DEFENSE ATTORNEY I, II, or III

Thurston County•Olympia, WA

7d•$6,825 - $13,188•Hybrid

About The Position

Thurston County Public Defense is recruiting for one Defense Attorney to support the adoption of the Washington State Bar Association's Revised Standards for Indigent Defense Services. This position can be placed in the District Court, Juvenile/Civil, or Superior Court Units. The specific level (Defense Attorney I, II, or III) will depend on the applicant's qualifications, distinguished by years of experience and the responsibility to handle adult and juvenile felony and misdemeanor caseloads. The role involves managing caseloads, reviewing reports, interviewing witnesses, collaborating with various legal professionals and social services, preparing legal documents, conducting research, preparing for trials and hearings, and assisting other attorneys. The position emphasizes a sustainable career in public defense with manageable workloads and improved work-life balance, aligning with new caseload standards aimed at providing more meaningful client attention.

Requirements

Graduation from an ABA accredited school of law.
Must be a member of the Washington State Bar Association or have a valid Indigent Representation License by the hire date.
Knowledge of all criminal rules of Washington State, techniques of interviewing and preparation and defense of all variety of criminal cases, with emphasis on lower-level felonies and all misdemeanors.
Knowledge of RCW 13.34, good communication with parents, legal custodians and guardians.
Ability to perform legal research; analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to legal problems.
Present law, facts, evidence and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form.
Work harmoniously and maintain good public relations.
Two years of practice as an attorney with criminal trial experience or its equivalent (for Defense Attorney II).
Ten years of practice as an attorney with a minimum of three years trial experience in the trial of criminal cases (for Defense Attorney III).

Responsibilities

Manage a full felony, misdemeanor, and gross misdemeanor caseload (depending on unit assignment).
Review police reports, interview witnesses, work with the court and Prosecutor to resolve cases. Appropriately utilizes non-attorney professional services.
Review reports from DSHS, interview appropriate parties, work with the Attorney General's office, case workers, social workers, experts, court personnel to resolve cases.
Perform a variety of legal office work, prepare appropriate legal pleadings, perform necessary research, and maintain required statistical information.
Prepare cases for trial, pre-trial and post-trial hearings, and/or plea bargains with the Deputy Prosecuting Attorney.
Assist other attorneys in matters of trial strategy, tactics, and legal research and analysis.
Handle miscellaneous calendar duties such as arraignment calendars, initial appearance calendars, and interpreter calendars.