EPHRATA — The Grant County Prosecutor’s Office hired a new civil deputy.

Lee Pence replaces Chief Deputy Steve Hallstrom, who was fired from the prosecutor’s office in February as part of a restructuring move by Grant County Prosecutor Angus Lee.

Pence was chosen last month, but stayed at Shiers Law Firm in Port Orchard, Wash., to finish his cases, Lee said. Prior to his eight-year employment, he worked in Grant County.

The new civil deputy participated in 25 jury trials in federal and state courts, and defended cities and special districts, including cases heard by the Washington Court of Appeals, according to the prosecutor’s office. He also has experience with alternative dispute resolution and mediation hearings.

“He had a lot of experience in civil litigation,” Lee said. “What really attracted me to him, was the references that I got from attorneys that he worked with that I respect.”

The attorneys told Lee, Pence had a strong work ethic and was willing to work as long as necessary to get the job finished, Lee said.

“That perfect combination of legal experience and a very strong work ethic is exactly what we need right now … That’s what we’ve been lacking in the civil department and now we have it,” he said.