Experience Level Criminal Defense Attorney

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

• Provide legal representation to assigned clients at all stages of legal proceedings.  

• Review reports and court pleadings, research legal issues raised by the facts, and counsel clients involved in these proceedings. 
• Direct investigation of case to include regular communication with investigators to monitor progress of investigation and follow up with necessary motions, subpoenas, and other discovery methods to assist with the investigation. 
• Refer appropriate cases for social work services. Communicates regularly with social workers. 
• Visit crime scenes and all other case related sites. 
• Prepare and bring motions. Present legal arguments clearly and logically in written and verbal form. 

• Conduct pretrial negotiations with assigned prosecutors. 
• Conduct bench trials and jury trials. 
• Prepare and argue post-trial motions as needed. Advocate for leniency or alternatives. 
• Communicate regularly with clients. 
• Work cooperatively with colleagues. Volunteer to provide coverage for other attorneys or other case assignments. Maintain case files and write coverage/transfer memos with sufficient information to allow another attorney to provide effective assistance of counsel. 

• Manage caseload within Indigent Defense Caseload standards. 
• Comply with continuing requirements to improve effectiveness. Maintain knowledge of current practices and developments in the law. Attend continuing legal education seminars as required by the WSBA. 
• Interact with all participants of the criminal justice system in a way that promotes respect, including difficult persons affected by mental health, substance abuse, or other personality disorders.  
• Position requires a commitment to zealously defend clients at all stages of criminal proceedings. 
• Prioritize collaboration and cooperation in your interactions with all Defenders. Hold yourself accountable when contributing to differences in power and identity, and act in ways which honor the authenticity, value, and dignity of each Defender. 

• Seek to cultivate constructive relationships with court stakeholders for the benefit of clients, and represent SCPDA with mindfulness, compassion, and consideration towards others. 
• Advance and/or progress toward recognizing and naming racism and other oppressions within our work. 
• Intentionally engage in antiracism learning using a framework (example: Awareness, Knowledge, Skills, and Action). 
• Comply with Rules of Professional Conduct and adhere to Association policies and procedures. 
• Participate in meetings as requested. 

• Other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Licensed attorney in good standing with and member of the Washington State Bar Association 

• Minimum 3 years’ experience as a public defender or other significant criminal defense experience from private practice. 
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted which provides the skills, knowledge, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. 
• Able to build new capacities for learning and seek opportunities to expand your approach to problem-solving. 
• Ability to align your actions with the rules and guidelines of professional conduct when interacting with stakeholders in the court system. 
• Ability to curiously explore and incorporate perspectives different from your own. 

• Knowledge of Washington law and statues relating to criminal offenses. 
• Knowledge of Washington and federal rules of evidence and criminal procedures. 
• Demonstrated willingness and qualified, pursuant to Indigent Defense Standard 14, to handle Class A and sex offenses. 
• Ability to keep regular office hours and maintain a workload which may require afterhours or weekend work. 
• Must work accurately and swiftly under pressure. 

• Accept direction and feedback and follow through appropriately. 
• Requires the ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing using the English language. 
• Maintain a professional and courteous relationship with other employees of the Association. 
• Able to operate standard office equipment. 
• Ability to maintain ethical and professional standards of the office and observe strict confidentiality. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Frequent standing, walking, and sitting. 
• Frequent lifting and carrying up to 10 pounds. 
• Occasional lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds. 
• Must be able to work at computer or desk area for extended periods of time. 

• Requires ability, with or without accommodation, to use computer screen and other electronic devices, input information, read and interpret data from the screen. 
• Other hazards are those present in a typical office or courtroom. 

As a Defender you are encouraged to aspire to be a dynamic colleague within the Association that elevates deliberativeness over reactivity and take responsibility for intention and impact. 

Benefits & Compensation:

• Compensation: $83,168.83 - $101,090.96 depending on experience.
• 10.39% Retirement contribution (No employee deferral required) On the 1st of the month after 6 months of employment.
• The Association pays 100% of employee medical and dental, and a majority of the premiums for dependents.
• Automatic enrollment in association paid $20,000 life insurance, short term, and long-term disability insurance for employees. 
  
• 21 days of PTO per year to start
• 11 days of Holiday Pay

The Snohomish County Public Defender Association is committed to fostering a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.