from case development through trial and, if necessary, appeal, including:
Demonstrated experience prosecuting sex trafficking, CESC cases, or substantial prosecutorial experience demonstrating ability to succeed in prosecuting these cases;
Proven ability to collaborate effectively and build strong relationships with multidisciplinary partners.
Initiative and strategic thinking necessary to develop and implement policies and procedures for a newly established role.
Union:
Local 21-PA
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 benefits retirement program. More information about benefits is available at https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits under “Most Employee Benefits”.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) –Public Service Loan Forgiveness is a federal program that forgives the remaining balance of your federal student loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments are made while working full-time for a qualifying public service employer. Forgiveness is tax‑free by statute under 26 U.S.C. § 108(f)(1).Learn more about PSLF and confirm whether your loans and payments qualify. Student Aid. Gov/PSLF
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– 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.
