Job Description

Posting number: HR -01008

Department: PUBLIC DEFENSE

Division: PD ATTORNEY UNIT

Job classification: Public Defender I

Posting type: Open

Categories: Attorney

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.

Examples of duties

The following examples of duties and accountabilities illustrate the general range of tasks assigned to the position but are not intended to define the limits of required duties. Other essential duties may be assigned consistent with the general scope of the position. Employee must comply with all County and department policies, procedures, WAC’s, or other regulatory bodies.

• 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 post-trial 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, colleagues, and non-attorney staff and investigators, etc.
• It is desired that each candidate has a 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.

Other

This position is not represented by a labor union.

Employee Benefits

Grant County offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• Health Insurance: Medical, Dental, Vision
• Leave: Vacation, Sick, Paid Holidays
• Retirement through Department of Retirement Systems (DRS)
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Supplemental Retirement/Deferred Compensation
• Supplemental Life & AD&D, LTD Insurance
• Longevity

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

Qualifications

Required:

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

DRUG SCREENING REQUIREMENTS:

This position is subject to drug and alcohol testing in accordance with applicable federal and Washington State law, including RCW 49.44.240. Pre-employment testing (where used) will not consider results based solely on non-psychoactive cannabis metabolites or lawful off-duty cannabis use, but employees may be tested for impairment and for other controlled substances where permitted or required by law (including for safety-sensitive duties, post-accident, or reasonable suspicion situations).

Preferred:

• Trial experience is a plus. Will consider all experience levels.
• Demonstrated ability to handle a high-volume of cases.

Supplemental information

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.