Chief Public Defender & Trial Leader

Spokane County; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 210,000 - 255,000; Full time

Job summary

The Spokane County Public Defender’s Office is seeking an appointed leader to manage staff, policy and operations under RCW 36.26. The role includes trial-level representation of indigent defendants and oversight of a multi-million-dollar budget.

The incumbent reports to a three-member appointment committee and serves a four-year term aligned with county governance. The position emphasizes leadership, compliance with statutes and county policies, and collaboration with courts, prosecutors, and

Qualifications

• Graduation from an ABA-accredited law school and eight years of criminal trial experience.
• Three years in a managerial position overseeing professional staff.
• Bar admission in Washington State in good standing.

Responsibilities

• Direct the department's staff and operations, including budget and policy implementation.
• Oversee caseloads and supervise attorneys and support staff to ensure professional standards.
• Represent indigent defendants in trial and hearings as counsel of record when appointed.
• Develop and monitor multi-million-dollar annual budget and grants reporting.
• Respond to records requests and manage access to case files and archives.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Trial representation

Policy development

Education

Juris Doctor (ABA)

Job description

The Spokane County Public Defender’s Office is seeking an appointed leader to manage staff, policy and operations under RCW 36.26. The role includes trial-level representation of indigent defendants and oversight of a multi-million-dollar budget.

The incumbent reports to a three-member appointment committee and serves a four-year term aligned with county governance. The position emphasizes leadership, compliance with statutes and county policies, and collaboration with courts, prosecutors, and