Director, Public Defender's Office

Spokane, County of (WA); Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Spokane County Public Defender’s Office seeks an appointed Director to lead staff, policy and operations under RCW 36.26. The role includes direct trial-level representation of indigent defendants.

You will supervise attorneys and staff, manage the department budget, develop programs and ensure compliance with statutes, court rules, and county policies. Term is four years, appointed by a selection committee; the Director advocates the defense perspective to judges, prosecutors and social

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from ABA-accredited law school.
• Eight years of criminal trial experience, including three years in a managerial position.
• Licensed to practice law in Washington State in good standing.

Responsibilities

• Direct department administration with budget and policy planning.
• Supervise staff attorneys; participate in labor negotiations.
• Develop and manage a multi-million-dollar indigent defense budget.
• Advise staff on complex defense strategies and trial procedures.
• Maintain case-management systems and oversee records and reports.
• Represent the office on committees and to community partners.

Skills

Case management

Trial procedures

Criminal law

Staff supervision

Budget management

Education

Juris Doctor (ABA-accredited)

Job description

The Spokane County Public Defender’s Office seeks an appointed Director to lead staff, policy and operations under RCW 36.26. The role includes direct trial-level representation of indigent defendants.

You will supervise attorneys and staff, manage the department budget, develop programs and ensure compliance with statutes, court rules, and county policies. Term is four years, appointed by a selection committee; the Director advocates the defense perspective to judges, prosecutors and social