Public Defender I / II / III

About the role

The Skagit County Public Defender seeks skilled, committed attorneys to provide zealous legal representation to indigent clients. Representation may include work in Skagit County District Court, Superior Court, or Juvenile Court. Our Office represents adult and juvenile clients facing misdemeanor criminal charges, felony criminal charges, juvenile status offenses, civil contempt of court, and civil mental health involuntary treatment commitments.

Responsibilities

• Defend indigent individuals charged with a crime or other conduct that could result in a loss of liberty.
• Communicate effectively with clients to obtain information that is relevant to the defense of their case, which may include obtaining information that is relevant to the issue of release from confinement or a reduction of bail; to determine the client's goals of the litigation; to discuss possible defenses and trial strategy; and to provide legal information and advice.
• Conduct or direct investigation that is appropriate for each case, including, but not limited to, interviewing State and defense witnesses, obtaining records, consulting with expert witnesses, and visiting alleged crime scenes.
• Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the cases assigned to him or her; develop an understanding of the possible sentences or outcomes of the litigation, including immigration and other collateral consequences; and develop an understanding of the law that is relevant to the case through legal research.
• Engage in a robust motions practice involving research, writing, and arguing motions.
• Engage in negotiations with the Prosecuting Attorney to develop possible resolutions to each case that are favorable for the client.
• Appear in court at pre-trial hearings, trial, and post-trial hearings, including sentencing, restitution, and review hearings.
• Keep abreast of developments in the law and attend training sessions to receive CLE credit and to enhance knowledge of the law in his or her practice area.
• Work with social service agencies, schools, treatment providers, or other professionals.
• Work with young adults, youth, and children.
• Communicate with individuals who lack English proficiency.
• Utilize an electronic case management system to maintain accurate and current client files.
• Serve as a 24-hour, on-call attorney on a rotating basis (with additional compensation).

Requirements

• Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying.
• Public Defender I: Experience in criminal defense or civil cases handled by the Public Defender is desired, but is not required.
• Public Defender II: Minimum two years of experience as a public defender or other significant criminal or relevant civil experience.
• Public Defender III: Minimum four years of experience as a public defender or other significant criminal or relevant civil experience.

Qualifications

• Member of the Washington State Bar Association in good standing, or the ability to become licensed within the probationary period.

Skills

• Thoroughly and accurately perform the full scope of ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS for this position as listed above.
• Use computer-based legal research programs, Microsoft Office suite, court docket systems, Washington law and statues relating to criminal offenses and select civil cases, Washington rules of evidence, criminal procedure, and civil procedure in select civil cases.
• Operate standard office equipment, including printers, fax machines, copy machines, calculators, computers, and scanners.
• Work with people in a courteous manner.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow the code of ethics.
• Conduct bench and jury trials.
• Read, analyze and interpret legal documents.
• Effectively present information and respond to questions from judges.
• Define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
• Function in a self-directed capacity and collaborate well with others working as a team.

Benefits

Skagit County offers a competitive benefits package for Full-Time employees, including:

• Health Insurance: A variety of plans to choose from, including the County's Standard Medical Plan, for which the employee only pays $70 a month for medical and the County pays 100% of the dental and vision premiums for employee and dependents depending on the plan selected. Spouses may be added to the plan for $130 per month.
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: All employees must participate in a Washington State Department of Retirement Services plan, and may participate in a Deferred Compensation Plan if desired.
• Group Life Insurance: Basic insurance and Long-Term Disability is provided to employee and dependents, with additional insurance available to purchase.
• Employee Assistance Program for employees and family members for help with personal or family problems.