Attorney I/II (Civil)

Yakima County•Yakima, WA

About The Position

The mission of Yakima County Government is to provide accessible, responsive and responsible public service through leadership and teamwork committed to understanding and meeting public needs. Our Values: Integrity Common Sense Innovation Accountability Position Data: Attorney I-S Regular Exempt (ineligible for overtime) Overview: Annual Pay Range as follows: Attorney I - $102,000 - $110,408 (ATT I Step 1-5) Attorney II - $113,720 - $1128,068 (ATT II Step 1-7) Annual Hiring Range as follows: Attorney I - $102,000 - $108,143 (ATT I Step 1-4 DOQ) Attorney II - $113,720 - $120,681 (ATT II Step 1-4 DOQ) Job Closing Date: Open until filled with weekly reviews. The Yakima County Assigned Counsel Office (Office of the Public Defender) has immediate openings for Attorneys at the Attorney I and II levels. The incumbent is responsible for providing professional legal indigent defense for clients in the District Court or Superior Court (Adult, Juvenile and/or ITA). Assignment is subject to the needs of the indigent defense program. Benefits include in position: -Health Care Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Basic Life and Basic LTD) -Retirement Benefits -Paid Vacation -Paid Holidays -Paid Sick Leave Note: This is a Non-Bargaining Unit Position. This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies that occur within 90 days of the closing of this position. (This excludes Yakima County Sheriff's Office and Department of Corrections)

Requirements

Attorney I - Admission to the Washington State Bar. If you are awaiting results of the Washington State Bar exam and/or awaiting admission into the WSBA, we encourage you to apply.
Attorney II - Admission to the Washington State Bar. A minimum of four (4) years of law practice experience.
Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation which may include fingerprinting.
Valid Washington State Driver's License and proof of insurance at time of employment are required.
Telephone, copy and fax machines, and personal computer.
Must have the ability to drive personal and/or County vehicle, and travel to locations outside of the courthouse.
The laws of the State of Washington, rules of evidence and procedure, and Washington Court rules
The field of assignment sufficient to perform thoroughly and accurately the full scope of responsibility as illustrated in the class description and essential duties
The ethical and professional responsibilities of an attorney generally and for the field of assignment.
Using a personal computer and related software applications, and operating basic office equipment
Performing legal research; analyzing and applying legal principles, statutes, constitutional provisions, facts, evidence and precedents to legal problems
Applying supervisory techniques and methods; and assigning, reviewing and evaluating the work of others (supervisory positions)
Prioritizing work under varying conditions and effectively managing time
Finding solutions to problems and making decisions within the scope of responsibility and the law
Exercising sound judgment in consulting senior attorneys and supervisors with questions and concerns, and, in referring matters to others which are beyond the scope, knowledge or authority of the position.
Working individually and cooperatively as a member of a team
Applying knowledge of the law in writing various documents, organizing evidence, drafting interview questions, presenting legal arguments, and legal and/or factual situations
Establishing and maintaining effective interpersonal relationships with co-workers, individuals involved in the court systems, media and diverse members of the public while maintaining focus on case and client interests
Maintaining confidentiality
Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, in clear concise language appropriate for the purposes involved and the parties addressed, including court appearances.

Responsibilities

Performs attorney cases and assignments of a moderate level of complexity and seriousness, with close to moderate supervision in a wide variety of criminal and/or civil legal work, depending upon assignment, which may change.
Uses attorney training, office resources, and timely involvement of supervisors to ensure effective and professional representation of parties involved.
Evaluates each case and assesses its factual and legal sufficiency under the law at each stage of a criminal proceeding by reviewing police and other reports and analyzing all information available.
Evaluates strengths, weaknesses and facts of each case for purposes of additional investigation, plea negotiations, development of case strategy and trial preparation.
Coordinates or conducts case investigation for trial preparation as necessary.
Arranges for tests of physical evidence, testimony of expert witnesses and interviews or directs interviews of witnesses as required.
Interviews and confers with client regarding facts, plea discussions, trial, sentencing and progress of case and maintains client confidentiality.
Instigates or responds to plea bargaining negotiations with opposing counsel and represents the interest of the client.
Represents the client at preliminary appearances, arraignments, pre-trial motions, pleas of guilty, sentencing hearings and post-trial matters such as restitution hearings and sentence reviews/amendments.
Conducts all trial actions including: selection of jury, opening arguments, direct and cross examination, introduction of evidence and exhibits, preparation of jury instructions, closing arguments and post-trial motions.
Responds to individuals arrested who wish to consult with an attorney at critical stages of proceedings.
Represents clients at all stages of the following civil matters and proceedings: civil commitment proceedings (except under RCW 71.09), civil contempt, truancy, and at risk youth, and drug forfeitures.
In all civil matters, performs case evaluation, additional investigation, trial preparation, settlement negotiations, pre-trial motions, non-jury and jury trials and appeals as required.
Normally requires close to moderate supervision in handling cases or matters of the type assigned.
Works with supervisors in resolution of ethical issues and in response to problems and to complaints regarding services provided.
Performs other duties as assigned such as: preparation of appellate briefs in connection with appeals; preparation of correspondence and pleadings on a personal computer; participation in or preparation and presentation of in-house training programs; and presentation of educational programs to local school, community or civic organizations.

Benefits

Health Care Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Basic Life and Basic LTD)
Retirement Benefits
Paid Vacation
Paid Holidays
Paid Sick Leave
Medical, Dental, Prescription and Vision Coverage
Basic Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Health Reimbursement Account (HRA- VEBA)
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Voluntary Benefits – vision, term life, critical illness, disability and other insurance plans
Washington State Retirement Plan (DRS)
457 Deferred Compensation Program (DCP)
Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays and Sick Leave