Description

Nature of Work

Step into a role where your legal expertise directly strengthens the safety and well-being of our community. As a City of Bellingham Prosecuting Attorney, you will lead the prosecution of misdemeanor and municipal ordinance violations in Municipal Court.  If you’re motivated by public service and eager to support justice in our community, we’d love to hear from you.

JOB SUMMARY:
Responsible for the prosecution of misdemeanor and municipal ordinance violations in Municipal Court. 

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

This position will be filled at the appropriate level based on requisite experience and training.

• Prosecuting Attorney I: The current full salary range for this position is $9,127/month - $11,093/month. 

• Prosecuting Attorney II: The current full salary range for this position is $10,062/month - $12,230/month.

Employees receive step increases annually in accordance with the E-Team Handbook and City policy.

The City places new employees within the published salary range based on qualifications and professional experience as listed on the application material, in accordance with City policy. Candidates who exceed the minimum experience requirements shall be given credit for advanced step placement at the rate of one additional pay step for each two full years of directly related or equivalent professional experience beyond the minimum requirements. Candidates who meet minimum qualifications or have experience that is not directly related or in a lower-level position will be placed at step one in the salary range. For positions that require a bachelor’s degree, one additional step may be granted for applicants with a master’s degree in a related field when the master’s degree is not required to meet minimum qualifications. The City's HR Department regularly evaluates minimum qualifications to provide equitable employment opportunities. For internal candidates, placement within the range is based on City Pay Placement Procedures.

At the City of Bellingham, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that helps you thrive in both your career and personal life. Join our team and enjoy peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are well cared for. Here’s a closer look at the outstanding benefits that come with being part of our team. You can find more details on our employment benefits page and labor agreements page.

• 13.33 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time
• 12 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday per year
• 40 hours of sick leave upon hire + 8 hours accrued monthly
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security
• Optional 457 deferred compensation savings plan and 401(a) Retirement Savings Plan with employer match

Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE, accruals are pro-rated if part-time and require employees to be in paid status at least 120 hours/month.

Closing Date/Time: Fri. 4/17/2026 4:30 PM Pacific Time 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB:

1. Prosecutes misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors, traffic offenses and other municipal ordinance violations in Municipal Court, which includes determining what charges to file and deciding whether to plea bargain or reduce charges.
2. Provides advice to police officers regarding appropriate charges and methods of law enforcement by determining current status of law based on legislative and judicial changes.
3. Contacts victims, which includes requesting subpoenas, gathering information, evaluating evidence, determining whether a victim will assist in prosecution, and monitoring the victim’s safety.
4. Conducts legal research, interviewing witnesses, deciding discovery methods to pursue, and making settlement suggestions for pursuing the defense of the City in conducting the prosecution of criminal cases and motion hearings.
5. Conducts criminal jury and bench trials which includes presenting the City’s case, instructing the jury, determining sentencing recommendations, and resolving evidentiary issues, voir dire questions, and trial procedures.
6. Prepares and conducts arraignments by reading police reports, summarizing factual elements of crimes, evaluating probable cause, determining bail amounts and sentencing recommendations, presenting factual basis for plea, making offers to defendant, and determining whether a reduction or dismissal is merited.
7. Prepares and investigates pretrial cases by reviewing reports, evaluating evidence, locating missing information or evidence, contacting and negotiating with defense attorneys, determining the likelihood of success, and making sentencing recommendations.
8. Conducts pretrial hearings by setting motions, trial dates, or offering guilty plea to the court.
9. Conducts no-contact order rescission hearings and contested infraction and motion hearings by presenting the City’s case, determining whether the rescission of a no-contact order threatens victim safety, and evaluating legal issues and relevant case law.
10. Prepares and responds to appeals of trial court decisions including direct appeals after trial, habeas corpus petitions, and infraction appeals. 

ADDITIONAL WORK PERFORMED:

1. Performs other related work of a similar nature or level.
2. Prosecutor II assists in civil projects in a limited basis as workload allows.  

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed primarily in an office environment with frequent court appearances. Extensive work at a computer workstation. Travel to court, seminars and meetings as needed. This is a sedentary position with minimal physical exertion requirements.

Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job, including:

• Frequently operate a computer and other office machinery such as a keyboard, mouse, phone, and fax machine;
• Occasionally move between worksites;
• Remain stationary for long periods of time;
• Frequently communicate accurate information and ideas with others.

Experience and Training

Prosecuting Attorney I:

• Admission to the Washington State Bar and a member in good standing throughout duration of employment.
• Some experience in the practice of municipal law or civil discovery and procedure preferred.

Prosecuting Attorney II:

• Admission to the Washington State Bar and a member in good standing throughout duration of employment, and
• Two years of professional work experience as an attorney in criminal law; experience in prosecuting criminal cases preferred, or
• Two years of experience as a Prosecuting Attorney I at the City of Bellingham.