Experience Level Criminal Defense Attorney

Essential Functions:
• Represents clients who have criminal charges filed in court.
• Zealously defends clients at all stages of criminal proceedings.
• Reviews discovery and court pleadings, researches legal issues raised by the facts, and counsels' clients involved in these proceedings.
• Directs investigation of the case, communicates with investigators regularly, monitors progress of investigation and follows up with necessary motions, subpoenas, and other discovery methods to assist with the investigation.
• Refers appropriate cases for social work services.
• Visits crime scenes and all other case related sites.
• Prepares and brings motions, presents written and oral legal arguments clearly and logically.
• Conducts pretrial negotiations with assigned prosecutors, Advocates for leniency or alternatives.
• Conducts bench trials and jury trials.
• Prepares and argues post-trial motions as needed.
• Communicates regularly with clients.
• Works cooperatively with colleagues. Volunteers to provide coverage for other attorneys or other case assignments. Maintains case files and writes coverage/transfer memos with sufficient information to allow another attorney to provide effective assistance of counsel.
• Independently manages a large and revolving caseload (a maximum caseload of 400 misdemeanors per year or 150 felonies per year.) Strives to comply with Performance Guidelines for Criminal Defense Presentation.
• Provides assistance to Rule 9 and legal interns.
• Complies with continuing requirements to improve effectiveness. Maintains knowledge of current practices and developments in the law. Attends continuing legal education seminars as required by the WSBA.
• Interacts with all participants of the criminal legal system in a way that promotes respect, including people affected by mental health or substance use disorders.
• Complies with Rules of Professional Conduct.
• Seeks to cultivate constructive relationships with court stakeholders for the benefit of clients, and represent SCPDA with mindfulness, compassion, and consideration towards others.
• Intentionally engages in antiracism learning using a framework (example: Awareness, Knowledge, Skills and Action).

Qualifications & Physical Requirements:
• Licensed attorney in good standing with and member of the Washington State Bar Association.
• Knowledge of Washington law and statues relating to criminal offenses.
• Knowledge of Washington and federal rules of evidence and criminal procedures.
• Ability to keep regular office hours and maintain a workload which may require afterhours or weekend work.
• Accepts direction and feedback. Incorporates feedback into future performance.
• Maintains a professional and courteous relationship with other employees of the Association.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and Outlook. Ability to learn and use a variety of software applications.
• Able to operate standard office equipment.
• Ability to maintain ethical and professional standards of the office and observe strict confidentiality.