All wages listed in this posting are 2024 wage rates
The Department of Public Defense (DPD) seeks thoughtful, creative, energetic advocates to join our dynamic and diverse team which includes a staff of over 400 includes attorneys, mitigation specialists, investigators, paralegals, and legal administrators who collaborate to advance our clients’ goals. DPD is recruiting 3rd year law students, judicial clerks, and fellows to begin employment in or before October 2024.
DPD prides itself on hiring client-centered advocates. We prefer applicants who have participated in a law school clinical program, interned for a public defender program, or who have lived experience in the criminal legal system.
WHY JOIN DPD?
The Department of Public Defense (DPD) provides high quality legal representation to indigent clients facing felony or misdemeanor charges in adult or juvenile court, loss of family integrity in dependency and termination cases, and petitions for involuntary commitment because of alleged mental illness or substance abuse.
We also advocate to reduce the harm and reach of the criminal legal system and civil legal systems that restrict our clients’ liberty and to address systemic racism. We strive to create a flexible workplace culture that is inclusive, respectful, and supportive, premised on a shared anti-oppression framework. To learn more about DPD, visit our website.
As a DPD Attorney, you will have:
Opportunities for trial experience with the support of supervisors, investigators, paralegals, legal assistants, and mitigation specialists.
Opportunities to work in multiple practice areas and to learn a variety of case types
Access to funding for expert witnesses
Access to mentoring, and in-house and national trainings
Opportunities for hybrid work
Job Duties
Provide high-quality legal representation to and advocacy for indigent clients, including individuals who lack English proficiency.
Handle all aspects of representation, from arraignment through trial and, if necessary, sentencing, and some post-conviction motions; conduct plea and other negotiations and mitigation.
Engage in motions practice involving research, writing, and arguing pretrial motions, including working with expert witnesses.
Work with a diverse client base who may be experiencing mental illness, drug addiction, and/or trauma.
Develop and implement legal strategies and properly assess and address client needs, which includes partnering with investigators, mitigation specialists, and/or paralegals.
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
JD from an accredited law school.
Sit for the Washington State Bar Examination in July 2024 or, for clerks and fellows, admission to the bar in Washington or another state that would enable qualification under Rule 8.
Develop trial, research, and writing skills.
Provide client-driven representation that includes frequent and detailed communication with the client, choosing the most effective medium for the client.
Champion equity and social justice; understand pervasive, systematic racism and its long-term effects; feels comfortable engaging in candid and sincere conversations about race and equity in our work.
Possess excellent communication skills.
Manage a high caseload in a fast-paced environment.
Feel comfortable working with diverse clients (race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, and national origin).
Candidates hired through this recruitment will be considered by DPD for initial salary placement at Steps 2 through 4 ($84,755.41 - $112,073.17), dependent upon experience.
In addition, it is highly desirable if you:
Have proficiency in languages other than English, particularly Spanish.
Possess clinical training in public defense.
Have lived experience of the criminal legal system.
ARE YOU READY TO APPLY?
The following items are required to process your application:
An online application completed at www.kingcounty.gov/jobs. The employment history should go back long enough to include all relevant experience.
A cover letter no more than two pages summarizing your experience and how you meet the required qualifications, knowledge, and skills for the position.
A resume.
A short self-authored writing sample (in .doc, .docx, or .pdf format).
Who May Apply:
Attorney - 3rd-Year Law Student: This recruitment is open to 3rd year law student candidates graduating between December 2023 and June 2024.
Fellow/Clerk: This recruitment is open to attorney applicants engaged in legal fellowships or clerkships.
Application Process
First consideration will be given to candidates who apply prior to September 1, 2023. Once all positions are filled the posting will be closed. Please submit your application as soon as possible. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. If you are selected for an interview, you may choose to be interviewed in person or via videoconference technology.
This recruitment may be used to fill current and/or future career service positions in any of the Department's four divisions and/or office locations in King County.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our Talent Advisors at, [email protected] or 206-848-1051.