Managing Attorney Preparation Program; MAPP), NDD

This recruitment is internal only and open to current career service Public Defense Attorney – Supervisors in the Northwest Defenders Division of the Department of Public Defense.

King County Department of Public Defense (DPD) is seeking interested applicants for one (1)
Special Duty Assignment as Managing Attorney Preparation Program (MAPP) in our Northwest Defenders Division.

This assignment is anticipated to last for up to two (2) years per the contract provisions.

About the Position

DPD is committed to the development and career progression of our dedicated supervising attorney staff. In partnership with Teamsters Local 117, DPD has initiated a project entitled the MAPP, which aims to develop current staff for senior leadership roles, while helping DPD to deepen its bench of qualified and competent senior leaders.

DPD will utilize supervisor levels to recruit, recognize, and retain talented, accomplished supervisors who are interested in upward career progression within the department and seek to strengthen their leadership skillset and experiences.

Department’s Mission Statement

The King County Department of Public Defense represents indigent adults and children facing a loss of liberty. Our department is an independent voice that promotes justice and equity for our clients and advocates for their objectives, interests, and dignity.

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 proceedings.

DPD advocates to reduce the harm and reach of the criminal and civil legal systems that restrict our clients’ liberty, and advances policy reforms to reduce 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:

• MAPP participants are expected to fulfill all associated standard supervisor duties, in addition to being asked to actively participate in and complete learning and development assignments and various on‑the‑job training tasks, including but not limited to:
• Be the incumbent back‑up to fill in for temporary vacancies as Managing Attorney.
• Assist the managing attorney with tasks such as:
  • verifying that all staff are evaluated on an annual basis.
  • drafting and disseminating division communications.
  • consulting on policy and personnel matters.
  • supporting the Managing Attorney with planning and implementing employee engagement strategies.
• Serve as mentor to supervisors.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Standard supervisor duties include:

• Supervise attorneys, professional, legal and support staff.
• Develop, evaluate, train, mentor, and coach subordinate employees. Ensure work conforms with prevailing professional standards and applicable statutes and county policies.
• In consultation and coordination with Managing Attorney and Human Resource staff, conduct disciplinary investigations and impose discipline when appropriate.
• Provide mentorship to attorneys and others within the unit.
• Assign and balance workload among attorneys within unit.
• Ensure unit employees are up to date on DPD policies and developments, relevant legislative proposals or enactments and administrative and case law changes that bear on the practice area.

The following competencies will be evaluated as a part of this selection process:

• Self‑Development
• Valuing Differences
• Collaboration
• Managerial Courage
• Driving Engagement
• Instilling Trust
• Driving Results

Licensing, Certification and Other Requirements:

Member of the Washington State Bar Association in good standing.

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 welcoming 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.

Are You Ready To…