Job Details
The attorney filling this position will act as court-appointed counsel representing indigent people in the courts of Cowlitz County. The Office of Public Defense represents people charged with criminal law violations in Superior Court (both adult and juvenile) and in District Court. The Office of Public Defense also represents juveniles on civil matters in Juvenile Court; represents adults in civil matters in Superior Courts under the Involuntary Treatment Act.; and represents qualifying adults and children in petitions filed under the Uniform Guardianship Act. The attorney may 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. The attorney may be assigned to represent indigent clients in involuntary commitment; At Risk Youth/Child in Need of Services and truancy; Uniform Guardianship Act (UGA), therapeutic courts; and dependency proceedings.
Benefits Information
Cowlitz County offers a generous benefits package which includes
- Medical/Dental/Vision (includes dependent coverage)
- VEBA/Health Retirement Account for those who qualify
- Retirement through Washington State Public Employees Retirement System
- Life Insurance
- Deferred Compensation plans available (457b)
- Vacation, Bonus and Leave Days Paid
- 10 Paid Holidays
- Reasonable work hours
The County
Cowlitz County is a great place to live and work. Located along the Columbia River less than an hour from the Cascade Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Cowlitz County provides an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities and easy access to the Arts. The I-5 corridor runs right through Cowlitz County providing quick access to the Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon metropolitan areas.
- Interview clients as assigned to determine the facts of the case. Review discovery materials to evaluate each case in order to engage in development of case strategy and trial preparation or resolution, including plea negotiation. .
- Meet with clients to 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.
- Appear in court to represent assigned client at all stages of the proceedings. Cover general dockets, including but not limited to first appearance and arraignment.
- 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 subsequent hearings.
- Coordinate and arrange for tests of physical evidence and the use of expert witnesses.
- Conduct all trial actions including selection of jury in criminal matters outside of juvenile court and involuntary treatment proceedings, cross and direct examination of witnesses, introduction of evidence and exhibits and make arguments on the law and interpretation of the evidence.
- Zealously represent clients in all legal proceedings including, but not limited to arraignments, pre-trial motions, trials, guilty pleas and post-trial matters. Post-trial matters may include post-trial motions, sentencing hearings, restitution hearings, sentence reviews, the filing of appeals and other representation as determined by the needs of each individual case.
- Assist other attorneys when needed.
- Prioritize and plan cases and work activities while using resources efficiently.
- For all attorneys representing individuals in criminal dockets, act on a rotating basis to provide 24-hour access to counsel to individuals under arrest and/or investigation for DUI or other alleged criminal activity.
- Cooperate with the courts in its electronic records project, which includes electronic receipt of hearing and trial notices, discovery, and other documents and information, and electronic filing of motions and other documents.
- Perform other duties or projects as assigned, including attending conferences/meetings on behalf of the Public Defender Office.
- Complete seven hours of continuing legal education within each calendar year in courses related to their public defense practice.
Minimum Qualifications
- Law degree from an accredited college or university (may be waived for individuals obtaining Washington Bar license under other qualifying circumstance).
- Licensed to practice law in the State of Washington with the Washington State Bar Association: if admitted to another state, transfer must be completed within 3 months of accepting position.
- Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Required Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of applicable Washington State and federal law relating to criminal and other assigned cases.
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations, engage in problem solving, work with upset or mentally ill people, negotiate with others and manage conflict.
- High level of analytical ability and logic. Ability to gather and synthesize large bodies of information.