Compensation: DOQ:

Attorney I ($5,277 – $5,609 per month)

Attorney II ($5,879 – $6,829 per month)

Attorney III ($6,886 – $7,990 per month)

The Yakima County Department of Assigned Counsel (Office of the Public Defender) is recruiting to fill vacancies at Attorney I, Attorney II or Attorney III levels. Incumbents are responsible for providing professional legal work of a criminal defense nature including: legal research and analysis, case management and preparation, conduct of hearings and trials, and appeals.

If you are awaiting results of the Washington State Bar Exam and/or awaiting admission to the WSBA, we encourage you to apply.

Attorney II positions require a minimum of four (4) years of experience.

A minimum of eight (8) years of law practice experience is required for Attorney III positions.

Membership in the Washington State Bar Association is required.

Attorney I:

The Attorney I classification is the first level in a four-level Attorney classification series used for civil, criminal prosecution and indigent defense positions. The Attorney I classification is distinguished from other classifications in the series by the entry level nature of cases and assignments in terms of seriousness and complexity and by the greater supervision, direction and/or assistance from higher level attorneys received to perform the job.

Attorney II:
In criminal law, the incumbent normally practices in District Court and/or Juvenile Court with close to moderate supervision, but may practice in Superior Court defending lower level adult felony offenses and assisting higher classification attorneys. Incumbents practicing in Superior Court felonies must meet the minimum for lower level C and B adult felony cases under the Standards for Indigent Defense adopted by the Washington Supreme Court.

Attorney III:
The Attorney III classification is the third level in a four-level Attorney classification series used for civil, criminal prosecution and indigent defense positions. The Attorney III classification is distinguished from Attorney I and II by the greater experience required, including a significant amount of jury trial and courtroom experience, by the complexity and seriousness of cases and assignments, and by moderate to low levels of supervision, direction and/or assistance from higher level attorneys. The Attorney III position may be assigned lead or informal supervisory responsibility.

In Criminal Matters:

• Evaluates each case and assesses its factual and legal sufficiency under the law at each stage of a criminal proceeding by reviewing police and other reports and analyzing all information available.
• Evaluates strengths, weaknesses and facts of each case for purposes of additional investigation, plea negotiations, development of case strategy and trial preparation.
• Coordinates or conducts case investigation for trial preparation as necessary. Arranges for tests of physical evidence, testimony of expert witnesses and interviews or directs interviews of witnesses as required. Interviews and confers with client regarding facts, plea discussions, trial, sentencing and progress of case and maintains client confidentiality.
• Instigates or responds to plea bargaining negotiations with opposing counsel and represents the interest of the client.
• Represents the client at preliminary appearances, arraignments, pre-trial motions, pleas of guilty, sentencing hearings and post-trial matters such as restitution hearings and sentence reviews/amendments.
• Conducts all trial actions including: selection of jury, opening arguments, direct and cross examination, introduction of evidence and exhibits, preparation of jury instructions, closing arguments and post-trial motions.
• Responds to individuals arrested who wish to consult with an attorney at critical stages of proceedings.

In Civil Matters:

• Represents clients at all stages of the following civil matters and proceedings: civil commitment proceedings (except under RCW 71.09), civil contempt, truancy, and at risk youth, and drug forfeitures.
• In all civil matters, performs case evaluation, additional investigation, trial preparation, settlement negotiations, pre-trial motions, non-jury and jury trials and appeals as required.

For more information and to apply, visit https://www.yakimacounty.us/1268/Employment. For information on the Yakima Valley please visit: https://www.yakima.org/yakima/relocate/.  Applications will be reviewed every two weeks. Recruitment is open until filled.  For assistance, contact the Yakima County Human Resources Department at (509) 574-2210 or human.resources@co.yakima.wa.us.  EOE/M/F/Vet/Disability.

We appreciate your effort in visiting our website and taking the time to apply. Please review other employment opportunities while visiting the County website at https://www.yakimacounty.us/1268/Employment.