What are the responsibilities and job description for the PUBLIC DEFENDER (ATTORNEY 1) position at Kitsap County, WA?
OVERVIEW
Join a team that values advocacy, compassion, and integrity in protecting every client’s rights. The Kitsap County Office of Public Defense delivers steadfast client-centered representation through our team of dedicated attorneys, and we’re seeking a committed Public Defender to join our collaborative environment. Your work will directly impact the lives of community members while advancing your legal career alongside committed professionals.
As a Public Defender, you will:
• Provide comprehensive legal representation for indigent clients facing misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor charges across municipal and district courts
• Advocate for clients during arraignments, plea negotiations, trials, and sentencing
• Prepare and draft legal pleadings and motions
• Coordinate investigative resources and develop case strategies to build effective and thorough defenses
• Provide case preparation, including organizing evidence, preparing exhibits, and coordinating witness testimony for court proceedings
• Represent clients in post-trial motions and appeals to Superior Court, navigating complex procedural requirements
• Collaborate with supervising attorneys and colleagues to strengthen case outcomes and support office-wide objectives
• Engage in continuous professional development, maintaining Continuing Legal Education credits and staying current with evolving legal standards
• Build and maintain professional relationships with court personnel and clients, while handling sensitive and high-pressure situations
• Ensure consistent, organized, and timely case management while balancing a demanding caseload that may exceed standard work hours
What you bring:
• Professional Credentials/Licensing:
Membership in the Washington State Bar Association, ensuring you are fully licensed to practice law and represent clients in Washington courts
• Educational Excellence:
Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, providing the foundational legal knowledge essential for criminal defense work
• Technical/Industry Background:
Strong foundation in criminal law and legal procedures, with experience or familiarity with courts of limited jurisdiction
• Communication/Interpersonal Skills:
Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to clearly present arguments, negotiate effectively, and build trust with clients from diverse backgrounds
• Additional Preferred Qualifications:
At least one year of experience in criminal law and familiarity with Kitsap County court systems, enabling quicker adaptation and immediate contribution to casework
For the complete job description, visit: Public Defender
For more information about the Public Defender's Office, visit: Kitsap County Office of Public Defense
OTHER POSITION RELATED INFORMATION
At Kitsap County, we strive to take care of our team! Our employees are the greatest asset of Kitsap County, and we take pride in offering a highly competitive compensation and benefits package to all eligible employees.
County Paid Benefits Include:
Medical - Kaiser Permanente (HMO) or Aetna (PPO)
Dental - Delta Dental or Willamette
Vision - VSP
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Life Insurance - Basic, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D), Voluntary Term Life Insurance (VTL)
Disability - Short-term disability & Long-term disability
Voya Voluntary Insurance
Transportation incentives
Employee Assistance Program
Travel Assistance Program
Wellness program
Benefits become effective on the first calendar day of the month following the month in which the employee is hired except if the employee's hire date is the first calendar day of the month, benefits begin on the day of hire. More information about employee benefits is available on the county's website at: https://spf.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Benefits.aspx or the Kitsap County Digital Benefits Guide .
*Voluntary benefit options also available at the employee's expense
Retirement:
Employees are covered under the PERS retirement plan provided through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and Social Security.
Deferred Compensation (IRS Plan 457b): tax-deferred savings program
Holidays
11 paid holidays and 2 additional floating holiday per year. One additional floating holiday after 10 years of service.
Vacation Leave
New employees are credited with 48 hours of annual leave upon hire and will be begin accruing at the rate of 8 hours per month starting on their 7th month of employment. Employees may carry over 360 hours from one calendar year to the next. Annual leave accrual will increase upon tenure, as follows:
Upon completion of 2 years: 15 days per year (10.00 hours per month)
Upon completion of 5 years: 20 days per year (13.33 hours per month)
Upon completion of 10 years: 25 days per year (16.67 hours per month)
Sick Leave
All new hires will be credited with 48 hours of sick leave upon hire and will begin accruing at the rate of 8 hours per month starting on their 7th month of employment. Employees may carry over 1200 hours from one calendar year to the next.
***Part-time employees benefit contributions and leave accruals will be prorated***
Current County Employees
If you are transferring or promoting into this position you are responsible for reviewing these benefit changes; prior to accepting a position. In addition, it is your responsibility to notify the Auditor's Payroll Division of a change in union status.
NOTE: This is a general overview of the benefits offered through employment with Kitsap County, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts or is incorrect with the provisions of the Personnel Manual, applicable laws, policies, rules or official plan documents they will prevail. The Personnel Manual is available at: https://www.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Personnel-Manual-2019.aspx
Closing Date/Time: Continuous
Join a team that values advocacy, compassion, and integrity in protecting every client’s rights. The Kitsap County Office of Public Defense delivers steadfast client-centered representation through our team of dedicated attorneys, and we’re seeking a committed Public Defender to join our collaborative environment. Your work will directly impact the lives of community members while advancing your legal career alongside committed professionals.
