Public Defender

City of Airway Heights•Airway Heights, WA

5d•$72,373 - $86,417

About The Position

The attorney filling this position will act as court-appointed counsel representing indigent people in the Airway Heights Municipal Court. The attorney will represent clients in all phases of criminal proceedings, including arraignment, pretrial hearings, trial preparation and investigation, plea negotiations, trial and sentencing. The primary caseload will consist of misdemeanor offenses. The attorney will also assist management and other staff as directed and comply with legal standards and requirements.

Requirements

Law degree from an accredited college or university.
Admission to Washington State Bar Association.
Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
Knowledge of applicable Washington State law relating to criminal and other assigned cases.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
Exceptional interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations, engage in problem solving, work with upset or mentally ill people, negotiate with others and manage conflict.
High level of analytical ability and logic. Ability to gather and synthesize large bodies of information.

Nice To Haves

One (1) year of prior experience as a law clerk or legal intern is preferred.

Responsibilities

Interview defendants as assigned to determine the facts of the Review police reports and other materials to evaluate each case against the state of the law to determine its relative strengths and weaknesses in order to engage in plea negotiations, development of case strategy and trial preparation.
Meet with clients to evaluate options and Keep clients informed of the status of their case and promptly respond to reasonable requests for information. Explain to clients all matters necessary for them to make informed decisions about their cases.
Personally investigate cases and/or obtain and direct investigators in the investigation of cases, engage in pre-trial negotiations, prepare and argue pre-trial motions as needed, conduct bench and jury trials and any necessary hearings subsequent thereto.
Coordinate and arrange for tests of physical evidence and the use of expert
Conduct all trial actions including selection of jury, cross and direct examination, introduction of evidence and exhibits and make arguments on the law and interpretation of the evidence.
Represent defendants in all legal proceedings including, but not limited to first appearances, arraignments, pre-trial motions, trials, guilty pleas, probation violations, and restitution hearings.
Prioritize and plan cases and work activities while using resources
Cooperate with the courts in its electronic records project, which includes electronic receipt of hearing and trial notices, discovery, and other documents and information, and electronic filing of motions and other documents.
Perform other duties or projects as assigned, including attending conferences/meetings.

Benefits

Paid Holidays: 11 paid holidays and 4 personal holidays per year.
Paid Time Off (PTO): The purpose of PTO is to compensate employees for absences due to injury, illness, vacation and personal business. In addition, the program is designed to provide employees with personal flexibility regarding the use of leave hours. PTO hours accrue based upon the actual number of regular hours worked.
Year 1-4 = 8 hours/month
Year 5-10 = 11 hours/month
Year 11-15 = 13 hours/month
Year 16+ = 15 hours/month
Sick Leave: Employees will accrue 10 hours of sick leave every month.
Retirement Plan: All retirement plans are through the State of Washington Department of Retirement Systems (DRS).
Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance: The City currently pays the entire medical, dental and vision insurance premiums for the employee. The City pays for a portion of dependent coverage and the employee pays for the remaining dependent coverage/premiums.
Other Benefits Offered
Aflac Supplemental Insurance
Group Life Insurance
HRA VEBA