***This position has been extended through June 22, 2021, if you previously applied, there is no need to re-apply.*** 

The Department of Public Defense (DPD) seeks thoughtful, creative, energetic advocates to join our dynamic and diverse team of public defense attorneys.
 
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 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 by an attorney is determined by the nature of the case assignment, DPD’s practice expectations, case law, and the Rules of Professional Conduct. Caseload standards, established by the State Supreme Court, are observed in tandem with guidelines from the Washington State Bar Association. Attorneys in the Department of Public Defense are expected to complete all required trainings and to actively advance their level of practice by seeking additional learning opportunities. DPD pays bar dues and the cost of CLE credits.
 
To learn more about DPD, please visit our website at: www.kingcounty.gov/public-defense.
 
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. 

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 one year and 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.

For candidates interested in career service roles: These positions are required to serve a probationary period, and attorneys will be required to successfully demonstrate their skills within the job duties described below in order to achieve career service status. Ideal candidates for career service positions are committed to public defense careers, to the mission of the DPD, to working to vigorously defend indigent clients, and to advocacy in support of economic, social, and racial justice. Initial placement could be within a variety of practice areas, and all public defense attorneys are subject to rotation based upon operational need.
 
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.
 
These positions will initially be assigned to work in any of the following Seattle and/or Kent work locations, (although during the County's pandemic response, individuals may be expected to work remotely while being required to report to other locations, such as court or jail facilities during the normal course of their job duties):
 

• 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.

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 as necessary.
• 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 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.

• 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 2021).
• 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.
 
Work Schedule: The normal work schedule is Monday through Friday, with some night and weekend work. This position is exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not eligible for overtime.
 
Forms and Materials Required: Interested individuals should submit an online King County application, cover letter, 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. All questions on the electronic form must be completed; do not type "see resume."

Applicants will be required to demonstrate their qualifications at the time of the interviews and/or skills assessments.
 
Union membership: Positions in this classification are recognized by Service Employees International Union, Local 925.
 
WORKING FOR KING COUNTY: 

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.
 
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.