Director of Assigned Counsel
About The Position
Pierce County is looking for a dedicated Director of The Department of Assigned Counsel who has/is: Deep knowledge of Washington State Bar process, technical legal writing, and a comprehensive understanding of the County’s indigent defense delivery system in compliance with all State and Federal laws regarding standards for Indigent Defense Services. Skilled in assigning and managing caseloads, leading teams, contracted legal services, budgeting, and responding to complex customer complaints through clear, transparent, and honest communication. Demonstrated experience drafting legal documents, representing complex legal cases, and navigating relationships with diverse community partners, including the courts, County officials, and attorney or investigative panel members and the ability to maintain strong working relationships with inter-agencies and key stakeholders in all aspects of legal service delivery. Devoted to ensuring all of Pierce County is eligible to receive professional and effective legal representation while efficiently utilizing public resources. Our strategic leader will focus on: Continuous improvement for themselves and their organizations Fostering a growth mindset and life-long learning Data-driven decision-making Consideration for customer perspectives and impacts Collaboration across large, diverse work environments Ensuring equity and inclusion in all facets of work Policy and guideline development; turning ideas into action Championing the streamlining processes to create positive change
Requirements
- Graduate Degree Juris Doctorate
- Nine plus (9+) years of progressively responsible professional/managerial level experience directly related to the department
- Member in good standing with Washington State Bar Association (WSBA)
- A valid driver's license
Nice To Haves
- Additional qualifying experience or completion of coursework at an accredited college or university in a job-related field, may substitute for the required experience or education.
Responsibilities
- Assigning and managing caseloads
- Leading teams
- Managing contracted legal services
- Budgeting
- Responding to complex customer complaints
- Drafting legal documents
- Representing complex legal cases
- Navigating relationships with diverse community partners
- Maintaining strong working relationships with inter-agencies and key stakeholders
- Ensuring eligible individuals receive professional and effective legal representation
- Efficiently utilizing public resources
- Continuous improvement for themselves and their organizations
- Fostering a growth mindset and life-long learning
- Data-driven decision-making
- Consideration for customer perspectives and impacts
- Collaboration across large, diverse work environments
- Ensuring equity and inclusion in all facets of work
- Policy and guideline development; turning ideas into action
- Championing the streamlining processes to create positive change
- Administering a public defense system
- Overseeing constitutionally mandated representation for eligible individuals in criminal, juvenile, dependency, termination, involuntary commitment, and other proceedings
- Administering a network of qualified private attorneys and legal service providers
- Ensuring effective representation through strong oversight and operational support
- Partnering with the courts, County leadership and the legal community to strengthen public defense services
- Promoting fairness, accountability, and public trust
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
