Attorney III/IV (Evergreen)

Yakima County

19h•Onsite

About The Position

The Yakima County Assigned Counsel Office (Office of the Public Defender) has immediate openings for Attorneys at the Attorney III and IV 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.

Requirements

A minimum of eight (8) years of law practice experience.
A significant amount of jury trial and/or courtroom experience at the Juvenile Court and/or Superior Court level.
Qualified by experience to handle contested trial matters with moderate to low supervision in District Court, Juvenile Court and/or Superior Court.
Admission to the Washington State Bar
Minimum of twelve (12) years of law practice experience
A significant amount of jury trial and/or courtroom experience at the Juvenile Court and/or Superior Court level
Qualified by experience to handle contested the most serious and most complex matters and trials with low to minimal supervision in District Court, Juvenile Court and/or Superior Court.
Admission to the Washington State Bar
Admission to practice in the Supreme Court of Washington.
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.
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 and
Supervisory theories, principles and practices (supervisory positions).
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
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.
In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Yakima County will hire only United States citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans and the Disabled are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Performs complex and serious cases and assignments at a journey to advanced level, with moderate to minimal supervision in a wide variety of criminal and/or civil legal work, depending upon assignment.
Uses attorney training, office resources, and timely involvement of supervisors to ensure effective and professional representation of parties involved.
When assigned, exercises lead or limited supervisory authority.
Performs the most complex and most serious cases and assignments at a journey to advanced level, with low to minimal supervision in a wide variety of criminal and/or civil legal work, depending upon assignment.
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 state (prosecution) or client (indigent defense.)
Represents the state (prosecution) or client (indigent defense) 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 law enforcement (prosecution) or to individuals arrested who wish to consult with an attorney (indigent defense) at critical stages of proceedings.
Represents petitioners (prosecution) or clients (indigent defense) at all stages of civil commitment proceedings, Involuntary Treatment Act hearings (mental), child support proceedings, paternity proceedings, contempt proceedings, child dependency proceedings, truancy proceedings, and drug forfeiture proceedings.
Performs case evaluation, additional investigation, trial preparation, settlement negotiations, pre-trial motions, trials and appeals as required.
Represents the State of Washington Department of Social and Health Services, Division of Child Support in family law matters or proceedings in Superior Court to establish parentage and child support orders, modify child support orders, enforce child support orders, and other associated actions or proceedings.
Represents parents and children in regards to matters and proceedings under RCW 13.34 initiated by the State of Washington, Department of Social and Health Services, Child Protective Service alleging abuse and/or neglect by a parent and/or to terminate parental rights.
Drafts and reviews ordinances, resolutions and contracts for County Commissioners and other government officials.
Provides legal advice and training to County employees and officials regarding questions about or changes in the law affecting County operations.
Represents County officials and government in liability claims and complaints including tort and personnel matters, in administrative proceedings, in civil litigation arising from complaints and claims, and in claims and litigation filed by such County officials or government.
Performs case evaluation and recommends action.
Performs additional investigation, trial preparation, witness interviews and depositions, settlement negotiations, pre-trial motions, trials and appeals as required.
Performs formal lead or supervisory duties including reviewing and assigning to other attorneys, evaluation of performance, resolution of ethical issues, and response to complaints.
Performs other duties as assigned such as: participation in the management of a significant operational component of the department; 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)