In this role, you will provide representation to indigent defendants accused of misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor crimes in municipal and district courts in Kitsap County. You will have moderate supervision from a more experienced public defender.

Our new team member should have knowledge of general criminal law and procedure and trial practice with the ability to perform legal research. You should have the ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing; gather, organize and analyze facts and the law on an issue, and present the case in the appropriate forum. You should enjoy working independently as well as part of a team. 

If you are motivated and can establish and maintain constructive working relationships, we want you on our team! 

This is an “at will” appointed position. An “at will” employee’s continued employment with the County is at the discretion of the Chief Public Defender and his/her appointment may be revoked at any time with or without cause and without right to appeal.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Juris Doctorate from a recognized and accredited law school.
• An active member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, OR QUALIFICATIONS:

• One year experience in the criminal law field.
• Experience working with Kitsap County Courts.

Criminal Conviction Standards:

• The successful incumbent will or may have unsupervised access to a vulnerable adult, or a vulnerable person, or access to a secured/confidential facility or computer system(s). As a result, Kitsap County will be conducting an extensive criminal background check by law enforcement agencies, which may include fingerprinting. 
  1. Please review the following list of disqualifying crimes and negative actions to determine if you meet our standard for this position: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/ffa/disqualifying-list-crimes-and-negative-actions

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

(The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Kitsap County provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

• The duties in this position are performed in an office setting, and may be required to lift at least 20 pounds.
• Incumbents may be exposed to hostile individuals while in the courtroom setting.

• Provide legal representation for accused at arraignment proceedings.

• Prepare legal pleadings as needed.

• Deploy investigation resources as needed.
• Engage in plea negotiation as needed.
• Prepare trial materials, exhibits, and witnesses for presentation.
• Provide representation at sentencing, post-trial motions, and motions to revoke.
• Perfect appeal to Kitsap County Superior Court and provide legal representation during the appeal process.
• Assist Public Defenders with status hearings, change of plea hearings and sentencing hearings as assigned. 
• Attend trainings and remain current of Continuing Legal Education credits. 
• Serve subpoenas, summonses and other required documents on witnesses and suspects as required.
• Appear for scheduled work with regular, reliable and punctual attendance. Establish and maintain cooperative, effective, and productive working relationships using tact, patience and courtesy. Effectively plan and organize work and complete tasks within prescribed timeframes. May be required to work more than the 40 hours in a workweek. 
• Perform other related duties as required. 

• Who May Apply: This position is open to the general public. Applications will be screened for qualifications and completion of all the required materials and forms. The most competitive applicants may be contacted for further steps in the selection process, which may include testing for office and computer skills.
• This position is classified as exempt from overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• This position is classified as "at will”. Incumbent's continued employment is at the discretion of the Chief Public Defender.
• This position is limited term, grant funded. 
• Kitsap County is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact our Human Resources Office. 
• This continuous recruitment is being used to fill one position. Candidates that pass the interview process may be used to fill future openings for up to six (6) months.
• Work hours for this position are Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.