Attorney 1 - Public Defender

Job Title

Join the largest Public Defender office in Eastern Washington! Established in 1970, our office has grown to include 60+ dedicated attorneys serving across a wide range of practice areas.

Salary: $72,436.44 - $88,119.26 Annually

Location: 1208 West Broadway Avenue, Spokane, WA

Job Type: Full-Time

Department: Public Defender

Closing Date: Continuous

Essential Job Functions

• Assists or independently represents the County or a client in court, at trials, hearings arraignments, depositions; files legal documents and papers; and interviews witnesses, plaintiffs, victims, and/or clients/suspects.
• Evaluates the facts and examines evidence of specific cases or assignments.
• Conducts legal research, provides legal opinions or memorandums and drafts deeds, leases, contracts and correspondence.
• Addresses issues, questions and concerns from clients and/or their representatives regarding statutory procedures and requirements.
• Responds to written motions.
• Provides oral argument in court during guilty pleas, motion hearings, or other matters of law.
• Oversees the direct and cross examination of witnesses.
• Works with investigators, paralegals, and secretaries to manage court dates, filings, and case investigations.
• Assists former clients when they are asked to "return to court" on the basis of having violated probation.
• Performs other related duties as required/assigned.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited college or university school of law.
• One (1) year of prior experience as a law clerk or legal intern is preferred.
• Member of the Washington State Bar Association.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of principles and practices of criminal or civil law as required by the position.
• Knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
• Skilled in communicating effectively both orally and in writing, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.
• Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with the general public and parties affected by the court and administration.
• Ability to analyze, evaluate and organize facts, evidence and legal procedures and to present information orally and in writing in a clear and logical form.
• Ability to analyze and prepare a variety of legal documents and instruments.

Behavioral Standards

• Respect: Appreciating and valuing customers, other County employees and County leadership by showing courtesy, friendliness and fairness. Communicating in a productive and professional manner.
• Accountability: Honoring and delivering on commitments by taking responsibility for personal actions and results; being a responsible steward of public resources and the trust County residents have placed in each of us.
• Integrity: Modelling transparent and ethical behavior and demonstrating it with honest and trustworthy behaviors and actions; leading by example and performing work to the highest standards.
• Innovation: Striving for excellence by actively pursuing opportunities for new and improved methods, procedures or technologies; fostering an environment of engagement and empowerment and embracing continuous improvement.

Working Conditions

• The work environment is primarily inside, where the noise and temperature levels are moderate.