Director, King County (WA) Department of Public Defense

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Job location
710 Second Ave. Suite 200
Seattle, WA 98104
United States
Organization information
Organization name: 
King County Department of Public Defense
Street address: 
710 Second Ave.
City: 
Seattle
State: 
Washington
ZIP: 
98104
Job type: 
Legal - Defender
Position Description: 

We are seeking a visionary and strategic leader with a demonstrated commitment to the delivery of high-quality legal representation to indigent clients. We are seeking a leader with administrative skills suitable to a complex organization; a leader who values employees, for both their professional judgment and their active engagement in the development and implementation of policy. Our Public Defender must be able to advocate effectively on behalf of the department within a complex political system while protecting the independence essential to quality public defense. Candidates should have an in-depth understanding of the public policy areas that connect with public defense, a track record of proposing and implementing reforms that have resulted in systemic change, and competency working with communities of color and other impacted communities.

Our Public Defender is appointed by the King County Executive, subject to confirmation by the Metropolitan King County Council, to a term of four years. Oversight is provided by an 11-member Public Defense Advisory Board; which advises the department, reviews the department’s proposed budget, advocates for a high-quality public defense, and issues and annual report on the state of the department. The board also plays a key role in the selection of our Public Defender.
First consideration will be given to those submitting complete application packages by Aug. 8.

Our Department of Public Defense provides high-quality, innovative and zealous advocacy on behalf of individual clients; challenging inequities in the justice system and promoting alternatives that support individual and community well-being. The department represent individuals accused of crimes in both conventional and therapeutic courts. The department also represent those either involved in the child welfare system or subject to involuntary commitment.

Our Department of Public Defense employs more than 400 people, about half of whom are attorneys, and has an annual budget of $73.5 million.

Requirements: 

The Public Defender must be an attorney admitted to practice law within the United States, in active status and in good standing. Applicants must have at least seven years of experience as an attorney primarily practicing criminal defense, as well as supervisor and managerial experience. If not already admitted to practice in the state of Washington, the Public Defender must be so admitted within two years after appointment and be an active member of the Washington State Bar Association.

To apply: 

Applicants should submit a resume and letter of interest demonstrating the alignment of professional experience and skill with the position requirements to: Seth Daniel Watson, HR Manager at [email protected].

First consideration will be given to candidates submitting complete application packages by August 8, 2018.

Notes: 
Equal Opportunity Employer
Salary range: 
$199,685.62
Submission deadline: 
Friday, August 31, 2018