Entry-Level Attorney

Entry-Level Attorney

POSITION SUMMARY

Under general supervision the Level 1 Attorneyrepresentspeople primarily in civil proceedings under contempt of court and Involuntary Treatment Act (ITA) proceedings (RCW 71.05) where loss of liberty is at risk. The role requires frequent collaboration with clients social workers investigators mental health professionals treatment providers and court personnel. Attorneys in this position may rotate into criminal defense assignments in the future based on office needs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide legal representation to assigned clients at all stages of legal proceedings.

• Review discovery and court pleadings research legal issues and counsel clients.

• Referappropriate casesfor social work services.

• Prepare and present written and verbal legal arguments clearly and logically.

• Conduct pretrial negotiations with assigned prosecutors.

• Prepare and argue post-trial motions as needed.

• Communicate regularly with clients usingtrauma-informedapproaches.

• Work cooperatively with colleagues. Provide coverage as needed.

• Maintain case files in Legal Server. Document all work done on behalf of the client.

• Independently manage a large caseload and meet deadlines.

• Comply withWA State Rules of Professional Conduct.

• Provide mentorship to Rule 9 and legal interns as assigned.

• Maintain knowledge of current practices and developments in the law.

• Attend continuing legal education seminars as required by the WSBA.

• Interact with all criminal justice system participants to promote respect including people affected by mental health substance abuse or other personality disorders.

• Prioritize collaboration and cooperation in your interactions with all Defenders.

• Hold yourself accountable when contributing to differences in power and identity and act in ways which honor the authenticity value and dignity of each Defender.

• Seekto cultivate constructive relationships with court stakeholders for the benefit of clients and represent SCPDA with mindfulness compassion and consideration towards others.

• Advance and/or progress toward recognizing and naming racism and other oppressions within our work.

• Intentionally engage in antiracism learning using a framework (example: Awareness KnowledgeSkillsand Action).

• Adhere to company policies and procedures.

• Participate in meetings asrequested.

• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Licensed attorney in good standing with and member of the Washington State Bar Association.

• Knowledge of Washington State civil commitmentcontemptand criminal law.

• Knowledge of Washington and federal rules of evidence and criminal procedures.

• Able to build new capacities for learning and seek opportunities to expand your approach to problem-solving.

• Ability to align your actions with the rules and guidelines of professional conduct.

• Ability to curiously explore and incorporate perspectives different from your own.

• Ability to keep regular office hours andmaintaina workload which may require after-hours or weekend work.

• Accept direction and feedback and follow through appropriately. Incorporates feedback into future performance.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Word Excel and Outlook. Ability to learn and usevarietyof software applications.

• Ability tomaintainethical and professional standards of the office andobservestrict confidentiality.

• Elevate deliberativeness over reactivity and take responsibility for intention and impact.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work is performed primarily in an office or courtroom environment. Some duties may be performed hybrid with supervisor approval where consistentwith court and client needs.

• Frequent standing walking and sitting.

• Frequent lifting and carrying up to 10 pounds.

• Occasional lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds.

• Must be able to work atcomputeror desk area for extended periods of time.

• Requires ability with or without accommodation to use computer screen and other electronic devices input information read and interpret data from the screen.

This job description provides an outline of essential functions and is not all-inclusiveSCPDAmaymodifyit at any time.

• The Association provides an employer retirement contribution currently set at 5.58% with no employee deferral required.
• The Association pays 100% of employee medical and dental premiums.

Automatic enrollment in employer-paid coverage includes:

• $20000 Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• 21 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) annually at hire accrued per pay period
• 11 paid holidays per calendar year
• Continuing Education funding up to $450 per year in accordance with policy and budget guidelines
• Combination of in-office and supervisor-approved flexible scheduling.

EAP which includes:

• Civil legal consultations
• Financial counseling
• Confidential counseling sessions
• Work-life support resources

The Snohomish County Public Defender Association is committed to fostering a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion gender gender identity or expression sexual orientation national origin genetics disability age or veteran status.

Accepting applications on a rolling if you have any questions. Thank you.

Required Experience:

Junior IC