Public Defender - Skagit County
Agency Name: Skagit County Public Defender's Office
Position / Job Title : Public Defender I, II or III
Location: Mount Vernon, WA
Category : Attorney
Job Description: Public Defender I, II or III
SALARY: See Position Description
OPENING DATE: 08/22/22
CLOSING DATE: 10/01/22 12:00 AM
SUMMARY:
We are currently seeking to fill two (2) positions. New attorneys and experienced advocates are encouraged to apply. Position and salary is dependent on experience and fit. Applicants must include a cover letter and resume for consideration.
Skagit County Public Defender seeks skilled, committed attorneys to provide zealous legal representation to indigent clients. Representation may include work in Skagit County District Court, Superior Court, or Juvenile Court. Our Office represents adult and juvenile clients facing misdemeanor criminal charges, felony criminal charges, juvenile status offenses, civil contempt of court, and civil mental health involuntary treatment commitments.
Skagit County Public Defender strives to create a workplace culture that is inclusive, flexible, and supportive of our employees. Our attorneys work with in-house legal assistants, contracted investigators, and professional experts to provide client-centered representation. Attorneys are encouraged to go to trial and are supported by experienced supervisors. In keeping with state court rules and best practices, we remain within caseload standards for indigent defense and provide opportunities for in-house and outside continuing education. Under current Office COVID protocol, attorneys may telework when they do not have court or client-related obligations.
COVID telework protocols are subject to future revision or elimination. However, attorneys will continue to be permitted to telework a minimum of two days per week so long as they are able to meet their court and client-related obligations.
Vaccination against COVID-19 is a required condition of employment with the Skagit County Public Defender's Office. Proof of vaccination is required upon hire.
Public Defender I: Starting salary is currently $70,814.64 to $75,856.80 annually (step 1 through 3), dependent upon qualifications.
Public Defender II: Starting salary is currently $75,769.68 to $81,164.88 annually (step 1 through 3), dependent upon qualifications.
Public Defender III: Starting salary is currently $81,164.88 to $86,988.48 (step 1 through 3), dependent upon qualifications.
Per County policy, progressive step pay increases (steps 1-10) are based upon years of service with Skagit County. Advancement from Public Defender I through Senior is determined by the AFSCME collective bargaining agreement. Non-management attorneys have the potential to advance to Senior Deputy, currently with a top step/salary of $123,742.08. Salary increases for all attorney positions are anticipated for 2023, but increases are not guaranteed.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Defend indigent individuals charged with a crime or other conduct that could result in a loss of liberty.
Communicate effectively with clients to obtain information that is relevant to the defense of their case, which may include obtaining information that is relevant to the issue of release from confinement or a reduction of bail; to determine the client's goals of the litigation; to discuss possible defenses and trial strategy; and to provide legal information and advice. Attorneys maintain communication with clients in person in the office, by meeting with clients at the jail, by phone, by e-mail, or by mail throughout the course of the representation to keep their clients informed regarding the status of their case.
Conduct or direct investigation that is appropriate for each case, including, but not limited to, interviewing State and defense witnesses, obtaining records, consulting with expert witnesses, and visiting alleged crime scenes.
Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the cases assigned to him or her; develop an understanding of the possible sentences or outcomes of the litigation, including immigration and other collateral consequences; and develop an understanding of the law that is relevant to the case through legal research.
Engage in a robust motions practice involving research, writing, and arguing motions.
Engage in negotiations with the Prosecuting Attorney to develop possible resolutions to each case that are favorable for the client.
Appear in court at pre-trial hearings, trial, and post-trial hearings, including sentencing, restitution, and review hearings.
Keep abreast of developments in the law and attend training sessions to receive CLE credit and
to enhance knowledge of the law in his or her practice area.
Work with social service agencies, schools, treatment providers, or other professionals. Work with young adults, youth, and children.
Communicate with individuals who lack English proficiency.
Work with clients experiencing mental illness, drug addiction, trauma, or other issues.
May represent clients in mental health proceedings in the local treatment facilities where clients may be confined, and work with psychiatrists and other medical treatment personnel.