As a Public Defender, you will:
• Provide comprehensive legal representation for indigent clients facing misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor charges across municipal and district courts
• Advocate for clients during arraignments, plea negotiations, trials, and sentencing
• Prepare and draft legal pleadings and motions
• Coordinate investigative resources and develop case strategies to build effective and thorough defenses
• Provide case preparation, including organizing evidence, preparing exhibits, and coordinating witness testimony for court proceedings
• Represent clients in post-trial motions and appeals to Superior Court, navigating complex procedural requirements
• Collaborate with supervising attorneys and colleagues to strengthen case outcomes and support office-wide objectives
• Engage in continuous professional development, maintaining Continuing Legal Education credits and staying current with evolving legal standards
• Build and maintain professional relationships with court personnel and clients, while handling sensitive and high-pressure situations
• Ensure consistent, organized, and timely case management while balancing a demanding caseload that may exceed standard work hours
What you bring:
• Professional Credentials/Licensing:
Membership in the Washington State Bar Association, ensuring you are fully licensed to practice law and represent clients in Washington courts
• Educational Excellence:
Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, providing the foundational legal knowledge essential for criminal defense work
• Technical/Industry Background:
Strong foundation in criminal law and legal procedures, with experience or familiarity with courts of limited jurisdiction
• Communication/Interpersonal Skills:
Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to clearly present arguments, negotiate effectively, and build trust with clients from diverse backgrounds
• Additional Preferred Qualifications:
At least one year of experience in criminal law and familiarity with Kitsap County court systems, enabling quicker adaptation and immediate contribution to casework
For the complete job description, visit: Public Defender
For more information about the Public Defender's Office, visit: Kitsap County Office of Public Defense
OTHER POSITION RELATED INFORMATION
- 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 Director/Elected Official/Board of County Commissioners.
- Prior to employment, the successful candidate must:
- Submit official transcripts from an accredited college or university or business school, if education is being used to meet the minimum qualifications.
- Pass all job-related examinations/tests necessary to demonstrate required knowledge, skills and abilities, as determined by the hiring authority at time of job posting.
- Authorize and complete a criminal background check. Information received is reviewed on a case-by-case basis and will not necessarily remove a candidate from consideration.
- 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.
- 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
- 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 current and future openings. 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.
- Only authorized employees and hiring authorities have access to the application materials submitted. Per RCW 42.56.250, all applications for public employment, including the names of applicants, resumes, and other related materials submitted with respect to an applicant are exempt from public inspection.
At Kitsap County, we strive to take care of our team! Our employees are the greatest asset of Kitsap County, and we take pride in offering a highly competitive compensation and benefits package to all eligible employees.
County Paid Benefits Include:
Medical - Kaiser Permanente (HMO) or Aetna (PPO)
Dental - Delta Dental or Willamette
Vision - VSP
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Life Insurance - Basic, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D), Voluntary Term Life Insurance (VTL)
Disability - Short-term disability & Long-term disability
Voya Voluntary Insurance
Transportation incentives
Employee Assistance Program
Travel Assistance Program
Wellness program
Benefits become effective on the first calendar day of the month following the month in which the employee is hired except if the employee's hire date is the first calendar day of the month, benefits begin on the day of hire. More information about employee benefits is available on the county's website at: https://spf.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Benefits.aspx or the Kitsap County Digital Benefits Guide .
*Voluntary benefit options also available at the employee's expense
Retirement:
Employees are covered under the PERS retirement plan provided through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and Social Security.
Deferred Compensation (IRS Plan 457b): tax-deferred savings program
Holidays
11 paid holidays and 2 additional floating holiday per year. One additional floating holiday after 10 years of service.
Vacation Leave
New employees are credited with 48 hours of annual leave upon hire and will be begin accruing at the rate of 8 hours per month starting on their 7th month of employment. Employees may carry over 360 hours from one calendar year to the next. Annual leave accrual will increase upon tenure, as follows:
Upon completion of 2 years: 15 days per year (10.00 hours per month)
Upon completion of 5 years: 20 days per year (13.33 hours per month)
Upon completion of 10 years: 25 days per year (16.67 hours per month)
Sick Leave
All new hires will be credited with 48 hours of sick leave upon hire and will begin accruing at the rate of 8 hours per month starting on their 7th month of employment. Employees may carry over 1200 hours from one calendar year to the next.
***Part-time employees benefit contributions and leave accruals will be prorated***
Current County Employees
If you are transferring or promoting into this position you are responsible for reviewing these benefit changes; prior to accepting a position. In addition, it is your responsibility to notify the Auditor's Payroll Division of a change in union status.
NOTE: This is a general overview of the benefits offered through employment with Kitsap County, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts or is incorrect with the provisions of the Personnel Manual, applicable laws, policies, rules or official plan documents they will prevail. The Personnel Manual is available at: https://www.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Personnel-Manual-2019.aspx
Closing Date/Time: Continuous