Appellate Resource Attorney — Public Defense Mentor

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); Hybrid; USD 117,000 - 146,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid holidays

Sick leave

Teleworking options

Job summary

State of Washington, Office of Public Defense, seeks an Appellate Resource Attorney to support contract attorneys in appellate and post-conviction work. The role includes case staffing, training development, and contractor performance monitoring, reporting to the Unit Supervisor.

The position emphasizes staff development, stakeholder engagement, and advancing client-centered representation across the state, with telework options and on-site presence in Olympia at least two days weekly.

Qualifications

• Law degree from an accredited college or university.
• Licensed to practice law in Washington State or able to be licensed within one year of recruitment.
• No less than five years of criminal appellate experience.
• Twenty-five appeals including Class A and life without parole cases.
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and serving underserved communities.
• Must be able to work on-site at the Olympia office at least two days per week.

Responsibilities

• Assist with recruitment and selection of appellate and post-conviction attorneys and firms.
• Coach and provide case consultation for contract appellate and post-conviction attorneys, incl. new appellate practitioners.
• Collaborate to develop and deliver practical training for contract attorneys.
• Manage and update curriculum to stay current on law and practice developments.
• Build stakeholder relationships to improve contractor performance.
• Monitor contractor performance to assess coaching and training impact.
• Assist with evaluating evolving case weighting standards.
• Perform other related functions as needed.

Skills

Law degree

WA bar license

Criminal appellate experience

Appeals: 25+ cases

Social justice commitment

On-site Olympia

Job description

State of Washington, Office of Public Defense, seeks an Appellate Resource Attorney to support contract attorneys in appellate and post-conviction work. The role includes case staffing, training development, and contractor performance monitoring, reporting to the Unit Supervisor.

The position emphasizes staff development, stakeholder engagement, and advancing client-centered representation across the state, with telework options and on-site presence in Olympia at least two days weekly.