Public Defender

Position Summary

The Department of Public Defense provides defense to indigent persons in Grant County Superior Court, District Court and the Juvenile Division of Superior Court.

A Public Defense Attorney will independently handle a caseload and provide effective assistance to those entitled to counsel at public expense in Grant County. The attorney will comply with performance guidelines and the WSBA Standards of Public Defense.

Essential job skills include but are not limited to: full management of a caseload, preparing for hearings (pretrial, motions, trial and posttrial hearing, show cause, reviews, etc.), the ability to plea bargain in the client's interest, significant reading and analyzing discovery, interviewing witnesses, working with the court and colleagues and non-attorney staff and investigators, etc.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

It is desired that each candidate have deep commitment to the rights of individuals charged with a crime or whose liberty is at stake. The candidate should also have a desire to protect the Constitution and the rights of the community through defending each individual assigned.

Experience working as a team member, computer literacy, communication skills, the ability to receive assignments and follow through with assignments and other characteristics of quality trial counsel are desired.

Education, Experience, and Licensing

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Any combination of education and experience may be substituted as long as it provides the desired skills, knowledge and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required

• Admitted member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association.

Preferred

• Trial experience is a plus. Will consider all experience levels.

• Demonstrated ability to handle a high-volume caseload.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

The job is primarily a typical law office position that requires office time, attending court both on the courthouse campus and includes at least some travel to satellite courts, crime scenes, interviews and training.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, sit, write, hear and speak. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision, peripheral, and depth perception. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform this job.

Other

Union Representation
This position is non-represented. It is not represented by a labor union.

Disclaimer

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Application Special Instructions

This position is open until filled. After the initial posting period through 02/17, the position may be closed without notice and the remaining application materials may not be considered.

The position of Public Defender is divided into six levels (depending upon experience). The wage posted reflects the starting wage of level 1 through the top wage of level 6. The department will consider candidates of all experience levels.

The core hours of for this position are Monday-Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. In order to meet the needs of the position work may be required in excess of 40 hours per week and outside this core period.