Public Defense Attorney
Public Defense Attorney
Posted on :
10-04-2025
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1 Vacancy
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Job Description
Summary
- THIS POSITION IS OPEN FOR CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENTThe department reserves the right to close this position and/or make updates to the position description below as deemed necessary.The Department of Public Defense (DPD) participates in King Countys referral program. In order for the King County represented employee to receive the referral bonus you must provide their information in supplemental question 3.
TheKing County Department of Public Defense (DPD)is seeking dedicated Public Defense Attorneys who are passionate about advocating for our clients. Our collaborative approach means that youll work alongside skilled investigators mitigation specialist paralegals and other committed support staff ensuring that we provide exceptional clientcentered representation.
DPD is the bestresourced public defense agency in the first state to adopt new caseload standards for public defenders based on theNational Public Defense Workload Study RAND. These standards adopted by the Washington State Bar Association in March 2024 limit public defenders in felony practice to 110 weighted case credits in 2025 90 weighted case credits in 2026 and 47 weighted case credits annually by 2027. The new standards also weigh more serious charges with additional credit leading to even lower limits for public defenders defending against more serious alleged offenses.
Throughout their phasedin implementation beginning in July 2025 these new caseload standards will afford DPDs attorneys the time they need to fully investigate and litigate every clients case. Just as importantly we believe these standards along with the training and support all our staff receive will allow public defenders joining DPD to have a long sustainable career providing representation they can be proud of to the most vulnerable members of our community. DPD has already began implementing phase I standards a year in advance. This shows DPDs commitment to being a leader in the field of public defense.
As a DPD attorney youll enjoy:- Competitive Pay.
- A comprehensive benefits package including a pension.
- Support from a unionized workplace.
- Robust funding for expert witnesses and ongoing training opportunities.
In this role you will:- Have training mentorship and handson trial experience under the guidance of experienced supervisors.
- Have support in pursuing various litigation strategies including writs and interlocutory appeals.
- Have opportunities to explore diverse practice areas and a wide variety of case types.
- Have the ability to work with experts in different fields.
- Participate in inhouse and national training programs.
- Have a flexible work schedule including telecommuting options.
The Departments Mission Statement
The King County Department of Public Defense represents indigent adults and children facing a loss of liberty. Our department is an independent voice that promotes fairness and equity for our clients and advocates for their objectives interests and dignity.
DPD provides high quality legal representation to indigent clients in felonies misdemeanors juvenile defense family defense (dependency cases) involuntary commitment (mental illness) and sex offender commitment proceedings. Learn more about our practice areashere.
DPD advocates to reduce the harm and reach of the criminal and civil legal systems that restrict our clients liberty and advances policy reforms to reduce systemic racism. We strive to create a flexible workplace culture that is inclusive respectful and supportive premised on a shared antioppression framework. To learn more about DPD visit ourwebsite. Job Duties
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES include but are not limited to the following:
- Provide competent legal representation and advocacy for indigent clients including those with limited English proficiency.
- Oversee all aspects of legal representation from arraignment through trial and and if necessary sentencing and posttrial processes. This includes conducting plea negotiations and mitigation efforts.
- Engage in motions practice which involves researching writing and arguing pretrial motions as well as preparing and collaborating with and preparing expert witnesses across various fields.
- Serve a diverse client base including individuals facing mental health challenges substance use disorders and other systemic issues.
- Develop and implement effective legal strategies that address client needs often in collaboration with investigators mitigation specialists and paralegals.
Please note that specific duties may vary based on case type and division.Experience Qualifications Knowledge Skills
Required Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor (J.D. from an accredited law school or a combination of experience education and training that provides the required knowledge skills and ability to perform the job duties. (Current law students should apply through a separate posting designated for those intending to take the bar available August 2025.
- Admission to the Washington State Bar Association or licensure in another state that qualifies you for a license under Admission and Practice Rule (APR) 8(f) House Counsel. WSBA rules permit lawyers licensed in any other U.S. state to apply for admission to the Washington bar by motion and DPD will reimburse successful applicants for the WSBA Application Fee and the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) investigation fee.
- Minimum age of 21.
- Availability for oncall 24hour coverage currently requiring approximately one week per year or two Saturday calendars annually.
- Valid Washington State drivers license or the ability to travel throughout King County.
Desired Qualifications:- At least two years of criminal or civil practice that includes motion and trial practice.
- Proficiency in languages other than English particularly Spanish.
- Clinical training in public defense.
