Deputy Public Defender

OVERVIEW

The Deputy Public Defender practices in District Court, plans, organizes, and coordinates the representation and defense of indigent clients in criminal cases for the County, with minimal supervision. Prepares and tries felony and misdemeanor cases. Position exercises a high level of independent judgement and is an “At Will” position.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Manages a full District Court caseload, consisting of Gross Misdemeanor and Misdemeanor charges.
• Prepares cases for trial, pre-trial, and post-trial hearings and/or plea bargains with the Deputy Prosecuting Attorney.
• Interviews defendants as assigned to determine the facts of the case. Reviews police and other reports to evaluate each case against the state of the law to determine relative strengths and weaknesses, to prepare for plea negotiations, development of case strategy, and trial preparation.
• Assists other attorneys in matters of trial strategy, tactics, and legal research and analysis.
• Handles miscellaneous court hearings, including, but not limited to: preliminary appearance calendars, arraignment calendars, non-compliance calendars, ability to substitute in Drug Court hearings, Juvenile Court, and Superior Court when necessary.
• Maintains membership in good standing in the Washington State Bar Association and complies with all relevant standards for representing indigent defendants in accordance with the Washington State Supreme Court and Douglas County.
• Reviews police reports, interviews witnesses, and works with the court and deputy prosecutors to resolve cases as appropriate.
• Performs a variety of legal office work, prepares appropriate legal pleadings, and does necessary research.
• Maintains accurate and complete statistical information to be used for future needs and projections.
• Appropriately utilizes non-attorney professional services.
• Provides limited back-up defense coverage for Superior, and Juvenile Courts and is knowledgeable of Superior Court rules and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Public Defender Administrator.
• Maintain appropriate level of confidentiality on all matters.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Knowledge and understanding of state court judicial system, pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, regulations, and policies.
• Practice of misdemeanor criminal law in Washington.
• State and County indigent defense standards, ordinances, statutes and court decisions related to criminal prosecution and indigent defense.
• Establish and maintain effective and positive work relationships with groups of individuals both within the County and in the criminal justice system and agencies.
• Maintain a professional and courteous demeanor in court and in dealings with courts and attorneys.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the courts, attorneys, subordinate employees, incarcerated individuals and the general public.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Maintain required records and prepare clear, concise written reports.
• Handle legal matters on behalf of indigent clients in a professional, efficient and courteous manner.
• Identify and handle legal conflicts.
• Make decisions under pressure.
• Projection of a professional image.
• Highest degree of reliability, confidentiality, and trustworthiness.

Supervisory Responsibility

• This position has no supervisory duties.
• The positions is functionally above the first level of supervision and exercises authority that is not merely routine or clerical in nature and requires the consistent use of independent judgement.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS

• Requires mental capability to exchange complex and routine information, solve problems, negotiate, persuade, make decisions, and use discretion.
• Work is performed in an office and field setting with extended periods of sitting, standing, bending, kneeling, walking, and lifting (up to 40 pounds waist high).
• Appears in a variety of courts on a daily basis, interviews clients in the jail and hospital, investigates crime scenes, and interviews witnesses at a variety of locations.
• Driving, climbing stairs, and walking outdoors on uneven terrain in a variety of weather conditions.
• May work an alternative schedule at the sole discretion of the County.
• Potential for working after-hours, on-call, evenings, occasional weekends, holidays, overtime, and out of town travel.
• Maintains a high caseload, which can be emotionally and psychologically draining due to the nature of the crimes involved.
• Possibility of exposure to hostile and offensive language and / or physical harm from clients.
• Works effectively under pressure and with frequent interruptions.
• Uses appropriate safety equipment and follows established work safety policies, practices and procedures.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER RECRUITING REQUIREMENTS

• Graduation from an ABA accredited school of law and must be a member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association.
• Knowledge of criminal law and judicial procedure of Washington State, techniques of interviewing, and preparation and defense of all variety of criminal cases, with emphasis on felonies.
• Ability to perform legal research; analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to legal problems.
• Present law, facts, evidence, and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form.
• Work harmoniously and maintain good public relationship.
• Qualified under the Washington State Indigent Defense Standards to handle “B” and “C” level felonies

Pay: $8,926.00 - $9,765.00 per month

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person