What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Public Defender position at County of Mason (WA)?
Review Date: December 1, 2025. After this date, applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and the posting may close at any time. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
- Washington State criminal and civil law and related local statutes, ordinances, case law, and procedures.
- Principles, methods, and practices of legal research and investigation. Judicial procedure and rules of evidence.
- Judicial procedures
- Government administration and practices.
- Office procedures, practices, and equipment
- Microsoft Suite.
- Customer service.
- Attend training to meet legal requirements for the State of Washington.
- Conduct legal research, analysis, and investigation of criminal or civil cases. Plan, prepare, present, and conduct case strategies for trial.
- Interpret and explain codes, statutes, ordinances, and procedures.
- Manage heavy caseloads and maintain appropriate records, logs, and case files.
- Ability to utilize a computer and related software packages to perform word processing, analysis, information retrieval, and tracking.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders.
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, regarding complex or sensitive issues.
- Problem solve.
- May be required to obtain additional education as required to conduct business functions.
(The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Mason County provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)
Work is performed primarily in an office or courtroom environment; however, an incumbent may be required to travel to meetings, hearings, training seminars, and court sessions. May be required to move more than twenty-five (25) lbs. Incumbent may be required to work long hours, non-standard work weeks, weekends, and holidays.
Position requires mental acuity to ensure thorough analysis of situations in a fast-paced environment. Employee is required to maintain confidentiality of information within the department. The employee may be required to deal with disgruntled individuals requiring the use of conflict management skills. Employee is frequently required to perform work in confidence and under pressure for deadlines and is always required to maintain professional composure and tact, patience, and courtesy.
(Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job may be considered.)
- Graduation from an ABA accredited school of law and must be a member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association.
- Three (3) years handling adult felony cases, including two (2) years as a defense attorney representing people in adult felony cases.
- Lead or co-counsel in four (4) adult felony trials in which the state has rested, at least one (1) of which was submitted to a jury and at least one (1) of which was a felony-high case.
- Completed defense training or CLE on mitigation and challenging prior convictions.
- Three (3) years of supervisory experience at senior management level.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
- Valid Washington State Driver’s License
- Member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM
Salary : $118,980 - $148,590