This posting is being extended through 11/1/21. If you previously applied, there is no need to reapply. 

The Department of Public Defense (DPD) seeks thoughtful, creative, energetic advocates to join our dynamic and diverse team of public defense attorneys. The Department of Public Defense (DPD) is actively recruiting 3rd year law students, judicial clerks, and fellows to begin employment after August 2022.
 
We will be holding a remote open house on September 15, 2021, for those who would like to learn more about our program. Please click here to register for the open house.
 
DPD provides high-quality legal representation to indigent clients. DPD practices in several areas, including felonies, misdemeanors, juvenile defense, family defense (dependency cases), involuntary commitment (mental illness), sex offender commitment, and contempt of court. The department also works to address racial disproportionality in the criminal legal system, the collateral consequences of system involvement, and other structural and/or systemic issues that undermine the rights of our clients. DPD employs skilled investigators, mitigation specialists, paralegals, and other support staff. Expert services are regularly funded, in keeping with state court rules.
 
Successful candidates will be dedicated, hard-working advocates, with the ability to develop excellent trial, research, and writing skills. An ability to think critically and creatively in a fast-paced environment is essential in this role, as well as a passion for public defense and a demonstrated commitment to representing indigent persons. Strong candidates will also possess the ability to receive feedback constructively and to reflect on and modify performance accordingly.
 
The scope of representation expected of an attorney is determined by the nature of the case assignment and the Rules of Professional Conduct. Caseload standards are established in accordance with the State Supreme Court’s Standards for Indigent Defense, union bargaining agreements, and the Washington State Bar Association Guidelines. Attorneys in DPD are expected to participate in ongoing training to improve their level of practice.

• Attorney - 3rd Year Law Student: This recruitment is open to 3rd year law student candidates graduating between December 2021 and June 2022, and may be used to fill current and/or future career service and term-limited temporary positions in any of the Department's four divisions and/or office locations in King County.
  
  
• Fellow/Clerk: This recruitment is open to attorney applicants engaged in legal fellowships or clerkships, and may be used to fill future career service and term-limited temporary positions in any of the department's four divisions and/or office locations in King County.
  • Fellow/Clerk candidates hired through this recruitment will be considered by DPD for initial salary placement at Steps 1 through 3 ($70,77387-$86,568.77), dependent upon experience.

• Dexter Horton Building, 710 Second Avenue, Seattle; 
• Jefferson Street Building, 1401 East Jefferson, Seattle; 
• Meeker Street Building, 420 West Harrison Street, Kent, or 
• 908 Jefferson St. Seattle.

1. An online application completed at www.kingcounty.gov/jobs. The employment history should go back long enough to include all relevant experience.
2. A cover letter no more than two pages summarizing your experience and how you meet the required qualifications, knowledge, and skills for the position.
3. A resume.
4. A short self-authored writing sample (in .doc, .docx, or .pdf format) prepared for this selection process.

Based on assignment, include the following:

• Provide legal representation to and advocacy to indigent clients. 
• Communicate effectively, including with individuals who lack English proficiency.
• Handle all aspects of representation, from arraignment through trial and, if necessary, sentencing, and post-trial as necessary.
• Engage in a robust motions practice involving research, writing, and arguing pretrial motions.
• Conduct plea negotiations and mitigation.
• Locate, work with, and prepare experts in various fields.
• Provide client-driven representation that includes frequent and detailed communication with the client, choosing the most effective medium for the client.
• Work with clients who may be experiencing mental illness, drug addiction, or other issues.
• Work with young adults, youth, and children.
• Work closely with, and in some instance lead a team of investigators, mitigation specialists, and paralegals to develop and implement legal strategy and to properly assess and address client needs.
• Handle on-call 24-hour coverage, which, per attorney, currently occurs approximately one week a year, or two Saturday calendars.
• Other duties as assigned.

Attorney - 3rd year Law Student/Clerk/Fellow:

• JD from an accredited law school by December 2021 through June 2022. 
• Demonstrated commitment to advocacy on behalf of marginalized communities. 
• Excellent demonstrated analytical, research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to manage a caseload in a fast-paced environment.
• Plans to take the Washington State Bar Examination in July 2022 or, for clerks and fellows, admission to the bar in another state that would enable qualification under Rule 8.
• Agreement to become qualified to practice in the State of Washington as a Rule 9 until successful bar admission in 2022.
• A valid Washington State driver's license or the ability to travel throughout King County in a timely manner.

• Proficiency in languages other than English, particularly Spanish. 
• Clinical training in public defense.
• Criminal defense experience.

Special note regarding COVID-19
DPD is following Public Health and CDC guidance regarding social distancing. Interviews for this position will be conducted remotely. Successful candidates may be required to telecommute and appear in court, the jail, or other areas as directed during the County's pandemic response.

Application Process
Interested individuals should submit an online King County application (all blanks must be filled out and may not direct the reader to reference to an attached resume or other document. Answers that say "see resume" will be considered as incomplete), cover letter (no more than two pages) summarizing how you meet the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills for the job, resume, and short writing sample (in .doc, .docx, or .pdf format). You can find the online application at: http://www.kingcounty.gov/audience/employees/careers.aspx.

Applicants will be required to demonstrate their qualifications at the time of the interviews and/or skills assessments.

Selection Process
Qualified and competitive candidates may be asked to participate in a series of interviews for these positions. Offers for available positions are contingent upon successful referencing and a division conflicts check.

Union Membership: Positions in this classification are recognized by Service Employee's International Union, Local 925.
 
DPD will compensate successful candidates licensed in other states and qualifying for a license under the Rule 8 Washington State Bar Association bar license/new admittee and client protection fund assessment fee. Other fees associated with backgrounding or special licensing are the individual's own responsibility. Bar dues for employees are paid for by the department.

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.

(New) Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement 
As of October 18, 2021, most* King County employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If hired, you will be required to submit proof of vaccination by October 18th. People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine. Employees may make requests for a reasonable accommodation based on a medical disability or for sincerely held religious beliefs. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.

This directive applies to employees in the Executive branch*, the Assessor’s Office, Elections, the King County Sheriff’s Office, and the Executive Office.  

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 your recruiter listed on this job announcement.