County Attorney - Assigned Counsel

Position: County Attorney 2 - Assigned Counsel
Why It's a Great Opportunity:
This is a great opportunity for an experienced attorney to work on complex cases including Adult Felony Class B, C, and occasional Class A Felonies, all Juvenile Delinquency cases, and Dependency/Termination of Parental Rights proceedings. You may also be assigned to act as a senior litigator in DAC’s Adult Misdemeanor Division. You will help define and maintain current standards of professional behavior and continually examine DAC’s work environment to improve operations and protocols.

You may also be called upon to represent DAC externally to the justice system and public. The Public Defense Conflict Office handles Adult Felony cases only.

Some of the projects you may support include:
1. APPR Project
2. Issues related to State v. Blake
2. Juvenile Re-sentencing matters including LWOP matters
4. Trueblood issues

Why It's a Great Department:
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 Courts;
Municipal Courts in Tacoma, Fircrest, and Ruston; and Pierce County Juvenile Court proceedings. DAC also provides constitutionally mandated legal services to indigent parents involved in Juvenile Court dependency and termination proceedings and 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.

How to be Successful in the Role:
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.

You must also be a self-motivated, consistent professional, who not only understands, but has demonstrated superior competence in representation obligations pursuant to Indigent Defense Standards. This position requires you to be present and available for staff on the team.

Your Future in this Role:
In this role you will further develop your leadership, be challenged on a daily basis and help to define and streamline processes and protocols. In addition,Pierce County offers a Leadership Certificate Program, Employee Resource Groups, and many other learning and growth opportunities.

Core Daily Responsibilities:

• Maintain a high-volume case load and prepare appropriate written correspondence for litigation.
• May provide direction to coordinate the activities of internal and external support staff.
• Exercise considerable independent judgment, initiative resourcefulness in adapting policies and precedents to complex situations or to select a proper course of action.
• Act as mentor to County Attorneys 1 by actively conveying skills and knowledge.
• Accept appointments to provide representation in more complex case settings.
• Consult with staff within the Division for legal and strategic advice.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be foundhere.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited law school AND
• Member of the Washington State Bar Association (in good standing)
• Three or more years of legal experience in indigent defense.
• Willingness to accept appointment as co-counsel to more/most complex adult felony cases.
• Submit a resume, a substantive cover letter with notable accomplishments, and an original writing sample.

Special Requirements and/or Qualifications

• A valid Washington State Driver's License is required.

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed…