Public Defense Attorney

Summary

Position Summary: The attorney filling this position will act as court-appointed counsel representing indigent people in the courts of Grays Harbor County. The attorney will represent clients in all phases of criminal proceedings, including first appearance, arraignment, pretrial hearings, trial preparation and investigation, plea negotiations, trial, and sentencing. The attorney may also represent clients on probation violations, post-sentencing violations, Defense Counsel represents people charged with criminal law violations in District Court initially and may progress to Superior Court once qualified pursuant to the Washington State Indigent Defense Standards.

Essential Duties

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

* Interview defendants as assigned to determine the facts of the case. Review police reports and other materials to evaluate each case against the state of the law to determine its relative strengths and weaknesses, engage in plea negotiations, development of case strategy and trial preparation.
* Meet with clients to review evidence, evaluate options and strategies. Keep clients informed of the status of their case and promptly respond to reasonable requests for information. Explain to clients all matters necessary for them to make informed decisions about their cases.
* Personally investigate cases and/or obtain and direct investigators in the investigation of cases, engage in pre-trial negotiations, prepare, and argue pre-trial motions as needed, conduct bench and jury trials and any necessary hearings subsequent thereto.
* Coordinateandarrangefortestsofphysicalevidenceandtheuseofexpertwitnesses.
* Conduct all trial actions including selection of jury in criminal matters outside of juvenile court, cross and direct examination of witnesses, introduction of evidence and exhibits and make arguments on the law and interpretation of the evidence.
* Represent defendants in all legal proceedings including, but not limited to arraignments, pre-trial motions, trials, guilty pleas andpost-trialmatters,includingbutnotlimitedtopost-trialmotions,sentencinghearings,restitutionhearings, sentencereviews and the filing of appeals.
* Prioritizeandplancasesandworkactivitieswhileusingresourcesefficiently.
* Actonarotatingbasistoprovide24-hour access to counsel for those detained, arrested, or under DUI Investigation.
* Cooperatewiththecourtsinitselectronicrecordsproject,whichincludeselectronicreceiptofhearingandtrialnotices, discovery, and other documents and information, and electronic filing of motions and other documents.
* Perform a variety of legal office work, prepare appropriate legal pleadings, and conduct necessary research.
* Maintain accurate and complete statistical information to be used for future needs and projections.
* Provide limited back-up defense coverage for District, and Juvenile Courts and is knowledgeable of District Court rules and procedures.
* Perform other duties as assigned by the Public Defender Administrator.
* Maintain an appropriate level of confidentiality on all matters.
* Performotherdutiesorprojectsasassigned,includingattendingconferences/meetingsonbehalfofthePublicDefenderOffice.
* Complete seven hours of continuing legal education within each calendar year in courses related to their public defense practice.

Qualifications

The qualifications for this entry level position are compliance with Standard Fourteen (listed below):

To assure that indigent accused receive the effective assistance of counsel to which they are constitutionally entitled, attorneys providing defense services shall meet the following minimum professional qualifications:

A. Satisfy the minimum requirements for practicing law in Washington as determined by the Washington Supreme Court; and

B. Be familiar with the statutes, court rules, constitutional provisions, and case law relevant to their practice area; and

C. Be familiar with the Washington Rules of Professional Conduct; and

D. Be familiar with the Performance Guidelines for Criminal Defense Representation approved by the Washington State Bar Association; and, when representing youth, be familiar with the Performance Guidelines for Juvenile Defense Representation approved by the Washington State Bar Association; and when representing respondents in civil commitment proceedings, be familiar with the Performance Guidelines for Attorneys Representing Respondents in Civil Commitment Proceedings approved by the Washington State Bar Association; and

E. Be familiar with the Washington State Guidelines for Appointed Counsel in Indigent Appeals; and,

F. Be familiar with the consequences of a conviction or adjudication, including possible immigration consequences and the possibility of civil commitment proceedings based on a criminal conviction; and

G. Be familiar with mental health issues and be able to identify the need to obtain expert services; and

H. Complete seven hours of continuing legal education within each calendar year in courses relating to their public defense practice.

Misdemeanor Cases. Each attorney representing a defendant involved in a matter concerning a simple misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor or condition of confinement, shall meet the requirements as outlined above.

The position requires minimal experience and provides opportunities for trial training. The overall benefit of in-house counsel is the individual is on location when needed, training is specific to GHC courts and cross training is available for back-up.

The attorney shall develop relationships with staff, other departments and individuals outside county government that encourage participation, teamwork, effective relationships, and use of resources. The attorney as an agent of the Grays Harbor County Department of Public Defense is required to maintain a professional approach and demeanor in all activities.

Performs additional work as assigned by the Department Director/Coordinator.

* Knowledge of the field of assignment sufficient to perform thoroughly and accurately the full scope of responsibility in this job description.
* Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures related to areas of assignment, including the Washington State Criminal Code, Rules of Evidence and Procedure, and the Washington Court Rules and the Washington State Rules of Professional Conduct.
* Knowledge of computer operation and a variety of software including word processing, spreadsheet, database, and other applications specific to the area of assignment.
* Knowledge of safety and security hazards, precautions, standards, policies, and procedures pertinent to the area of assignment.
* Ability to use tact, discretion, respect, persuasion, diplomacy, and courtesy to gain the cooperation of others and establish and maintain effective teams and a professional relationship and rapport with public officials, representatives of other entities, department heads, co-workers, employees, and diverse members of the public.
* Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
* Ability to ensure that absolute confidentiality is maintained as required and sensitive information is handled appropriately.
* Ability to maintain a high level of personal and professional integrity and honesty.
* Ability to work effectively in a multi-task environment.
* Ability to work independently.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

* Required to successfully complete all continuing legal education requirements as mandated by the Washington State Bar Association, which includes 2 hours of ethics credits per year throughout employment.
* Must have a driving record that meets County standards and possess a valid driver's license at time of hire and throughout employment.
* Background check must meet County criteria.