County Attorney - Misdemeanor

Eligibility

Applicants who have a scheduled bar examination are encouraged to apply. Conditional offers of employment can be made in advance of passing the bar examination, contingent upon completion and passing of all pre-employment requirements.

The Pierce County Department of Assigned Counsel (DAC) provides the opportunity to work in a supportive environment with significant training and opportunities to improve trial skills by providing active courtroom experience with ongoing support. As a DAC employee you will make a difference in people's lives and a positive contribution to Pierce County. DAC Attorneys represent indigent clients in all stages of misdemeanor criminal proceedings, including arraignment, motions, trial, and review hearings.

The Department of Assigned Counsel (DAC) is responsible for the delivery of mandated legal services to indigent persons accused of crimes in the Pierce County Superior Court;
Pierce County District Court;
Tacoma, University Place, Eatonville and Edgewood Municipal Courts; and Pierce County Juvenile Court proceedings. DAC also provides constitutionally mandated legal services to persons detained for involuntary civil commitment proceedings at Western State Hospital and other evaluation and treatment facilities. The mission of the Department of Assigned Counsel is to provide and administer the public defense delivery system in Pierce County in a manner that assures eligible people receive professional and effective representation while efficiently utilizing public resources.

The Department of Assigned Counsel provides professional high-quality representation to individuals in a variety of settings.

For more information about our great organization, please visit by clicking here.

You will bring your strong interpersonal skills, excellent research and writing skills, commitment to social justice, ability to provide quality legal representation and zealous advocacy for indigent clients at all stages of criminal proceedings to this role. If you are passionate about advocating for your clients, are organized and detail-oriented, can adjust and adapt to unexpected circumstances, and ask questions when assistance or guidance is needed, then this role is for you.

Prior courtroom experience is preferred but not required.

Your Future in this Role:

In this role you will represent clients at all stages of criminal proceedings, gaining experience and expertise in the process. You will have the opportunity to progressively take on more challenging cases and legal issues. New attorneys will have at least one other attorney assigned to a courtroom with them, they will also be assigned a mentor. The department regularly hosts in-house trainings throughout the year (approximately 18 annually), as well as provides access to other training resources, including statewide memberships.

Pierce County offers a Leadership Certificate Program, Employee Resource Groups, and many other learning and growth opportunities.

• Provide legal representation for accused at in-custody arraignment proceedings.
• Preparation and presentation at pretrial motion practices.
• Trial preparation, investigation and presentation.
• Plea negotiation processes.
• Responsibility to present appeals to Superior Court and provide legal representation during the appellate process.
• Representation at sentencing proceedings, post-trial motions and revocation proceedings.
• Lead responsibility of Rule 9 Legal Licensed Legal Interns.
• Manage a substantial caseload of clients.
• Provide legal representation to all eligible clients who are the subject of civil commitment proceedings in superior court, including representation at 72-hour hearings, 14-day hearings, 90-day hearings, 180-day hearings, motions to revise, appeals and other applicable motions practice.
• Trial preparation, investigation and presentation.

A complete list of duties can be found in the classification description here.

• Juris Doctorate.
• Meet minimum professional qualifications per the Washington State Supreme Court Standards for Indigent Defense found at CrR 3.1.
• Admission to the Washington State Bar Association and license to practice law in Washington State.
• Valid Driver’s license.
• This position requires you to submit a resume, cover letter, Unofficial Law School Transcript, list of at least 3 references, and a writing sample.

• Experience in a courtroom or clinic.

• As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

• Complete and submit an online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to:(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..
• If you have a question about this…