The Whatcom County Public Defender’s Office is seeking experienced criminal defense
attorney applicants for a Deputy II or a Senior Deputy, DOQ. The office of the Public
Defender serves indigent clients in Whatcom County and is currently staffed by 42 employees, including deputies, investigators, support staff, and behavioral health specialists.

QUALIFICATIONS
• Must be a current member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association, OR must be a current member in good standing of another State Bar
Association AND must become a member of the Washington State Bar Association by passing the next Washington State Bar exam.
• Deputy II also requires 3 three years of experience as a public defender, prosecuting attorney, or private criminal defense counsel and qualified under the
Standards of Indigent Defense to handle felony cases.
• Senior Deputy also requires six years of experience as a public defender, prosecuting attorney, or private criminal defense counsel AND qualified under the
Standards of Indigent Defense to handle felony cases OR qualified for class A.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
• Acts as court-appointed counsel representing individuals accused of misdemeanors or felonies in superior, district and juvenile courts as assigned. Represents appointed clients in all phases of criminal proceedings, including arraignment, pretrial hearings, trial preparation, plea negotiations, trial and sentencing.
Responsible for the investigation and preparation of each case assigned.
• Primary caseload consists of misdemeanor, juvenile, or felony cases based
upon experience. Assists management and other staff, as directed.
• Interviews defendants as assigned to determine the facts of the case. Reviews
police and other reports to evaluate each case against the state of the law to
determine its relative strengths and weaknesses, to prepare for plea negotiations, development of case strategy, and trial preparation.
• Conducts all trial actions including selection of jury, cross and direct examination, introduction of evidence and exhibits and makes arguments on the law
and interpretation of the evidence.
• Represents defendants at all legal proceedings including, but not limited to:
arraignments, pre-trial motions, guilty pleas and post-trial matters, such as restitution hearings and sentence reviews, presenting defense recommendations
for disposition of cases.

For more information, click here: Deputy II or Senior Pub Def.2022