Public Defense Attorney Job Longview area,Washington USA,Law/Legal

The attorney filling this position will act as court-appointed counsel representing indigent people in the courts of Cowlitz County. The Office of Public Defense represents people charged with criminal law violations in Superior Court (both adult and juvenile) and in District Court. The Office of Public Defense also represents juveniles on civil matters in Juvenile Court; represents adults in civil matters in Superior Courts under the Involuntary Treatment Act;

and represents qualifying adults and children in petitions filed under the Uniform Guardianship Act. The attorney may represent clients in all phases of criminal proceedings, including first appearance, arraignment, pretrial hearings, trial preparation and investigation, plea negotiations, trial and sentencing. The attorney may also represent clients on probation violations. The attorney may be assigned to represent indigent clients in involuntary commitment;
At Risk Youth/Child in Need of Services and truancy;
Uniform Guardianship Act (UGA), therapeutic courts; and dependency proceedings.

If you are interested in joining the Cowlitz County Office of Public Defense, please submit a resume, cover letter, AND a valid writing sample.

Benefits Information:

Cowlitz County offers a generous benefits package which includes:

Medical/Dental/Vision (includes dependent coverage)
VEBA/Health Retirement Account for those who qualify
Retirement through Washington State Public Employees Retirement System
Life Insurance
Deferred Compensation plans available (457b)
Vacation, Bonus and Leave Days Paid
11 Paid Holidays
Reasonable work hours

The County:

Cowlitz County is a great place to live and work. Located along the Columbia River less than an hour from the Cascade Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Cowlitz County provides an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities and easy access to the Arts. The I-5 corridor runs right through Cowlitz County providing quick access to the Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon metropolitan areas.

Interview clients as assigned to determine the facts of the case. Review discovery materials to evaluate each case in order to engage in development of case strategy and trial preparation or resolution, including plea negotiation.

Meet with clients to evaluate options and strategies. Keep clients informed of the status of their case and promptly respond to reasonable requests for information. Explain to clients all matters necessary for them to make informed decisions about their cases.

Appear in court to represent assigned client at all stages of the proceedings. Cover general dockets, including but not limited to first appearance and arraignment.

Personally investigate cases and/or obtain and direct investigators in the investigation of cases, engage in pre-trial negotiations, prepare and argue pre-trial motions as needed, conduct bench and jury trials and any necessary subsequent hearings.

Coordinate and arrange for tests of physical evidence and the use of expert witnesses.

Conduct all trial actions including selection of jury in criminal matters outside of juvenile court and involuntary treatment proceedings, cross and direct examination of witnesses, introduction of evidence and exhibits and make arguments on the law and interpretation of the evidence.

Zealously represent clients in all legal proceedings including, but not limited to arraignments, pre-trial motions, trials, guilty pleas and post-trial matters. Post-trial matters may include post-trial motions, sentencing hearings, restitution hearings, sentence reviews, the filing of appeals and other representation as determined by the needs of each individual case.

Assist other attorneys when needed.

Prioritize and plan cases and work activities while using resources efficiently.

For all attorneys representing individuals in criminal dockets, act on a rotating basis to provide 24-hour access to counsel to individuals under arrest and/or investigation for DUI or other alleged criminal activity.

Cooperate with the courts in its electronic records project, which includes electronic receipt of hearing and trial notices, discovery, and other documents and information, and…


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