County Attorney 2

Pierce County; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Leadership Certificate Program

Employee Resource Groups

Learning and growth opportunities

Job summary

A local government agency in Tacoma seeks an experienced attorney to represent indigent clients in serious felony cases and juvenile delinquency matters. You will maintain a high-volume caseload, provide legal counsel with an emphasis on social justice, and participate in court proceedings. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong legal advocacy and interpersonal skills, with admission to the Washington State Bar required. This is a great opportunity to make a meaningful impact within the community.

Qualifications

• Must meet Washington State Supreme Court Standards for Indigent Defense.
• Admission to the Washington State Bar Association.
• Experience with complex legal cases.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a high-volume case load for adult felony cases.
• Provide legal representation in Superior and Juvenile Courts.
• Consult for legal and strategic advice within the Division.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Excellent research and writing skills

Commitment to social justice

Ability to provide quality legal representation

Zealous advocacy for clients

Education

Juris Doctorate

Tools

Valid Driver's license

Job description

Why It\'s a Great Opportunity

This is a great opportunity for an experienced attorney to work on complex cases including Adult Felony Class B, C, and occasional Class A Felonies, and Juvenile Delinquency cases. You may also be assigned to act as a senior litigator in DAC\u2019s Adult Misdemeanor Division. You will help define and maintain current standards of professional behavior and continually examine DAC\u2019s work environment to improve operations and protocols. You may also be called upon to represent DAC externally to the justice system and public. The Public Defense Conflict Office handles Adult Felony cases only.

Some of the projects you may support include:

• APPR Project (Bail Reform)
• Issues related to State v. Blake
• Juvenile Re-sentencing matters including LWOP matters
• Trueblood issues

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.

For more information about our great organization, please visit our website.

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.

You must also be a self-motivated, consistent professional, who not only understands, but has demonstrated superior competence in representation obligations pursuant to Indigent Defense Standards. This position requires you to be present and available for staff on the team.

Your Future in this Role

In this role you will further develop your leadership, be challenged on a daily basis and help to define and streamline processes and protocols. In addition, Pierce County offers a Leadership Certificate Program, Employee Resource Groups, and many other learning and growth opportunities.

Core Daily Responsibilities

• Maintain a high-volume case load and prepare appropriate written materials for litigation.
• An incumbent will exercise considerable independent judgment, initiative resourcefulness in adapting policies and precedents to complex situations or to select a proper course of action.
• As determined necessary by unit supervisor, may provide direction to coordinate the activities of internal and external support staff.
• Provide legal representation at the Superior Court level to indigents accused of adult felony offenses, and Juvenile Court felony delinquency proceedings.
• Consult with staff within the Division for legal and strategic advice.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.

• 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\u2019s license.
• This position requires you to submit a resume, a substantive cover letter with notable accomplishments, and an original writing sample.

Preferred Qualifications

• Preference will be given to attorneys with specialized experience including the ability to accept case types outlined pursuant to the Washington Supreme Court Indigent Defense Standards.

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.

To be considered for this opportunity please:

• Complete and submit an online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting APPLY above or go to: www.piercecountywa.gov/jobs.
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at [e-mail] and specify the Job Number and Title.
• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process, or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at [phone], at least two days prior to the need.

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\u2019s 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?