Attorney 3

Spokane County; Hudson (WI); On-site; USD 138,213 - 193,436; Full time

Job summary

Spokane County seeks an attorney to perform advanced professional civil or criminal legal work for the Prosecuting Attorney, Public Defender or Counsel for Defense offices. The role involves independent practice, advising lower attorneys, and handling a mix of civil, juvenile, felony and family law matters.

Responsibilities include counseling officials, interpreting ordinances, handling discovery, and representing schools and departments.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university school of law.
• Four (4) years of experience at a level equivalent to Attorney2 or substitutional advanced professional legal training as required for up to one year.
• Member of the Washington State Bar Association.
• Public Defender and Counsel for Defense Departments: if not licensed to practice law in WA State, must meet APR8 requirements and be a member in good standing of the bar in another state, pending approval under APR3.

Responsibilities

• Serve as legal counsel for County elected officials, appointed department heads and boards or commissions, including writing legal opinions.
• Provide oral interpretations of County ordinances and state and federal laws.
• Enter notices of appearance, provide discovery and try all cases not handled by insurance carriers.
• Defend labor‑management grievances.
• Prepare and negotiate land sales and acquisitions and prepare ordinances and resolutions.
• Advise and represent school districts regarding student and personnel matters.
• Serve as legal counsel for the Spokane County Safety/Loss Control Department and try certain cases.
• Demonstrate experience in employment law, environmental law, workers’ compensation law, constitutional law, tort law, land use law, construction law, contract law and municipal law.

Skills

Criminal law knowledge

Civil law knowledge

Judicial procedures

Oral communication

Written communication

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Education

Juris Doctorate (J.D.)

WA State Bar Association member

APR8 compliance (if not WA licensed)

APR3 approval pathway

Job description

Note: Current Employees must use the Workday Dashboard career section to apply for this position.

Job Summary

The position allocated to this class is responsible for performing advanced professional civil or criminal legal work for the Prosecuting Attorney, Public Defender or Counsel for Defense. Positions in this class differ from positions at the Attorney2 level by the expertise required, variety of legal matters encountered, number of cases assigned and supervisory responsibilities. Positions function with considerable professional independence, at times assigning specific cases to lower level attorneys after making decisions to prosecute or provide defense services within established policy. Professional advice and consultation is provided by these positions to lower level attorney positions.

Essential Job Functions

As an Attorney on the Civil Team

• Serve as legal counsel for the County elected officials, appointed department heads and boards or commissions, including writing legal opinions.
• Provide oral interpretations of County ordinances and state and federal laws.
• Enter notices of appearance, provide discovery and try all cases not handled by insurance carriers.
• Defend labor‑management grievances.
• Prepare and negotiate land sales and acquisitions and prepare ordinances and resolutions.
• Advise and represent school districts regarding student and personnel matters.
• Serve as legal counsel for the Spokane County Safety/Loss Control Department and try certain cases.
• Demonstrate experience in employment law, environmental law, workers’ compensation law, constitutional law, tort law (including personal injury), land use law, construction law, contract law and municipal law.
• Develop and implement safety/loss control policies and procedures.
• Perform other related duties as required or assigned.

As an Attorney on the Juvenile Team

• Screen and assign juvenile offense cases to section attorneys.
• Implement and supervise office procedures and staff functions.
• Provide legal advice in juvenile offense cases.
• Perform other related duties as required or assigned.

As an Attorney on the Felony Team

• Evaluate investigative results and decide whether to charge and how to charge.
• Prepare legal pleadings and cases for trial.
• Interview witnesses, sort evidence, conduct follow‑up investigations.
• Prepare issues, instructions, pretrial motions, opening statements, witness questions and trial strategies.
• Present the state's case in court on homicide, negligent homicide, fraud, arson, robbery and other felonies.
• Review and prepare record on appeal, briefings and arguments in Court of Appeals, Supreme Court and U.S. Supreme Court.
• Perform other related duties as required or assigned.

As an Attorney on the Family Law Team

• Plan, assign and evaluate work of the section.
• Provide professional legal advice and review work of section attorneys.
• Consult with the State Office of Support Enforcement (OSE) on case matters.
• Discuss legal theories, authorities and strategies of actions handled by department attorneys.
• Consult with department employees on office policies, assignments, hiring, firing, promotion and discipline.
• Administer and recommend discipline.
• Perform other related duties as required or assigned.

As an Attorney in the Public Defender or Counsel for Defense Office

• Provide advanced and professional defense services to indigent adults and juveniles charged with a crime.
• Supervise and mentor new lawyers with case analysis, covering cases and assist with client care issues.
• Evaluate and investigate felony case assignments, interview witnesses, review police reports and prepare for trial.
• Prepare legal memorandums, motions and notes.
• Maintain contact with clients in or out of custody.
• Attend all required court hearings, arraignments, pleas and trials.
• Negotiate and communicate with prosecutors and witnesses to reach resolution.
• Provide coverage and case assistance when needed.
• Perform other related duties as required or assigned.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited college or university school of law.
• Four (4) years of experience at a level equivalent to Attorney2 or substitutional advanced professional legal training as required for up to one year.
• Member of the Washington State Bar Association.
• Public Defender and Counsel for Defense Departments: if not licensed to practice law in WA State, must meet APR8 requirements and be a member in good standing of the bar in another state, pending approval under APR3.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of principles and practices of criminal or civil law required by the position.
• Knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
• Knowledge of effective techniques for case presentation.
• Experience in litigation leading to trial.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public and parties involved in the court system.
• Analytical, evaluative and organizational skills in dealing with facts, evidence and legal procedures.
• Ability to analyze and prepare a variety of legal documents and instruments.

Behavioral Standards

• Respect: Appreciating and valuing customers, employees and leadership by showing courtesy, friendliness and fairness.
• Communication: Engaging in professional and productive communication.
• Accountability: Honoring commitments and responsibly stewarding public resources.
• Integrity: Demonstrating transparent and ethical behavior.
• Innovation: Striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement.

Working Conditions

The work environment is primarily inside, where noise and temperature levels are moderate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions. Employees may be required to perform duties not specifically described herein but reasonably related to the position.

Total Compensation

Base salary range: $138,213 - $193,436 annually. Total compensation includes base compensation, median retirement fund contributions, and current employer‑paid health and related benefit contribution rates.