DEFENSE ATTORNEY I, II, or III

Pay

Salary ranges are based on classification:

• Defense Attorney I: $6,825 – $7,098 monthly
• Defense Attorney II: $7,453 – $10,142 monthly
• Defense Attorney III: $10,578 – $13,188 monthly

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Work schedules may vary depending on unit assignment. Flexible schedules and partial telework may be available after a probationary period.

Working Conditions

Office setting in Olympia, Washington. Primarily desk work with occasional walking to other offices or the courthouse. Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings, trainings, trials, and on‑site client visits. Daily interactions via phone, in‑person, and remotely with staff, clients, and the public.

Responsibilities

• Manage a full felony, misdemeanor, and gross misdemeanor caseload (depending on unit assignment).
• Review police reports, interview witnesses, and work with the court and prosecutor to resolve cases.
• Appropriately utilize non‑attorney professional services.
• Review reports from DSHS, interview appropriate parties, and coordinate with the Attorney General’s office, case workers, social workers, experts, and court personnel to resolve cases.
• Perform legal office work, prepare pleadings, conduct research, and maintain required statistical information.
• Prepare cases for trial, pre‑trial and post‑trial hearings, and/or plea bargains with the Deputy Prosecuting Attorney.
• Assist other attorneys with trial strategy, tactics, legal research, and analysis.
• Handle miscellaneous calendar duties such as arraignment, initial appearance, and interpreter calendars.

Qualifications

• Defense Attorney I
  • Graduation from an ABA‑accredited law school.
  • Member of the Washington State Bar Association or holder of a valid Indigent Representation License by the hire date.
  • Knowledge of Washington criminal law, interviewing techniques, and defense of a variety of criminal cases, with emphasis on lower‑level felonies and all misdemeanors.
  • Familiarity with RCW 13.34 and ability to communicate effectively with parents, legal custodians, and guardians.
  • Ability to perform legal research, analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to present law, facts, evidence, and arguments clearly and logically.
  • Ability to work harmoniously and maintain good public relations.
• Defense Attorney II
  • All qualifications for Defense Attorney I.
  • At least two years of practice as an attorney with criminal trial experience or equivalent.
• Defense Attorney III
  • All qualifications for Defense Attorney I.
  • Ten years of practice as an attorney with a minimum of three years of trial experience in criminal cases.

Benefits

• Work‑life balance initiatives, including reduced caseloads starting in 2026.
• Retirement plan and three voluntary deferred‑compensation options.
• Pre‑tax savings accounts.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage for employees and families.
• Paid vacation and paid holidays.
• County‑paid training programs and support for professional organization participation and conference attendance.
• Flexible work schedules, including alternative or compressed schedules and remote work options.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for out‑of‑pocket health care and daycare expenses.
• Eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

Who We Are

Thurston County Public Defense provides constitutionally guaranteed legal representation to low‑income individuals, including adults, youth, parents in dependency proceedings, and adults facing civil commitment. Our mission is “To Defend and Protect Our Clients' Constitutional Rights, One Person at a Time.” Our vision is to deliver high‑quality representation through ethical, professional, client‑centered practices. Core values include professionalism, dedication, advocacy, compassion, and service. We value diversity and inclusion, fostering a workplace where individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and leveraged to develop each person’s talents and strengths.