- Lived experience related to the criminal legal system that resonates with DPDs clients.
Knowledge Of:- Performance Guidelines for Criminal Defense Representation approved by the Washington State Bar Association
- Applicable local state and federal laws rules regulations policies and procedures including:
- Washington State Criminal Code.
- Washington State Court Rules of Evidence.
- Washington State Court Rules.
- Washington State Rules of Professional Conduct.
- Performance Guidelines for Juvenile Defense Representation approved by the Washington State Bar Association.
- Performance Guidelines for Attorneys Representing Respondents in Civil Commitment Proceedings approved by the Washington State Bar Association.
Ability To:- Execute strongtrial research and writing skills.
- Provide clientcentered representation ensuring frequent and effective communication using the most suitable medium for each client.
- Provide excellent customer service including communicating with people of diverse backgrounds who may be experiencing stress trauma and/or suffering from mental illness.
- Champion equity and social justice demonstrating an understanding of systematic racism and its longterm effects. Engage in open and sincere discussions about race and equity in our work.
- Communicate effectively with all internal and external partners articulating analysis clearly in both spoken and written forms.
- Manage the needs of many clients in a deadlinedriven environment.
- Work with a diverse clientele respecting differences in race gender sexual orientation gender identity age religion and national origin.
- Maintain all continuing legal education requirements as set forth by the Washington State Bar Association with special emphasis on criminal defense. (Note: All DPD employees receive access to more than enough free CLE courses to meet this requirement at no cost though individual attorneys are responsible for ensuring they remain current with continuing education requirements.
Supplemental Information
WHY KING COUNTY
At King County our work is guided by our True North and values. Our True North is what we aspire to:Making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive.
King County offers great benefits to include a pension plan holidays transit pass plus training and education opportunities to promote growth and development.Our focus is to provide our employees with work life balance.
ARE YOU READY TO APPLY
This opportunity to join the Department of Public Defense (DPD) isopen to all qualified applicants.To process your application please provide the following items:- A complete King County application (available at www.kingcounty/jobs including your bar license information under the Certificates and Licenses section.
- A cover letteraddressing: What does being a public defender mean to you How do your experiences and background help you achieve results for your clients
- A resume.
- A legal writing sample such as a brief motion or client letter.
This recruitment will be used to fill current Career Service vacancies and may also fill any vacancies over the next six months.
Selection Process
Materials will be reviewed for qualifications and the most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in a panel interview process. Applicants may be required to demonstrate their qualifications at the time of the interview and/or skills assessment. Personnel file reviews and references may be conducted for the most competitive candidates prior to a placement decision.
If you have questions please reach out to our Talent Advisors at.
WORK SCHEDULE AND LOCATION
DPD employees enjoy a flexible hybrid workplace that includes both inoffice and telecommuting options. Attorneys should expect to work in the office and remotely as well as report to various locations including court jail facilities and hospitals/treatment centers throughout the county.
We prioritize frequent and robust client contact and inperson court presence. Onsite reporting requirements are determined by the departments operational needs and may be adjusted accordingly.
Rotations of work location andpractice areaand/or workflow are an essential function and can occur based on business need. Placements may be made to any of our Seattle and/or Kent locations.
DPD maintains physical offices in the following locations:- Dexter Horton Building 710 Second Avenue Seattle.
- Jefferson Street Building 1401 East Jefferson Seattle.
- Meeker Street Building 420 West Harrison Street Kent.
This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. This position is expected to work the hours necessary to satisfactorily perform the job and some night and weekend work is required.
DPD Policies
DPD Ethical Walls Policies and Procedureswill apply to employees such that if you work or have worked for one of DPDs divisions you may be ineligible to work in another division.
Outside Work Policy for Attorneyswill apply to employees such that you must receive approval from your supervisor and Managing Attorney before being permitted to engage in outside employment for compensation or volunteer.
Union Membership
This position is proudly represented by Service Employees International Union Local 925 and interested applicants can review the collective labor agreement for more information.Click hereand filter by union code A8 A8A.
Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington States best employers.
Together with leadership and our employees were changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a differenceCome join the teamdedicated to serving one of the nations best places to live work and play.
Guided by ourTrue North we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting support and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principleswe are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply including Native American and people of color immigrants refugees women LGBTQ people living with disabilities and veterans.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race color religion national origin sex (including gender identity sexual orientation and pregnancy) age genetic information disability veteran status or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions including but not limited to recruitment hiring selection for training promotion transfer demotion layoff termination rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
Employment Type
Full-Time
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