Public Defense Attorney, Contract

Job Responsibilities

• Provide legal defense services for assigned misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor cases.
• Deliver constitutionally effective assistance of counsel in compliance with state and federal standards.
• Conduct case investigation, legal research, negotiation, motions practice, and trial representation as required.
• Maintain accurate time records and submit monthly invoices for services rendered.
• Communicate effectively with clients, the Court, prosecutors, and City staff.

Qualifications

• Active membership in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA).
• Experience with criminal defense, preferably at the misdemeanor level.
• Able to manage cases independently and ethically.
• Commitment to indigent defense and constitutional standards of representation.

Miscellaneous Information

• Compensation: $100.00 per hour
• No limit on the number of hours that may be billed per case.
• Routine expenses (e.g., subpoena service fees) reimbursed at actual cost, up to $50 per referral.
• Reimbursable Non-Routine Expenses (with preauthorization): Medical or psychiatric evaluations, expert witness fees, interpreters and translators, investigative services, polygraph, forensic, and other scientific testing, records such as medical, school, birth, DMV, and 911/audio logs (individual items must cost $75 or less), any additional expenses the Court deems necessary for investigation, preparation, or presentation of a case. Preauthorized expenses are reimbursed within 60 calendar days of submission.

How To Apply

Interested attorneys should submit:

• A cover letter
• A résumé or CV
• WSBA number and confirmation of good standing
• A brief summary of relevant criminal defense experience

This position does not include employer-provided benefits.