Public Defender (1-5, Senior), Depending on Qualifications

Grant County • Grant County Courthouse, WA

19d

About The Position

The Public Defender provides defense to indigent persons in Grant County Superior Court, District Court, and the Juvenile Division of Superior Court. The attorney independently manages a caseload and provides effective assistance to people entitled to counsel at public expense in Grant County, in compliance with performance guidelines and the WSBA Standards of Public Defense.

The position involves preparing for pretrial, motion, trial, post-trial, show-cause, and review hearings; negotiating pleas in clients’ interests; reviewing and analyzing discovery; interviewing witnesses; and working with the court, colleagues, non-attorney staff, and investigators. The role is primarily a typical law-office position, with court attendance on the courthouse campus and some travel to satellite courts, crime scenes, interviews, and training.

Salary depends on the candidate’s qualifications and experience. The stated hourly rate for a regular full-time Rule-9 employee is $43.76. The position is not represented by a labor union.

Requirements

• Be an admitted member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association.
• Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Any combination of education and experience may be substituted if it provides the desired skills, knowledge, and abilities.

Nice To Haves

• Trial experience.
• Ability to handle a high volume of cases.
• Deep commitment to the rights of individuals charged with a crime or whose liberty is at stake.
• Desire to protect the Constitution and the rights of the community by defending each assigned individual.
• Experience working as a team member.
• Computer literacy.
• Communication skills.
• Ability to receive assignments and follow through on them.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage a caseload and provide effective assistance to people entitled to counsel at public expense in Grant County.
• Comply with performance guidelines and the WSBA Standards of Public Defense.
• Prepare for pretrial, motion, trial, post-trial, show-cause, and review hearings.
• Plea bargain in the client’s interest.
• Read and analyze discovery.
• Interview witnesses.
• Work with the court, colleagues, non-attorney staff, and investigators.
• Attend court and travel as needed to satellite courts, crime scenes, interviews, and training.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed