Chief Public Defender

About the role

This position provides overall administration and management of the delivery of public defender services for the County. It involves financial management, resource utilization, legal compliance, and quality assurance, as well as advising the County on public defense policy, litigation, and public defender contract negotiations.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all public defense services and functions comply with RCW 10.101 et. seq., Mason County Ordinances, Rules of Professional Conduct, and Washington State Supreme Court rules.
• Formulate policies and procedures to ensure the indigent defense delivery system meets professional and legal standards.
• Manage public defender services within budgeted funds and prepare the annual Public Defender Budget proposal for submission to the County Commissioners.
• Manage financial and case disposition records to determine direct and indirect costs, design internal operations, and establish administrative controls for case disposition.
• Screen, prepare, and defend misdemeanor and felony cases in District and Superior Courts, respectively, as needed, and coordinate with judges to efficiently handle court dockets.
• Initially review and screen all charges, determine appropriate case assignments, and monitor all phases of service delivery for indigent representation.
• Provide periodic reports to ensure public defense services are compliant with the law, investigate complaints, serve as a focal point for inquiries, and represent the County on various committees.
• Represent the County on committees and special interest groups, work cooperatively with Court staff, and promote and protect the rights of individuals seeking or receiving service.
• Serve on the Mason County Criminal Justice Working Team, administer contracts with attorneys and others providing professional services related to indigent defense, oversee grant applications, and maintain an indigent defense caseload, as appropriate.
• Administer contracts with attorneys providing indigent defense and others who provide professional services related to providing indigent defense in Mason County.
• Oversee grant applications, submissions, and compliance.
• Select, assign, train, supervise, and evaluate assigned staff.
• Maintain an indigent defense caseload, as appropriate.
• Make decisions regarding personnel matters and actions.
• Regularly attend training to meet legal requirements for the State of Washington.
• Conduct legal research, analysis, and investigation of criminal or civil cases.
• Plan, prepare, present, and conduct case strategies for trial.
• Interpret and explain codes, statutes, ordinances, and procedures.
• Manage heavy caseloads and maintain appropriate records, logs, and case files.
• Utilize a computer and related software packages to perform word processing, analysis, information retrieval, and tracking.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, regarding complex or sensitive issues.
• Solve problems.

Requirements

• Graduation from an ABA accredited school of law and membership in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association.
• Three (3) years handling adult felony cases, including two (2) years as a defense attorney representing people in adult felony cases.
• Lead or co-counsel in four (4) adult felony trials in which the state has rested, at least one (1) of which was submitted to a jury and at least one (1) of which was a felony-high case.
• Completed defense training or CLE on mitigation and challenging prior convictions.
• Three (3) years of supervisory experience at senior management level.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Washington State criminal and civil law and related local statutes, ordinances, case law, and procedures.
• Principles, methods, and practices of legal research and investigation.
• Judicial procedure and rules of evidence.
• Judicial procedures and government administration and practices.
• Office procedures, practices, and equipment.

Skills

• Microsoft Suite.
• Customer service.
• Ability to attend training to meet legal requirements for the State of Washington.
• Conduct legal research, analysis, and investigation of criminal or civil cases.
• Plan, prepare, present, and conduct case strategies for trial.
• Interpret and explain codes, statutes, ordinances, and procedures.
• Manage heavy caseloads and maintain appropriate records, logs, and case files.
• Utilize a computer and related software packages to perform word processing, analysis, information retrieval, and tracking.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, regarding complex or sensitive issues.
• Solve problems.

Benefits

Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for yourself and eligible dependents as a regular full-time employee. Some part-time employees may also qualify. We offer affordable plans, with premiums partially covered based on the type of coverage you choose.

Retirement Plans: Secure your future with enrollment in one of Washington State's Department of Retirement Systems programs: PERS, PSERS, or LEOFF. Both you and the County contribute to your retirement, ensuring long-term financial stability.

Paid Leave: Take time to recharge! Mason County provides sick leave, holidays, and vacation time based on County policies or union agreements. Plus, your vacation accrual grows the longer you stay with us.

Life & AD&D Insurance: We’ve got you covered with County-paid basic life and AD&D insurance for added peace of mind.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access 24/7 support for yourself, your spouse, domestic partner, and children (up to age 26). Whether it’s personal or work-related challenges, the EAP is here to help improve your well-being.

Education Assistance: Advance your career with County-supported education! Full-time employees may be reimbursed for approved courses relevant to their role.

Longevity Rewards: Recognize and reward your dedication with additional monthly compensation for continuous service milestones.

Thrive Work Environment: We maintain a drug-free, smoke-free workplace that fosters professionalism and respect.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: Mason County is an equal opportunity employer that celebrates diversity and upholds fair employment practices.