The Department of Public Defense (DPD) seeks skilled, committed, creative advocates who will fight for clients while working to dismantle a harmful and racist system.

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.

DPD is looking for attorneys who want to be a part of the fight on behalf of our clients. Our attorneys work in teams with skilled investigators, mitigation specialists, paralegals, and other support staff to provide client-centered representation. Attorneys are encouraged to go to trial and are supported by experienced supervisors. Expert services are regularly funded, in keeping with state court rules. A robust training program provides frequent in-house trainings and opportunities to participate in the best national trainings. Attorneys have flexibility and may telecommute when they do not have court or client obligations.

Successful candidates will be dedicated, hard-working advocates, with excellent trial, research, and writing skills. Candidates must be dedicated to serving racially and socioeconomically marginalized communities and contributing to an anti-oppressive workplace environment.
   
At this time, DPD intends to fill multiple Career Service and/or Term-Limited Temporary (TLT) roles and to generate an eligibility pool for future vacancies in career service and temporary positions over the next six months. 
  
Who May Apply
This recruitment is open to all qualified attorney candidates. DPD ethical walls policies and procedures will apply to applicants.
 
For candidates interested in temporary roles: These positions occur at various times throughout the year and may provide coverage for employees on leave or other assignments. Positions last anywhere from six months to two years. TLT positions that are one year or less may not be eligible for enrollment into the state retirement plan. TLT positions are eligible for medical, dental, vision, and other associated benefits. The ideal candidate for a temporary role could include someone displaced by the current economic conditions due to the pandemic or an independent attorney whose firm has been impacted by the pandemic. You must indicate your availability in the supplemental questionnaire accompanying this announcement, and individuals selected for temporary roles are eligible for career service only if they apply to a separate career service posting.
  
For all candidates: DPD seeks to hire attorneys with a wide range of life experiences. We particularly welcome applications from those who have personal experience in navigating the criminal legal system or child welfare system or come from communities most impacted by these systems.

DPD employees enjoy a flexible, hybrid in-office/telecommute work place structure, and attorneys should expect to work both remotely and in the office while being required to report to other locations, such as court or jail facilities. DPD prioritizes frequent and robust client contact and in-person court presence. DPD maintains the 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, or 
• 908 Jefferson St., Seattle. 

1. An online application completed at www.kingcounty.gov/jobs. The employment history should go back at least 10 years if you have 10 years of employment (or more to include 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.

Depending upon assignment, duties may include the following: 

• Provide legal representation to and advocacy for 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.
• Engage in a robust motions practice involving research, writing, and arguing pretrial motions.
• Conduct plea and other 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 instances lead, a team that includes 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.

• J.D. from an accredited law school. (Current law students must apply through a separate posting designated for those who intend to take the bar. This posting will be available in August 2022).
• Demonstrated commitment to advocacy for disadvantaged individuals and/or to issues of economic, social, and racial justice.
• Demonstrated analytical, research, writing, and oral advocacy skills. 
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to manage a caseload in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to exercise excellent judgment, discretion, and confidentiality around sensitive issues.
• Admission to Washington State Bar Association or licensing in other states qualifying for a license under Rule 8.
• A valid Washington State driver's license or the ability to travel throughout King County in a timely manner.
• Must be at least 21 years old in order to enter facilities where our clients are being held.

• Proficiency in languages other than English, particularly Spanish. Clinical training in public defense.
• Lived experience involving the criminal legal system.

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 a short, self-authored writing sample (in .doc, .docx. or .pdf format). You can find the online application at the following address: https://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 conflict check.
 
Union membership: Positions in this classification are recognized by Service Employees International Union, Local 925.
 
DPD will compensate successful candidates licensed in other states and qualifying for a license under the Rule 8(c) for the Washington State Bar Association new admittee and client protection fund assessment fee. Application fees associated with the NCBE (background investigation) or special licensing are the individual’s own responsibility. Bar dues for employees are paid 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.

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:

• submit proof of vaccination, or
• have an approved request for medical or religious exemption and an approved accommodation. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.