County Attorney 1 - Misdemeanor

Pierce County; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Pierce County's Department of Assigned Counsel (DAC) provides the opportunity to work in a supportive environment with substantial training and courtroom experience by representing indigent clients in misdemeanor and other proceedings across Pierce County.

New attorneys are paired with mentors, receive ongoing trainings, and gain exposure to complex legal issues while delivering zealous advocacy and professional growth within a structured program.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate required; Washington bar admission.
• Submit resume, cover letter, unofficial transcript, references, and a writing sample.
• Experience in indigent defense preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients at all stages of criminal proceedings, including arraignment, motions, and trial.
• Prepare and present at pretrial motions and during trials.
• Negotiate pleas and handle appellate matters when applicable.
• Maintain diligent client representation and conduct case investigations and preparation.
• Supervise and mentor Law Interns and manage caseloads.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Research skills

Writing skills

Zealous advocacy

Social justice

Education

Juris Doctorate

Job description

Description

Applicants who have a scheduled bar examination are encouraged to apply. Conditional offers of employment can be made in advance of passing the bar examination, contingent upon completion and passing of all pre-employment requirements.

Summary

The Pierce County Department of Assigned Counsel (DAC) provides the opportunity to work in a supportive environment with significant training and opportunities to improve trial skills by providing active courtroom experience with ongoing support.

Why It's a Great Opportunity:

As a DAC employee you will make a difference in people's lives and a positive contribution to Pierce County. DAC Attorneys represent indigent clients in all stages of misdemeanor criminal proceedings, including arraignment, motions, trial, and review hearings.

Why It's a Great Department:

The Department of Assigned Counsel (DAC) is responsible for the delivery of mandated legal services to indigent persons accused of crimes in the Pierce County Superior Court; Pierce County District Court; Municipal Court of Tacoma; and Pierce County Juvenile Court proceedings. DAC also provides constitutionally mandated legal services to persons detained for Involuntary Civil commitment proceedings at Western State Hospital, and other evaluation and treatment facilities, and a limited number of participants in Dependency proceedings.

The mission of the Department of Assigned Counsel is to provide and administer the public defense delivery system in Pierce County in a manner that assures eligible people receive professional and effective representation while efficiently utilizing public resources.

How to be Successful in the Role:

You will bring your strong interpersonal skills, excellent research and writing skills, commitment to social justice, ability to provide quality legal representation and zealous advocacy for indigent clients at all stages of criminal proceedings to this role. If you are passionate about advocating for your clients, are organized and detail-oriented, can adjust and adapt to unexpected circumstances, and ask questions when assistance or guidance is needed, then this role is for you. Prior courtroom experience is preferred but not required.

Your Future in this Role:

In this role you will represent clients at all stages of criminal proceedings, gaining experience and expertise in the process. You will have the opportunity to progressively take on more challenging cases and legal issues. New attorneys will have at least one other attorney assigned to a courtroom with them, they will also be assigned a mentor. The department regularly hosts in-house trainings throughout the year (approximately 18 annually), as well as provides access to other training resources, including statewide memberships. Pierce County offers a Leadership Certificate Program, Employee Resource Groups, and many other learning and growth opportunities.

Core Daily Responsibilities:

• Provide legal representation for accused at in-custody arraignment proceedings.
• Preparation and presentation at pretrial motion practices.
• Trial preparation, investigation and presentation.
• Plea negotiation processes.
• Responsibility to present appeals to Superior Court and provide legal representation during the appellate process.
• Representation at sentencing proceedings, post-trial motions and revocation proceedings.
• Lead responsibility of Rule 9 Legal Licensed Legal Interns.
• Manage a substantial caseload of clients.
• Provide legal representation to all eligible clients who are the subject of civil commitment proceedings in superior court, including representation at 72-hour hearings, 14-day hearings, 90-day hearings, 180-day hearings, motions to revise, appeals and other applicable motions practice.
• Trial preparation, investigation and presentation.

A complete list of duties can be found in the classification description here.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate
• Meet minimum professional qualifications per the Washington State Supreme Court Standards for Indigent Defense found at CrR 3.1 CrR3.1 Standards for Indigent Defense.
• Admission to the Washington State Bar Association and license to practice law in Washington State.
• Valid Driver’s license.
• This position requires you to submit a resume, cover letter, Unofficial Law School Transcript, list of at least 3 references, and a writing sample.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a courtroom or clinic.

Special Requirements/Qualifications:

• As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

Supplemental Information

This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.

At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a place people are proud to call home?

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.