Attorney 1 - Public Defender

Spokane, County of (WA); Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Spokane County is seeking an entry-level Attorney I to support civil or criminal work for the Prosecutor or Public Defender. The role involves assisting or representing in court, evaluating evidence, drafting documents, and coordinating with investigators and staff under supervision.

A JD and WA bar membership are required or pursued, with 1 year of related experience preferred. You will join a legacy of justice and community impact, advancing toward higher responsibility as you gain competency

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school.
• One year of law clerk or legal internship preferred.
• Must be a member of the Washington State Bar.
• Knowledge of criminal and civil law and court procedures.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Represent the County or a client in court, at trials, hearings and depositions.
• Evaluate facts and evidence for assigned cases.
• Conduct legal research and draft deeds, leases, contracts, and correspondence.
• Address client questions regarding statutory procedures.
• Manage court dates, filings, and case investigations with team.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Skills

Criminal and Civil Law

Judicial procedures and evidence

Oral and written communication

Relationship building

Legal analysis and documentation

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) degree

1 year as law clerk or legal intern (preferred)

Active Washington State Bar membership

Job description

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, including: *Juvenile (civil & criminal) defense *Adult misdemeanor & felony defense *Civil commitments *And more Be part of a legacy of justice, advocacy, and community impact. This position performs civil or criminal legal work for the County Prosecutor or Public Defender. The position allocated to this class is the first and entry working level of this series; and is responsible for performing civil and/or criminal legal work under the general direction of the Prosecutor, Public Defender or under the direct guidance, as needed, of a higher level attorney. Employees, while allocated to this class, are expected to display an ability and willingness to assume responsibility and advance rapidly to a state of functional individual competency in the employee's assigned area. Area of work is assigned and reviewed for accuracy and completeness at the onset of employment; as experience is gained, less review and supervision will be provided. All work is performed within the policy guidelines of the Prosecutor or Public Defender and applicable law. Positions of this class may be expected to assume the responsibilities of work of a higher class for training purposes. Promotion from an Attorney 1 to an Attorney 2 is determined by an affirmative recommendation of the department.

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

All County employees are responsible for contributing to a safe and positive work environment, actively demonstrating the County values in their daily work and interactions:

• 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.