Public Defense Attorney

Grays Harbor County Sheriff - Montesano, WA

Full-time - Entry Level

Montesano, WA

Justice, Public Order, and Safety Activities

About the position

The attorney filling this position will act as court-appointed counsel representing indigent people in the courts of Grays Harbor County. The attorney will represent clients in all phases of criminal proceedings, including first appearance, arraignment, pretrial hearings, trial preparation and investigation, plea negotiations, trial, and sentencing. The attorney may also represent clients on probation violations, post-sentencing violations. Defense Counsel represents people charged with criminal law violations in District Court initially and may progress to Superior Court once qualified pursuant to the Washington State Indigent Defense Standards.

Responsibilities

• Interview defendants as assigned to determine the facts of the case.
• Review police reports and other materials to evaluate each case against the state of the law to determine its relative strengths and weaknesses.
• Engage in plea negotiations, development of case strategy and trial preparation.
• Meet with clients to review evidence, evaluate options and strategies.
• Keep clients informed of the status of their case and promptly respond to reasonable requests for information.
• Explain to clients all matters necessary for them to make informed decisions about their cases.
• Personally investigate cases and/or obtain and direct investigators in the investigation of cases.
• Engage in pre-trial negotiations, prepare, and argue pre-trial motions as needed.
• Conduct bench and jury trials and any necessary hearings subsequent thereto.
• Coordinate and arrange for tests of physical evidence and the use of expert witnesses.
• Conduct all trial actions including selection of jury in criminal matters outside of juvenile court.
• Cross and direct examination of witnesses, introduction of evidence and exhibits and make arguments on the law and interpretation of the evidence.
• Represent defendants in all legal proceedings including arraignments, pre-trial motions, trials, guilty pleas and post-trial matters.
• Prioritize and plan cases and work activities while using resources efficiently.
• Act on a rotating basis to provide 24-hour access to counsel for those detained, arrested, or under DUI Investigation.
• Cooperate with the courts in its electronic records project.
• Perform a variety of legal office work, prepare appropriate legal pleadings, and conduct necessary research.
• Maintain accurate and complete statistical information to be used for future needs and projections.
• Provide limited back-up defense coverage for District, and Juvenile Courts.
• Maintain an appropriate level of confidentiality on all matters.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Public Defender Administrator.
• Complete seven hours of continuing legal education within each calendar year in courses related to their public defense practice.

Requirements

• Satisfy the minimum requirements for practicing law in Washington as determined by the Washington Supreme Court.
• Be familiar with the statutes, court rules, constitutional provisions, and case law relevant to their practice area.
• Be familiar with the Washington Rules of Professional Conduct.
• Be familiar with the Performance Guidelines for Criminal Defense Representation approved by the Washington State Bar Association.
• Be familiar with the Washington State Guidelines for Appointed Counsel in Indigent Appeals.
• Be familiar with the consequences of a conviction or adjudication, including possible immigration consequences.
• Be familiar with mental health issues and be able to identify the need to obtain expert services.
• Complete seven hours of continuing legal education within each calendar year in courses relating to their public defense practice.

Benefits

• Opportunities for trial training.
• In-house counsel is on location when needed.
• Training is specific to GHC courts.
• Cross training is available for back-up.