Public Defense Attorney — Flexible Schedule & Impactful Trials

Thurston County; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 76,000 - 147,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-Life Balance

Plan For Your Future

Paid Leave

Robust Training Program

Flexible Work Schedules

Deferred Compensation

Flexible Spending Account

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

Thurston County Public Defense in Olympia, Washington is seeking a Defense Attorney to handle felony and misdemeanor caseloads across units, with placement at Attorney I, II, or III based on qualifications. The role includes reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, coordinating with the court and Prosecutor, preparing pleadings, and trial preparation for both adult and juvenile cases.

We offer workloads aligned with new standards, opportunities for professional development, and a

Qualifications

• Graduation from an ABA accredited school of law.
• Must be a member of the Washington State Bar Association or have a valid Indigent Representation License by the hire date.
• Knowledge of all criminal rules of Washington State, techniques of interviewing and defense.
• Ability to perform legal research; present law, facts, and arguments clearly in writing and oral form.
• Experience handling both adult and juvenile felony and misdemeanor caseloads.

Responsibilities

• Manage a full felony, misdemeanor, and gross misdemeanor caseload (depending on unit assignment).
• Review police reports, interview witnesses, work with the court and Prosecutor to resolve cases.
• Review reports from DSHS, interview appropriate parties, work with the Attorney General's office and others to resolve cases.
• Prepare appropriate legal pleadings, perform necessary research, and maintain required statistical information.
• Prepare cases for trial, pre-trial and post-trial hearings, and/or plea bargains with the Deputy Prosecuting Attorney.
• Assist other attorneys in matters of trial strategy, tactics, and legal research and analysis.
• Handle miscellaneous calendar duties such as arraignment calendars and interpreter calendars.

Skills

Criminal law knowledge

Legal research

Oral advocacy

Public defense experience

Education

Graduation from an ABA accredited school of law

Job description

Thurston County Public Defense in Olympia, Washington is seeking a Defense Attorney to handle felony and misdemeanor caseloads across units, with placement at Attorney I, II, or III based on qualifications. The role includes reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, coordinating with the court and Prosecutor, preparing pleadings, and trial preparation for both adult and juvenile cases.

We offer workloads aligned with new standards, opportunities for professional development, and a