The King County Department of Public Defense seeks 3rd-year law students graduating between December 2022 and June 2023 and fellows or clerks to join our defense teams!
DPD provides robust legal representation to indigent clients in felonies, misdemeanors, juvenile defense, family defense (dependency cases), involuntary commitment (mental illness), sex offender commitment, and inquests. We work with the community to dismantle the systems that oppress our clients, to make the traditional systems that remain as restorative as possible, to advocate for pathways that will allow our clients to succeed, 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.
DPD is looking for attorneys who want to be a part of the fight on behalf of our clients. Our attorneys work in teams with skilled investigators, mitigation specialists, paralegals, and other support staff to provide client-centered representation. We encourage attorneys to go to trial and our attorneys are supported by experienced supervisors. Expert services are regularly funded, in keeping with state court rules. Through its robust training program, DPD provides frequent in-house trainings and opportunities to participate in the best national trainings.
Successful candidates will be dedicated, hard-working advocates, with the ability to develop excellent trial, research, and writing skills. An ability to think critically and creatively in a fast-paced environment is essential in this role, as well as a passion for public defense and a demonstrated commitment to representing indigent persons. Strong candidates will also possess the ability to receive feedback constructively and to reflect on and modify performance accordingly.
- JD from an accredited law school by December 2022 through June 2023.
- Demonstrated commitment to advocacy on behalf of marginalized communities.
- Demonstrated commitment to advocacy on behalf of marginalized communities.
- Excellent demonstrated analytical, research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
- Ability to manage a caseload in a fast-paced environment.
- Plans to take the Washington State Bar Examination in July 2023 or, for clerks and fellows, admission to the bar in another state that would enable qualification under Rule 8.
- A valid Washington State driver's license or the ability to travel throughout King County in a timely manner.
- Proficiency in languages other than English, particularly Spanish.
- Clinical training in public defense.
- Criminal defense experience.
- Lived experience involving the criminal legal system.
ALSO DESIRED:
Other lived experience shared by DPD’s clients.
Go to the King County Career's Page, found here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/kingcounty/jobs/3658632/attorney-...