Attorney 1 - Public Defender

Spokane County; Hudson (WI); On-site; USD 92,718 - 112,792; Full time

Job summary

Spokane County seeks a legal professional to join their robust team, primarily serving the Eastern Washington public. This role involves assisting or representing clients in court, conducting comprehensive legal research, and preparing various legal documents.

The candidate must possess a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and preferably have prior law clerk or legal intern experience. The role offers competitive compensation ranging from $92,718 to $112,792, with a collaborative work environment.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited college or university.
• One year of prior experience as a law clerk or legal intern preferred.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in court and at trials.
• Conduct legal research and draft legal documents.
• Address issues and concerns from clients.
• Manage court dates and case investigations.

Skills

Legal research

Communication skills

Effective working relationships

Analyzing legal documents

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Member of the Washington State Bar Association

Job description

Job Summary

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.

• Juvenile (civil & criminal) defense
• Adult misdemeanor & felony defense
• Civil commitments
• And more

This position performs civil or criminal legal work for the County Prosecutor or Public Defender. The position allocated to this class is the first entry level of this series; it is responsible for performing civil and/or criminal legal work under the general direction of the Prosecutor, Public Defender or, as needed, under the direct guidance of a higher‑level attorney.

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 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 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. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described.

Total Compensation

$92,718 - $112,792. Total compensation is an estimate based upon base compensation, median retirement fund contributions, and current employer‑paid health and related benefit contribution rates (including medical, dental, life insurance, long‑term disability, and leave). The actual total will vary depending upon each employee's enrollment choices.