Public Defense Attorney

Job Description

The City of Anacortes is seeking qualified attorneys to provide conflict‑of‑interest and overflow public defense services for indigent defendants in Anacortes Municipal Court. This role ensures that individuals charged with misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors receive the effective assistance of counsel guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment and reinforced by the federal decision Wilbur v. Mt. Vernon.

The Conflict/Overflow Public Defense Attorney will represent indigent defendants when the primary public defender has a conflict of interest or when caseloads exceed established limits. This is a contract position compensated on an hourly basis.

• Provide legal defense services for assigned misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor cases.
• Deliver constitutionally effective assistance of counsel in compliance with state and federal standards.
• Conduct case investigation, legal research, negotiation, motions practice, and trial representation as required.
• Maintain accurate time records and submit monthly invoices for services rendered.
• Communicate effectively with clients, the Court, prosecutors, and City staff.

• Active membership in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA).
• Experience with criminal defense, preferably at the misdemeanor level.
• Ability to manage cases independently and ethically.
• Commitment to indigent defense and constitutional standards of representation.

• $100.00 per hour
  • This is the standard hourly rate for all assigned matters.
  • There is no limit on the number of hours that may be billed per case.
• Reimbursable Ordinary Costs
  • Routine expenses (e.g., subpoena service fees) reimbursed at actual cost, up to $50 per referral.
• Reimbursable Non‑Routine Expenses (with preauthorization)
  • Medical or psychiatric evaluations
  • Expert witness fees
  • Interpreters and translators
  • Investigative services
  • Polygraph, forensic, and other scientific testing
  • Records such as medical, school, birth, DMV, and 911/audio logs (individual items must cost $75 or less)
  • Any additional expenses the Court deems necessary for investigation, preparation, or presentation of a case
  • Preauthorized expenses are reimbursed within 60 calendar days of submission.

Interested attorneys should submit:

• A cover letter
• A résumé or CV
• WSBA number and confirmation of good standing
• A brief summary of relevant criminal defense experience