From:                          Yakima County Human Resources Department

Contact Person:          Patricia Thompson                Phone: 509-574-2219

Ad Regards:                Recruitment

Run Dates:                  03/10/21 – TBD (Open until filled-First review March 19, 2021)

Attorney II/III

Yakima County Department of Assigned Counsel

Compensation: DOQ:

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

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

Job open until filled. Will be reviewed every two weeks starting with review on March 19, 2021

The Yakima County Department of Assigned Counsel (Office of the Public Defender) is recruiting to fill vacancies at the Attorney II or Attorney III level. 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.

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 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 starting with review on March 19, 2021. Job 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.