Public Defense Director

Spokane, County of (WA); Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Spokane County in Washington state seeks an experienced administrator of the Counsel for Defense Department to supervise legal staff, manage budgets, and oversee policy and operations.

The role includes appearing as counsel of record for clients including capital defendants, maintaining indigent defense standards, and coordinating with public agencies while upholding professional standards.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Eight years of progressively responsible legal and criminal trial experience.
• Admitted to practice law in Washington State and in good standing.

Responsibilities

• Administers, directs and supervises office activities and personnel policies; appoints, trains, counsels, advises and supervises attorneys, investigators and support staff.
• Prepares and presents the annual budget to the County Commissioners. Monitors fiscal policy and line item budget expenditures of the Department.
• Annually reports to the Board of County Commissioners as provided for in RCW 36.26.050.
• Maintains and ensures the integrity of representation of indigent defendants in the courts.
• Represents defendants at all levels of proceedings, including capital defendants, who cannot be represented by the Public Defender’s Office due to conflicts of interest or other factors.
• Advises professional staff on complex issues, defense strategies and procedures; monitors and evaluates work, ensuring performance is consistent with prevailing professional standards, applicable statutes and county policies. Assigns, tracks and reviews caseloads. Oversees the arrangement of training and practice updates for attorneys, as required or needed.
• Responds to or oversees the resolution of sensitive or complex inquiries, problems or complaints regarding availability or quality of services. Responds to public records requests.
• Establishes, prepares and submits pertinent budgets, reports, documents and data as required.
• Maintains and establishes equitable working relationships with all agencies within the criminal justice system.
• Attends meetings and hearings and represents the department and the County to all agencies, organizations and individuals both public and private including the media in matters related to the Department.

Skills

Criminal law

Trial procedures

Case management

Supervisory experience

Budget management

Legal research and writing

Public records requests

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Bar admission in Washington State

Job description

Spokane County in Washington state seeks an experienced administrator of the Counsel for Defense Department to supervise legal staff, manage budgets, and oversee policy and operations.

The role includes appearing as counsel of record for clients including capital defendants, maintaining indigent defense standards, and coordinating with public agencies while upholding professional standards.