Library Associate Jobs in Sumner, WA (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $103,187.97 - $139,285.17 Annually
Location : Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Regular - Other
Job Number: 26-00346
Department: Public Defense Conflict Office
Division: Defense Conflict Office
Opening Date: 04/10/2026
Description
Summary
Why It's a Great Opportunity:
This is a great opportunity for an experienced attorney to work on complex cases including Adult Felony Class B, C, and occasional Class A Felonies, and related matters. You will help define and maintain current standards of professional behavior and continually examine DAC's work environment to improve operations and protocols. You may also be called upon to represent DAC externally to the justice system and public.
Some of the projects you may support include:
1. APPR Project (Bail Reform)
2. Issues related to State v. Blake
2. Juvenile Re-sentencing matters including LWOP matters
4. Trueblood issues
Why It's a Great Department:
The Public Defense Conflict Office (PDC) is responsible for handling criminal matters in the Pierce County court system that may constitute a conflict of interest for the Department of Assigned Counsel (DAC).
The mission of the Public Defense Conflict Office is to provide and administer the public defense delivery system in Pierce County in a manner that assures eligible individuals receive professional and effective representation.
For more information about our great organization, please visit by clicking
How to be Successful in the Role:
You will bring your strong interpersonal skills, excellent research and writing skills, commitment to social justice, ability to provide quality legal representation and zealous advocacy for indigent clients at all stages of criminal proceedings to this role.
You must also be a self-motivated, consistent professional, who not only understands, but has demonstrated superior competence in representation obligations pursuant to Indigent Defense Standards. This position requires you to be present and available for staff on the team.
Your Future in this Role:
In this role you will further develop your leadership, be challenged on a daily basis and help to define and streamline processes and protocols. In addition, Pierce County offers a Leadership Certificate Program, Employee Resource Groups, and many other learning and growth opportunities.
Core Daily Responsibilities:

• Maintain a high-volume case load and prepare appropriate written materials for litigation.
• An incumbent will exercise considerable independent judgment, initiative resourcefulness in adapting policies and precedents to complex situations or to select a proper course of action.
• As determined necessary by unit supervisor, may provide direction to coordinate the activities of internal and external support staff.
• Provide legal representation at the Superior Court level to indigents accused of adult felony offenses, and Juvenile Court felony delinquency proceedings.
• Consult with staff within the Division for legal and strategic advice.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.
Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate.
• Meet minimum professional qualifications per the Washington State Supreme Court Standards for Indigent Defense found at CrR 3.1
• Admission to the Washington State Bar Association and license to practice law in Washington State.
• Valid Driver's license.
• This position requires you to submit a resume, a substantive cover letter with notable accomplishments, and an original writing sample.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preference will be given to attorneys with specialized experience including the ability to accept case types outlined pursuant to the Washington Supreme Court Indigent Defense Standards.

Special Requirements/Qualifications:

• As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

Supplemental Information
To be considered for this opportunity please:

• Complete and submit an online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to: www.piercecountywa.gov/jobs.
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and specify the Job Number and Title.
• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process, or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.

This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.
At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a place people are proud to call home?
We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Pierce County offers a competitive benefits package that offers flexibility and peace of mind. We are proud to offer Employee Resource Groups, a focus on professional development in our , and a County Book Club.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of and , , staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Our benefits:
Vacation (Annual Leave)
After approximately six months, employees receive six days of vacation leave.
Since we value your experience, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Vacation accrues on a bi-weekly basis for full-time employees as follows:
Vacation Accruals:
During years 1-3, 12 Days
During years 4-7, 16 Days
During years 8-13, 20 Days
During years 14-18, 23 Days
During years 19, 24 Days
During years 20, 25 Days
During years 21, 26 Days
During years 22, 27 Days
During years 23, 28 Days
During years 24, 29 Days
During years 25 & thereafter, 30 Days
A maximum of 45 days may be carried from one year into the next.
Pro-Rated for Part-Time based on % of 1.0 FTE.
Military Leave:
Pierce County has a proud history of supporting the armed forces and provides members of the armed forces with up to 21 days paid military leave per state fiscal year.
Holidays:
Some full-time employees are entitled to eleven paid holidays as follows:
New Year's Day - January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday - Third Monday in January
President's Day - Third Monday in February
Memorial Day - Last Monday in May
Juneteenth - June 19
Independence Day - July 4
Labor Day - First Monday in September
Veteran's Day - November 11
Thanksgiving Day - Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
Christmas Day - December 25
Personal Holidays:
Regular full-time and regular part-time employees, and employees occupying limited duration positions, shall also receive two additional paid personal holidays. Paid personal holidays shall only accrue for those employees on County payroll as of January 1 of each year or the first work day following January 1 and must be taken during the calendar year in which it was accrued.
Furlough:
Some Pierce County employees may be designated to receive 10 "furlough" days per year in lieu of holidays. Furlough days are available for use on January 1 and must be scheduled and taken within the calendar year. Employees who leave employment with Pierce County must reimburse the employer for used furlough days based upon the number of remaining holidays.
Sick Leave:
Sick leave accrues on a bi-weekly basis, at the rate of one day per month.
Insurance Benefits:
Employees and families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with very affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout Pierce County. Employees are eligible to enroll each year in a flexible spending plan, which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care and dependent care expenses. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in supplemental life and long term disability insurance plans. To view premium rates, summary of benefit coverage, and other information, please visit the website.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation:
Pierce County employees are members of the State of Washington's Department of Retirement System (DRS) and depending on the position or previous DRS enrollment will be able to enroll in one of many programs DRS offers. For additional information, check out the web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Nationwide Deferred Compensation Plan. This is a supplemental retirement savings program that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security:
All Pierce County employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The county and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
ORCA Passport Program
Pierce County employees may participate in the County's ORCA (One Regional Card for All) Passport program.
Your Pierce County issued ORCA card is loaded with an annual Passport pass. The pass automatically renews every year. The pass will provide you with free transportation on regularly scheduled service on several public transit systems.
Miscellaneous Benefits:
Please visit website for more information.
Telework/Remote Options:
Some departments allow for telework or work-from-home options dependent on the body of work. Learn more about our telework policy
**All employees are required to be WA State residents after 30 days of employment.
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This position requires you to submit a resume, a substantive letter of interest, and an original writing sample. Did you attach all documents?

• Yes
• No

Required Question