Public Defender I/II/III
Skagit County Public Defender, Mount Vernon, WA, United States
Summary
Skagit County Public Defender seeks skilled, committed attorneys to provide zealous legal representation to indigent clients. Representation may include work in Skagit County District Court, Superior Court, or Juvenile Court. Our Office represents adult and juvenile clients facing misdemeanor criminal charges, felony criminal charges, juvenile status offenses, civil contempt of court, and civil mental health involuntary treatment commitments.
Skagit County Public Defender strives to create a workplace culture that is inclusive, flexible, and supportive of our employees. Our attorneys work with in‑house legal assistants, contracted investigators, and professional experts to provide client‑centered representation. Attorneys are encouraged to go to trial and are supported by experienced supervisors. In keeping with state court rules and best practices, we remain within caseload standards for indigent defense and provide opportunities for in‑house and outside continuing education. A hybrid in‑office/telework schedule is permitted, so long as attorneys are able to meet their court and client‑related obligations.
Vaccination against COVID‑19 is a required condition of employment with the Skagit County Public Defender's Office. Proof of vaccination is required upon hire.
Salary upon hire is step 1 through 3 dependent on qualifications:
Public Defender I – Range 29 $7,456.17/mo. – $7,987.05/mo.
Public Defender II – Range 31 $8,560.02/mo. – $9,168.84/mo.
Public Defender III – Range 34 $10,517.95/mo. – $11,269.74/mo.
Progressive increases are based upon years of service with Skagit County, up to step 10 of the AFSCME Public Defender salary schedule:
Public Defender I – Range 29 top step $9,915.85/mo.
Public Defender II – Range 31 top step $11,382.45/mo.
Public Defender III – Range 34 top step $13,995.44/mo.
Essential Functions
Defend indigent individuals charged with a crime or other conduct that could result in a loss of liberty.
Communicate effectively with clients to obtain information relevant to the defense of their case, which may include determining the client’s goals of litigation and discussing possible defenses and trial strategy.
Maintain communication with clients in person at the office, at the jail, by phone, e‑mail, or mail throughout the course of representation.
Conduct or direct investigation appropriate for each case, including interviewing state and defense witnesses, obtaining records, consulting with expert witnesses, and visiting alleged crime scenes.
Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of assigned cases; develop an understanding of possible sentences and outcomes, including immigration and collateral consequences; and conduct legal research.
Engage in a robust motions practice involving research, writing, and arguing motions.
Negotiate with the Prosecuting Attorney to develop possible resolutions favorable to the client.
Appear in court at pre‑trial hearings, trial, and post‑trial hearings, including sentencing, restitution, and review hearings.
Keep abreast of developments in the law and attend training sessions to receive CLE credit and enhance knowledge of the law.
Work with social service agencies, schools, treatment providers, or other professionals.
Work with young adults, youth, and children.
Communicate with individuals who lack English proficiency; Spanish proficiency is desired and may result in additional compensation.
Work with clients experiencing mental illness, drug addiction, trauma, or other issues.
Represent clients in mental health proceedings at local treatment facilities and collaborate with psychiatrists and medical personnel.
Utilize an electronic case management system to maintain accurate and current client files.
Serve as a 24‑hour on‑call attorney on a rotating basis (with additional compensation).
Supervisory
May direct non‑attorney staff on specific projects or cases, but does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.
Other Job Functions
May be tasked with performing related duties. Related duties as required are duties that may not be specifically listed in the position description, but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s classification of work.
Supplemental Information
Following review of applications and resumes, the highest‑qualified applicants will be interviewed and may be tested. After a selection is made, all applicants not selected will be notified in writing. Skagit County reserves the right to use applications received for this posting to fill any other positions within this classification which may open within six months following the closing of this position.
Additional Information
Skagit County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. It is the policy of Skagit County to follow all federal and state laws to ensure non‑discrimination in its employment practices.
American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Notice
Individuals, who need an ADA accommodation to complete the application, test or interview process, please call: (360)416-1382.
Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical path to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Public Defender I
Experience in criminal defense or civil cases handled by the Public Defender is desired, but is not required.
Public Defender II
Minimum two years of experience as a public defender or other significant criminal or relevant civil experience.
Public Defender Ill
Minimum four years of experience as a public defender or other significant criminal or relevant civil experience.
Requires knowledge of and the ability to:
Perform thoroughly and accurately the full scope of ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS for this position as listed above.
Computer‑based legal research programs
Microsoft Office suite
Court docket systems
Washington law and statutes relating to criminal offenses and select civil cases
Washington rules of evidence, criminal procedure, and civil procedure in select civil cases
Operation of standard office equipment, including printers, fax machines, copy machines, calculators, computers, and scanners
Work with people in a courteous manner
Maintain confidentiality and follow the code of ethics
Conduct bench and jury trials
Read, analyze and interpret legal documents
Effectively present information and respond to questions from judges
Define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions
Function in a self‑directed capacity and collaborate well with others working as a team
Licenses and/or Certifications
Member of the Washington State Bar Association in good standing, or the ability to become licensed within the probationary period.
Working Conditions/Physical Requirements
Work is performed primarily in an office, jail, hospital, and/or courtroom environment. Job may require sitting at a desk for extended periods of time. Some bending, stooping, or light lifting to access files may be required. Public defense by its very nature is demanding and stressful. However, staff members are professionals and strive to maintain close mutual support.
Hazards
Hazards are those present in an office, jail, hospital, or courtroom environment. A physical hazard may occur from hostile individuals, which may include verbal or physical threats, and threats with weapons. Hazards may also include exposure to germs from aspiration or physical contact with other persons and objects, including, but not limited to, documents, writing instruments, and writing surfaces.
