Appellate Resource Attorney

State of Washington•Thurston County – Olympia, WA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Office of Public Defense (OPD) is seeking a passionate individual to join their Public Defense Team as an Appellate Resource Attorney. This is a managing attorney position within the Appellate and Post-Conviction Unit, responsible for supporting contract attorneys through case staffing, consultation, training development and delivery, monitoring contractor performance, and stakeholder engagement. This new position reflects OPD's commitment to enhancing its Appellate Program and improving client-centered representation by better assisting and supporting contract attorneys. OPD is an independent judicial branch agency focused on ensuring effective and efficient delivery of indigent defense services, upholding the constitutional and statutory guarantees of counsel, and providing statewide leadership and support to the public defense profession.

Requirements

Law degree from an accredited college or university.
Licensed to practice law in Washington State or the ability to be licensed in Washington within one year of recruitment.
No less than five years of experience of criminal appellate experience practice.
No fewer than twenty-five appeals, including Class A and life without parole cases.
A demonstrated commitment to social justice and serving communities historically unable to fully access the judicial system.
The ability to work on-site at our Olympia office at least two days per week.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a public defense office or as an indigent defense contractor.
Felony trial practice experience.
Family defense trial practice experience.
Experience in developing professional learning materials.
Experience mentoring or supervising public defense attorneys new to trial or appellate practice.
Demonstrated commitment to equity, justice, and public service.

Responsibilities

Assist with the recruitment and selection of attorneys and firms for OPD’s appellate and post-conviction work.
Coach and provide case consultation support to contract appellate and post-conviction attorneys, with an emphasis on attorneys who are new to appellate practice.
Collaborate with colleagues to develop and deliver practical training to contract attorneys.
Manage and update curriculum to remain current on legal and practice developments.
Build stakeholder relationships to identify opportunities to improve contractor performance.
Monitor contractor performance to measure application of coaching and training support.
Assist with the evaluation of evolving case weighting standards.
Perform other related functions.
Exercise mature judgment in potentially sensitive, high-stress situations.
Participate in and foster a collaborative working environment at OPD, with statewide stakeholder groups, and in demographically diverse local court systems.
Diligently follow state employee ethics requirements.
Conduct all activities with the highest degree of professionalism in furtherance of OPD’s Mission, Vision and Values.