Associate Special Counsel

King County Department of Public Defense (DPD) is looking to hire an attorney to focus on building internal capacity to identify and litigate legal issues that would have a systemic impact. We are looking for candidates who can: identify key issues in Washington caselaw; train staff on developments in appellate caselaw and legislative changes; work collaboratively with our staff to build a strong trial record on issues of systemic importance; and, where appropriate, litigate strategic appeals.

WHY JOIN DPD?
The King County Department of Public Defense (DPD) provides high quality legal representation to indigent clients in felonies, misdemeanors, juvenile defense, family defense (dependency cases), involuntary commitment (mental illness), and sex offender commitment.

As an organization we work with the community:

• To dismantle the systems that oppress our clients.
• To make the traditional systems that remain as restorative as possible.
• To advocate for pathways that will allow our clients to succeed.

We also advocate to reduce the harm and reach of the criminal legal system and civil legal systems that restrict our clients liberties and to address systemic racism. We strive to create a flexible workplace culture that is inclusive, respectful, and supportive, premised on a shared anti-oppression framework. To learn more about DPD, visit our website.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES include but are not limited to the following:

• Working collaboratively with DPD attorneys to identify legal issues that impact DPD clients.
• Attending division level unit meetings and creating other opportunities to work directly with line staff.
• Providing training regarding criminal caselaw updates, legislative changes, and other criminal law related issues.
• Developing training materials for supervisors in the criminal practice.
• Drafting model briefs, in collaboration with others.
• Conducting training on the issues/factual records that we seek to set up for appeal.
• Filing appeals and motions for discretionary review on behalf of DPD clients, litigating those appeals, and where appropriate, coordinating an amicus strategy.
• Responding to proposed court rule changes and advancing DPD efforts to propose court rules.
• Educating other appellate counsel about strategic appellate litigation that DPD is hoping to advance.
• Consulting and discussing legislative proposals with other DO staff to evaluate impacts.
• Supporting DPD in writing amicus brief when that will advance DPDs clients interests.
• Working with Communications Manager regarding media contacts connected to any of the above.
• Demonstrates and practices cultural sensitivity when engaging a diverse population.

Other Functions:

• Attending court hearings in Seattle and Kent.
• Attending stakeholder meetings as requested by the Director.
• Other duties as assigned.

The Department reserves the right to assign additional duties in support of DPDs mission.To accept this role, you must:

• Possess a J.D. from an accredited law school or any combination of experience/education/training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the work.
• Be admitted to Washington State Bar Association or licensing in other states qualifying for a license under Rule 8.
• Be at least 21 years old.
• Maintain a valid Washington State driver's license or the ability to travel throughout King County.

Ability To:

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with attorneys, employees, other agencies, and the public.
• Work under pressure, managing multiple priorities to meet competing demands and deadlines.
• Use modern technology to develop training modules needed for in-person and online platforms.
• Use effective communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills to engage others.

The Following qualifications are a plus:

• Demonstrated track record of appellate litigation.
• Trial level public defense experience.
• Familiarity with DPDs practice areas and strategic objectives.
• Demonstrated commitment to public defense.

WHY KING COUNTY?

At King County, our work is guided by our True North and values. Our True North is what we aspire to: Making King County a community where every person can thrive.
King County offers great benefits, to include a pension plan, holidays, transit pass, plus training and education opportunities to promote growth and development.

Our focus is to provide our employees with work life balance

• 100% premium paid healthcare plans
• Paid Orca Card allowing multiple transportation options to/from the office
• On-Site exercise facilities and bike storage
• Paid vacation time (in addition to paid holidays)
• Twelve paid holidays and Two Additional personal holidays
• Paid sick leave
• Paid parental leave
• Deferred compensation plan
• Employer Contributions to state pension plan
• Awesome Employee Giving Program

WORK SCHEDULE AND LOCATION:
DPD employees enjoy a flexible, hybrid in-office/telecommute workplace structure, and attorneys should expect to work both in the office and remotely, while being required to report to other locations, such as court, jail facilities, and hospitals/treatment centers throughout the county.

Onsite reporting requirements are determined by the departments operational needs and may be adjusted accordingly.

DPD maintains physical offices in the following locations:

• Dexter Horton Building, 710 Second Avenue, Seattle
• Jefferson Street Building, 1401 East Jefferson, Seattle
• Meeker Street Building, 420 West Harrison Street, Kent

DPD prioritizes frequent and robust client contact and in-person court presence.

Rotations of work location and practice area and/or workflow are an essential function and can occur based on business need.

The typical workweek is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not overtime eligible.

ARE YOU READY TO APPLY?
This opportunity to join DPD is open to all qualified candidates. This opportunity will be filled as either Career Service or a Special Duty Assignment (please see separate posting). Please apply at www.kingcounty.gov/careers.

To be considered for this role submit the following items:

• Completed King County application.
• Cover letter detailing your background and what you can bring to the Department of Public Defense.

If you have questions, please contact:
Falisha Forgash, Senior Human Resource Analyst
[email protected]
206-263-2041

Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:
In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, this salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position. King County offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life and disability insurance for employees and dependents; retirement and deferred compensation. For additional information, please review the detailed summary of benefits offered by King County.