The Department of Public Defense (DPD) provides robust legal representation to indigent clients in felonies, misdemeanors, juvenile defense, family defense (dependency cases), involuntary commitment (mental illness), sex offender commitment, and inquests. We work with the community to dismantle the systems that oppress our clients, to make the traditional systems that remain as restorative as possible, and to advocate for pathways that will allow our clients to succeed. We also advocate to reduce the harm and reach of the criminal and civil legal system and address systemic racism. We strive to create a flexible workplace culture that is inclusive, respectful, and supportive, premised on a shared anti-oppression framework.
To learn more about DPD, please visit our website at: https://kingcounty.gov/depts/public-defense.aspx
About the Position
DPD seeks a Managing Attorney to lead its Associated Counsel for the Accused Division (ACAD). As a division director, the Managing Attorney is responsible for ensuring that the division provides high-quality representation in each case assigned to the division. The Managing Attorney is a part of DPD's leadership team responsible for providing guidance, oversight, and support to a highly skilled public defense office.
Who May Apply
This recruitment is INTERNAL ONLY and open to current King County, Department of Public Defense (DPD) employees. DPD is currently accepting applications to fill one Managing Attorney position in the ACAD Division. DPD Ethical Walls Policies and Procedures will apply to applicants.
Work Location and Schedule
This position will be located at various ACAD offices in Seattle and Kent. The position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not eligible for overtime pay. The position's base work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm; work outside of the normal workday will be required
DPD employees enjoy a flexible, hybrid in-office/telecommute workplace structure, and this role should expect to work primarily in the office (with one day remote) while being required to report to other locations, such as court or jail facilities. DPD maintains physical offices in the following locations:
The Managing Attorney will supervise day-to-day activities within the division in multiple King County locations; manage workloads, schedules, and case assignments for all staff within the division; ensure strong communication between the division and other parts of the Department; and handle myriad facility and operational needs within the division. The Managing Attorney will lead and direct the work of the division's supervisors in each of the practice areas.
Specifically, the Managing attorney will:
The ideal candidate for this role will bring a strong background in directing and providing strategic leadership to a division dedicated to providing quality legal representation and advocacy to people in need of legal help. The Managing Attorney is an exceptional leader, manager, relationship builder, and educator who is familiar with issues, opportunities, and challenges associated with public defense issues.
In addition, well-qualified candidates will possess:
Special note regarding COVID-19
DPD is following Public Health and CDC guidance in regard to social distancing. Interviews for this position will be conducted remotely. Successful candidates may be required to telecommute and come into the office on a periodic basis; frequency will vary based on business and operational needs.
DPD Policies
DPD Ethical Walls Policies and Procedures will apply to applicants, such that if you work or have worked for one of DPD's divisions, you may be ineligible to work in another division.
Outside Work Policy for Attorneys will apply to applicants, such that you must receive approval from your supervisor and Managing Attorney before being permitted to engage in outside employment for compensation or volunteer.
Application Process
Interested individuals should submit a complete online King County application (all blanks must be filled out and may not direct the reader to reference an attached resume or other document. Answers that say "see resume" will be considered as incomplete), a resume, a cover letter summarizing why you are interested in this position and why you believe you will be a strong fit for the position, and a response to the essay questions are required.
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed and screened for clarity, completeness, and competitiveness. Applicants may be required to demonstrate their qualifications at the time of the interview and/or complete a skills assessment. All materials will be evaluated for spelling, grammar, and punctuation usage. The most competitive candidates will be invited to interview. Final selection and appointment to this position is at the discretion of the Department Director.
Offer of employment is contingent on:
The successful completion of references and personnel file review in keeping with DPD’s Ethical Walls Policies and Procedures.
Union Membership
This position is an appointed position and not represented by a collective bargaining agreement
Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our "True 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 principles--we 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.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
King County Executive Branch employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are the successful candidate for the position you applied for, the County will send you a conditional offer letter.
As a condition of employment, prior to a final offer of employment, you will be required to:
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
King County
Seattle, WA