Public Defense Attorney - Grays Harbor County Dept. of Public Defense

Agency Name: Grays Harbor County Department of Public Defense

Position / Job Title : Public Defense Attorney

Location: Grays Harbor County

Category : Attorney 

Job Description: Summary
Position Summary:

The attorney filling this position will act as court-appointed counsel representing indigent people in the courts of Grays Harbor County. The attorney will represent clients in all phases of criminal proceedings, including first appearance, arraignment, pretrial hearings, trial preparation and investigation, plea negotiations, trial and sentencing. The attorney may also represent clients on probation violations, post-sentencing violations, appellate court remands, and conditional release petitions NGRI. The attorney may represent indigent clients in involuntary commitment RCW 71.05, truancy, Youth at Risk, and civil contempt. The Department of Public Defense represents people charged with criminal law violations in Superior Court (both adult and juvenile) and in District Court.


This position has room for advancement and training. 
Essential Duties
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Interview defendants as assigned to determine the facts of the case. Review police reports and other materials to evaluate each case against the state of the law to determine its relative strengths and weaknesses in order to engage in plea negotiations, development of case strategy and trial preparation.
Meet with clients to evaluate options and strategies. Keep clients informed of the status of their case and promptly respond to reasonable requests for information. Explain to clients all matters necessary for them to make informed decisions about their cases.
Personally investigate cases and/or obtain and direct investigators in the investigation of cases, engage in pre-trial negotiations, prepare and argue pre-trial motions as needed, conduct bench and jury trials and any necessary hearings subsequent thereto.
Coordinate and arrange for tests of physical evidence and the use of expert witnesses.
Conduct all trial actions including selection of jury in criminal matters outside of juvenile court, cross and direct examination of witnesses, introduction of evidence and exhibits and make arguments on the law and interpretation of the evidence.
Represent defendants in all legal proceedings including, but not limited to arraignments, pre-trial motions, trials, guilty pleas and post-trial matters, including but not limited to post-trial motions, sentencing hearings, restitution hearings, sentence reviews and the filing of appeals.
Prioritize and plan cases and work activities while using resources efficiently.
Act on a rotating basis to provide 24-hour access to counsel to individuals under arrest and or investigation for DUI.
Cooperate with the courts in its electronic records project, which includes electronic receipt of hearing and trial notices, discovery, and other documents and information, and electronic filing of motions and other documents.
Perform a variety of legal office work, prepares appropriate legal pleadings, and conducts necessary research.
Maintain accurate and complete statistical information to be used for future needs and projections.
Provide limited back-up defense coverage for District, and Juvenile Courts and is knowledgeable of District Court rules and procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Public Defender Administrator.
Maintain appropriate level of confidentiality on all matters.
Perform other duties or projects as assigned, including attending conferences/meetings on behalf of the Public Defender Office.
Complete seven hours of continuing legal education within each calendar year in courses related to their public defense practice.
Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of applicable Washington State and federal law relating to criminal and other assigned cases.
Exceptional interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations, engage in problem solving, work with upset or mentally ill people, negotiate with others and manage conflict.
High level of analytical ability and logic. Ability to gather and synthesize large bodies of information.
Experience with the use of personal computers, including internet resources and commonly-used office software
Experience and familiarity with standard and commonly-used office equipment and modern business administrative tools. 
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
Ability to assure that absolute confidentiality is maintained as required and sensitive information is handled appropriately.
Ability to maintain a high level of personal and professional integrity and honesty.
Ability to work effectively in a multi-task environment. 
Ability to work independently.
Minimum Qualifications:

Law degree from an accredited college or university.
Admission to Washington State Bar Association.
Qualified to represent Juvenile clients. 
Qualified to represent clients in compliance with Indigent Defense Standards, include “B” and “C” felonies.
Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
Working Conditions:

Works in an office or meeting setting; appears in a variety of courts, interviews clients in the juvenile detention facility and hospital, and interviews witnesses at a variety of locations. Sits or stands for long periods of time. May occasionally lift and carry items weighing up to 30 pounds. Attends meetings or performs duties outside of normal office hours, and works extended hours during trials. Moves throughout the facilities and periodically drives a motor vehicle. Possibility of exposure to hostile and offensive language and physical harm from violent and/or verbally abusive clients. Uses appropriate safety equipment and follows established safety policies, practices and procedures.  



Supplemental Information
Employee Status:  

This is an FLSA exempt position and as such is not entitled to overtime. The position is also subject to an "employee at will" doctrine.

GRAYS HARBOR COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Link to Application: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/graysharbor/jobs/3665275/public-defense-attorney

Other Relevant Links:

Application Deadline: 11/14/2022