Public Defense Attorney

The Department of Public Defense (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 and their communities. DPD employs not only attorneys, but also skilled investigators, mitigation specialists, paralegals, and other support staff. Expert services are regularly funded, in keeping with state court rules.  

Employment at DPD offers the chance to practice public defense at a very high level, while living in a vibrant urban environment surrounded by natural beauty.

The department is looking for talented, committed, hard-working advocates with excellent trial, research, and writing skills, and an ability to work in a fast-paced environment. The successful applicant will have a passion for public defense and a demonstrated commitment to representing indigent persons. He or she will also have a demonstrated ability to receive feedback and integrate that feedback into his or her practice. The scope of representation expected by an attorney is determined by the nature of the case assignment and in accordance with the Rules of Professional Conduct. Caseload standards established by the State Supreme Court are observed in accordance with Washington State Bar Association guidelines. 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 up to three term-limited temporary or special duty positions, and generate an eligibility pool for future vacancies in career service and temporary positions over the next six months.
 
We anticipate placement being in a variety of practice areas, including criminal and family defense practice. Term-limited positions are anticipated to be approximately six to twelve months in length, with the possibility of extension.

These positions will initially be assigned to work in any of the following Seattle and/or Kent work 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

Depending upon assignment, duties may include the following:

• Provide legal representation and advocacy to indigent clients.
• Provide a high level of communication, including with individuals who lack English proficiency.
• Handle all aspects of representation, from arraignment through sentencing and post-trial as necessary.
• Research, write, and argue pretrial motions.
• Conduct plea and other negotiations and mitigation.
• Conduct jury or bench trials.
• Locate, work with, and prepare experts in various fields.
• Work with clients struggling with 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.
• 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.)
• 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.
• Ability to manage a caseload in a fast-paced environment.
• 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.

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

Work Schedule: The normal work schedule is Monday through Friday, with some night and weekend work. This position meets the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not eligible for overtime. 

Where to Apply: 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. 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 interview and/or skills assessment. 
 
Union membership: Positions in this classification are recognized by Service Employees International Union, Local 925. 
 
King County is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity/ Affirmative Action employer and we encourage people of color, women, veterans and people with disabilities to apply.