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Skagit County Public Defender seeks skilled, committed attorneys to provide zealous legal representation to indigent clients. Representation may include work in Skagit County District Court, Superior Court, or Juvenile Court. Our Office represents adult and juvenile clients facing misdemeanor criminal charges, felony criminal charges, juvenile status offenses, civil contempt of court, and civil mental health involuntary treatment commitments.
Skagit County Public Defender strives to create a workplace culture that is inclusive, flexible, and supportive of our employees. Our attorneys work with in‑house legal assistants, contracted investigators, and professional experts to provide client‑centered representation. Attorneys are encouraged to go to trial and are supported by experienced supervisors. In keeping with state court rules and best practices, we remain within caseload standards for indigent defense and provide opportunities for in‑house and outside continuing education. A hybrid in‑office/telework schedule is permitted, so long as attorneys are able to meet their court and client‑related obligations.
Vaccination against COVID‑19 is a required condition of employment with the Skagit County Public Defender's Office. Proof of vaccination is required upon hire.
Salary upon hire is step 1 through 3 dependent on qualifications:
Public Defender I – Range 29 $7,456.17/mo. – $7,987.05/mo.
Public Defender II – Range 31 $8,560.02/mo. – $9,168.84/mo.
Public Defender III – Range 34 $10,517.95/mo. – $11,269.74/mo.
Progressive increases are based upon years of service with Skagit County, up to step 10 of the AFSCME Public Defender salary schedule:
Public Defender I – Range 29 top step $9,915.85/mo.
Public Defender II – Range 31 top step $11,382.45/mo.
Public Defender III – Range 34 top step $13,995.44/mo.
Essential Functions
Defend indigent individuals charged with a crime or other conduct that could result in a loss of liberty.
Communicate effectively with clients to obtain information relevant to the defense of their case, which may include determining the client’s goals of litigation and discussing possible defenses and trial strategy.
Maintain communication with clients in person at the office, at the jail, by phone, e‑mail, or mail throughout the course of representation.
Conduct or direct investigation appropriate for each case, including interviewing state and defense witnesses, obtaining records, consulting with expert witnesses, and visiting alleged crime scenes.
Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of assigned cases; develop an understanding of possible sentences and outcomes, including immigration and collateral consequences; and conduct legal research.
Engage in a robust motions practice involving research, writing, and arguing motions.
Negotiate with the Prosecuting Attorney to develop possible resolutions favorable to the client.
Appear in court at pre‑trial hearings, trial, and post‑trial hearings, including sentencing, restitution, and review hearings.
Keep abreast of developments in the law and attend training sessions to receive CLE credit and enhance knowledge of the law.
Work with social service agencies, schools, treatment providers, or other professionals.
Work with young adults, youth, and children.
Communicate with individuals who lack English proficiency; Spanish proficiency is desired and may result in additional compensation.
Work with clients experiencing mental illness, drug addiction, trauma, or other issues.
Represent clients in mental health proceedings at local treatment facilities and collaborate with psychiatrists and medical personnel.
Utilize an electronic case management system to maintain accurate and current client files.
Serve as a 24‑hour on‑call attorney on a rotating basis (with additional compensation).
Supervisory
May direct non‑attorney staff on specific projects or cases, but does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.
Other Job Functions
May be tasked with performing related duties. Related duties as required are duties that may not be specifically listed in the position description, but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s classification of work.
Supplemental Information
Following review of applications and resumes, the highest‑qualified applicants will be interviewed and may be tested. After a selection is made, all applicants not selected will be notified in writing. Skagit County reserves the right to use applications received for this posting to fill any other positions within this classification which may open within six months following the closing of this position.
Additional Information
Skagit County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. It is the policy of Skagit County to follow all federal and state laws to ensure non‑discrimination in its employment practices.
American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Notice
Individuals, who need an ADA accommodation to complete the application, test or interview process, please call: (360)416-1382.
Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical path to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Public Defender I
Experience in criminal defense or civil cases handled by the Public Defender is desired, but is not required.
Public Defender II
Minimum two years of experience as a public defender or other significant criminal or relevant civil experience.
Public Defender Ill
Minimum four years of experience as a public defender or other significant criminal or relevant civil experience.
Requires knowledge of and the ability to:
Perform thoroughly and accurately the full scope of ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS for this position as listed above.
Computer‑based legal research programs
Microsoft Office suite
Court docket systems
Washington law and statutes relating to criminal offenses and select civil cases
Washington rules of evidence, criminal procedure, and civil procedure in select civil cases
Operation of standard office equipment, including printers, fax machines, copy machines, calculators, computers, and scanners
Work with people in a courteous manner
Maintain confidentiality and follow the code of ethics
Conduct bench and jury trials
Read, analyze and interpret legal documents
Effectively present information and respond to questions from judges
Define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions
Function in a self‑directed capacity and collaborate well with others working as a team
Licenses and/or Certifications
Member of the Washington State Bar Association in good standing, or the ability to become licensed within the probationary period.
Working Conditions/Physical Requirements
Work is performed primarily in an office, jail, hospital, and/or courtroom environment. Job may require sitting at a desk for extended periods of time. Some bending, stooping, or light lifting to access files may be required. Public defense by its very nature is demanding and stressful. However, staff members are professionals and strive to maintain close mutual support.
Hazards
Hazards are those present in an office, jail, hospital, or courtroom environment. A physical hazard may occur from hostile individuals, which may include verbal or physical threats, and threats with weapons. Hazards may also include exposure to germs from aspiration or physical contact with other persons and objects, including, but not limited to, documents, writing instruments, and writing surfaces.
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