Yakima County Department of Assigned Counsel: Attorney I / II
Attorney I ($5,541-$5,890 per month)
Attorney II ($6,173-$7,171 per month)
There are four (4) openings for a Staff Attorney with the Yakima County Department of Assigned Counsel (Office of the Public Defender). The incumbent is responsible for providing professional legal indigent defense for clients in the District Court or Superior Court (Adult, Juvenile and/or ITA). Assignment is subject to the needs of the indigent defense program.
Attorney I: The incumbent typically practices in District court or Juvenile court with direct to close levels of supervision. There is also the possibility that the attorney would be assigned practice in Superior Court for ITA proceedings and first appearances. Assignment is subject to the needs of the indigent defense program.
Attorney II: The incumbent typically practices in District Court and/or Juvenile court with close to moderate supervision. Depending on qualifications the attorney may be assigned to practice in Superior Court representing adults in felony cases. (These duties are a representative sample; position assignments may vary.)
Essential Duties:
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.
Assignments vary and are subject to the needs of the public defender program.
In Civil Matters:
Represents clients at all stages of the following civil matters and proceedings: Involuntary Treatment Act cases, 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.
Other duties as assigned in all matters.
Education and Experience:
- Admission to the Washington State Bar Association is required. If you are awaiting results of the Washington State Bar Exam and/or awaiting admission to the WSBA, we encourage you to apply.
- The Attorney II requires a minimum of four (4) years of related law practice experience.
To Apply: Only applications submitted on the Yakima County website will be considered. For more information regarding this position, about Yakima County’s comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, and to apply, please visit our website at https://www.yakimacounty.us/1268/Employment. Applicants must apply online by the closing date on the job posting. For assistance, contact the Yakima County Human Resources Department at (509) 574-2210. 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