Job Description

Posting number: 26-00054

Department: Assigned Counsel

Division: Department of Assigned Counsel

Job classification: County Attorney 2

Posting type: Open

Categories: Legal, Professional, Attorney, Criminology, Business

Summary

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Examples of duties

Why It's a Great Opportunity:

This is a great opportunity for an experienced attorney to work on complex cases including Adult Felony Class B, C, and occasional Class A Felonies, and Juvenile Delinquency cases. You may also be assigned to act as a senior litigator in DAC’s Adult Misdemeanor Division. You will help define and maintain current standards of professional behavior and continually examine DAC’s work environment to improve operations and protocols. You may also be called upon to represent DAC externally to the justice system and public. The Public Defense Conflict Office handles Adult Felony cases only.

Some of the projects you may support include:

1. APPR Project (Bail Reform)
2. Issues related to State v. Blake
3. Juvenile Re-sentencing matters including LWOP matters
4. Trueblood issues

Why It's a Great Department:

The Department of Assigned Counsel (DAC) is responsible for the delivery of mandated legal services to indigent persons accused of crimes in the Pierce County Superior Court; Pierce County District Court; Municipal Court of Tacoma; and Pierce County Juvenile Court proceedings. DAC also provides constitutionally mandated legal services to persons detained for Involuntary Civil commitment proceedings at Western State Hospital, and other evaluation and treatment facilities, and a limited number of participants in Dependency proceedings.

The mission of the Department of Assigned Counsel is to provide and administer the public defense delivery system in Pierce County in a manner that assures eligible people receive professional and effective representation while efficiently utilizing public resources.

For more information about our great organization, please visit by clicking here.

How to be Successful in the Role:

You will bring your strong interpersonal skills, excellent research and writing skills, commitment to social justice, ability to provide quality legal representation and zealous advocacy for indigent clients at all stages of criminal proceedings to this role.

You must also be a self-motivated, consistent professional, who not only understands, but has demonstrated superior competence in representation obligations pursuant to Indigent Defense Standards. This position requires you to be present and available for staff on the team.

Your Future in this Role:

In this role you will further develop your leadership, be challenged on a daily basis and help to define and streamline processes and protocols. In addition, Pierce County offers a Leadership Certificate Program, Employee Resource Groups, and many other learning and growth opportunities.

Core Daily Responsibilities:

• Maintain a high-volume case load and prepare appropriate written materials for litigation.
• An incumbent will exercise considerable independent judgment, initiative resourcefulness in adapting policies and precedents to complex situations or to select a proper course of action.
• As determined necessary by unit supervisor, may provide direction to coordinate the activities of internal and external support staff.
• Provide legal representation at the Superior Court level to indigents accused of adult felony offenses, and Juvenile Court felony delinquency proceedings.
• Consult with staff within the Division for legal and strategic advice.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate.
• Meet minimum professional qualifications per the Washington State Supreme Court Standards for Indigent Defense found at CrR 3.1 CrR3.1 Standards for Indigent Defense.
• Admission to the Washington State Bar Association and license to practice law in Washington State.
• Valid Driver’s license.
• This position requires you to submit a resume, a substantive cover letter with notable accomplishments, and an original writing sample.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preference will be given to attorneys with specialized experience including the ability to accept case types outlined pursuant to the Washington Supreme Court Indigent Defense Standards.

Special Requirements/Qualifications:

• As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

Supplemental information

How to Apply:

• Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting “APPLY” above or visiting www.piercecountywa.gov/jobs.
• If you have questions about this opportunity, email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and include the job number and title.
• Individuals who need accommodation in the application or interview process may contact Human Resources at (253) 798-7480 at least two days prior to the need.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship.

Our Recruitment Practices:

This is a competitive and meritorious selection process. Pierce County applications are reviewed by human hiring staff in accordance with the qualifications listed for the position. Pierce County understands applicants may use AI tools when preparing application materials. We recognize these tools can make the process easier; however, we ask that everything you submit genuinely reflects your own experience, skills, knowledge, and writing style.

During the interview process, you may be asked to demonstrate your skills, including writing and subject knowledge, and to speak to your experience in your own voice. Applicants should be prepared to respond to interview questions without relying on AI-generated responses or reading prepared answers from a screen. Any misrepresentation may result in disqualification or separation.

Applicants whose qualifications most closely align with the County’s needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status typically occurs within two to three weeks after the closing date. Some applicants may receive short notice to participate in additional selection steps, which may include assessments, phone screens, or interviews.

Upon offer, compensation is based on a range of job-related factors, including the requirements of the role, your skills and experience, and internal pay equity.

Our Welcoming Workplace Commitment:

Pierce County is committed to fostering a Welcoming Workplace where employees are supported, respected, and able to thrive. We believe a strong public workforce is representative of the community it serves and that fair and just access to opportunity strengthens public service.

Guided by the County Executive’s Forward Together mission, Pierce County works to build communities that are safe, welcoming, and connected. This same commitment shapes how we recruit, develop, and retain our employees. County employees make a direct and visible impact in the lives of residents every day, and we invite you to join us in helping keep Pierce County a place people are proud to call home.