Senior Public Defender & Office Leader

City of Spokane; Washington; On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Spokane Public Defender’s Office seeks a leader to oversee employment matters, budgets, and grant administration while preserving the representation of indigent clients in the courts. The role entails guidance to attorneys, law clerks, and staff; coordinating compliance with state standards; and engaging with city governance and media as needed.

Ideal candidates will have a JD or WSBA Law Clerk program, and must be admitted to the WA State Bar in good standing, with substantial

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor or WSBA Law Clerk Program
• Active WA State Bar in good standing
• 8 years experience in the practice of law; 3 years supervisory experience; 2 years of criminal defense experience

Responsibilities

• Provide oversight for all employment-related matters within the department.
• Prepare and administer departmental budget.
• Prepare and administer departmental grant applications and requirements.
• Maintain the integrity of representation of indigent clients in the courts.
• Represent indigent clients’ and defenders’ interests on various law and law-related boards and committees.
• Handle inquiries from City Administration, City Council, judges, various agencies, and the media.
• Assigns, tracks, and reviews caseloads of staff with attention to compliance with state-wide standards.
• Perform related duties as required.

Skills

Employee development

Performance management

Criminal law

Courtroom advocacy

Legal research & writing

Education

Juris Doctor or WSBA Law Clerk Program

WA State Bar Association in good standing

Job description

The City of Spokane Public Defender’s Office seeks a leader to oversee employment matters, budgets, and grant administration while preserving the representation of indigent clients in the courts. The role entails guidance to attorneys, law clerks, and staff; coordinating compliance with state standards; and engaging with city governance and media as needed.

Ideal candidates will have a JD or WSBA Law Clerk program, and must be admitted to the WA State Bar in good standing, with substantial