Utilize an electronic case management system to maintain accurate and current client files. Serve as a 24-hour, on-call attorney on a rotating basis (with additional compensation).
Supervisory:
May direct non-attorney staff on specific projects or cases, but does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:
May be tasked with performing related duties. Related duties as required are duties that may not be specifically listed in the position description, but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s classification of work.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Public Defender I
Experience in criminal defense or civil cases handled by the Public Defender is desired, but is not required.
Public Defender II
Minimum two years of experience as a public defender or other significant criminal or relevant civil experience.
Public Defender Ill
Minimum four years of experience as a public defender or other significant criminal or relevant civil experience.
Bilingual and bi-literate in Spanish and English preferred. Additional compensation is available to employees who are proficient in Spanish or another non-English language and use the language regularly in their employment (per AFSCME collective bargaining agreement).
Vaccination against COVID-19 is a required condition of employment with the Skagit County Public Defender's Office. Proof of vaccination is required upon hire.
Requires knowledge of and the ability to:
Perform thoroughly and accurately the full scope of ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS for this position as listed above.
Computer-based legal research programs Microsoft Office suite
Court docket systems
Washington law and statues relating to criminal offenses and select civil cases Washington rules of evidence, criminal procedure, and civil procedure in select civil cases Operation of standard office equipment, including printers, fax machines, copy machines, calculators, computers, and scanners
Work with people in a courteous manner
Maintain confidentiality and follow the code of ethics Conduct bench and jury trials
Read, analyze and interpret legal documents
Effectively present information and respond to questions from judges Define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions
Function in a self-directed capacity and collaborate well with others working as a team
Licenses and/or Certifications:
Member of the Washington State Bar Association in good standing, or the ability to become licensed with Washington State Bar Association within the probationary period.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Work is performed primarily in an office, jail, hospital, and/or courtroom environment. Job may require sitting at a desk for extended periods of time. Some bending, stooping, or light lifting to access files may be required. Public defense by its very nature is demanding and stressful.
However, staff members are professionals and strive to maintain close mutual support.
Hazards :
Hazards are those present in an office, jail, hospital, or courtroom environment. A physical hazard may occur from hostile individuals, which may include verbal or physical threats, and threats with weapons. Hazards may also include exposure to germs from aspiration or physical contact with other persons and objects, including, but not limited to, documents, writing instruments, and writing surfaces.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
SELECTION PROCESS:
Following review of applications and resumes, the highest qualified applicants will be interviewed and may be tested. After a selection is made, all applicants not selected will be notified in writing. Skagit County reserves the right to use applications received for this posting to fill any other positions within this classification which may open within six months following the closing of this
position.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Skagit County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
It is the policy of Skagit County to follow all federal and state laws to ensure non-discrimination in its employment practices.
American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Notice: Individuals, who need an ADA accommodation to complete the application, test or interview process, please call: (360)416-1382.
The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employee.
APPLICATIONS MAY BE FILED ONLINE AT:
http://www.skagitcounty.net
1800 Continental Pl Mount Vernon, WA 98273
(360) 416-1380
humanresources@co.skagit.wa.us
Position #2925-0822 PUBLIC DEFENDER I, II OR III
RS
Public Defender I, II or III Supplemental Questionnaire
* 1. Did you attach a resume?
Yes No
* 2. Did you attach a cover letter?
Yes No
* 3. Are you currently licensed to practice in Washington State?
Yes N0
* 4. How many years of criminal experience do you have?
* 5. Approximately how many misdemeanor cases have you tried to a jury?
* 6. Approximately how many felony cases have you tried to a jury?
* 7. Approximately how many class A felony cases have you tried to a jury?
* 8. Have you represented clients accused of sex offense?
* 9. Have you consulted with or used mental health experts?
* 10. Have you consulted with or used other experts or investigators?
* 11. Do you have any appellate experience?
* 12. Have you written and argued substantive motions?
* 13. Do you speak Spanish proficiently or fluently? If yes, have you used this skill with Spanish speaking clients?
* 14. Have you ever been subject to discipline by a Bar Association? If yes, the year and State.
Link to Application: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/skagitwa/jobs/3690860/public-defender-i-ii-or-iii?page=2&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs