Attorney III

Attorney III Position

The Yakima County Assigned Counsel Office (Office of the Public Defender) has one opening for an Attorney III level. The incumbent is responsible for providing professional legal indigent defense for clients in the District Court or Superior Court (Adult, Juvenile and/or ITA). Assignment is subject to the needs of the indigent defense program.

Benefits included in position:

• Health Care Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Basic Life and Basic LTD)
• Retirement Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave

This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies that occur within 90 days of the closing of this position. (This excludes Yakima County Sheriff's Office and Department of Corrections)

Responsibilities:

Essential Duties:

Performs complex and serious cases and assignments at a journey to advanced level, with moderate to minimal supervision in a wide variety of criminal and/or civil legal work, depending upon assignment. Uses attorney training, office resources, and timely involvement of supervisors to ensure effective and professional representation of parties involved. When assigned, exercises lead or limited supervisory authority.

In Criminal Matters:

Evaluates each case and assesses its factual and legal sufficiency under the law at each stage of a criminal proceeding by reviewing police and other reports and analyzing all information available.

Evaluates strengths, weaknesses and facts of each case for purposes of additional investigation, plea negotiations, development of case strategy and trial preparation.

Coordinates or conducts case investigation for trial preparation as necessary. Arranges for tests of physical evidence, testimony of expert witnesses and interviews or directs interviews of witnesses as required. Interviews and confers with client regarding facts, plea discussions, trial, sentencing and progress of case and maintains client confidentiality.

Instigates or responds to plea bargaining negotiations with opposing counsel and represents the interest of the client.

Represents the client at preliminary appearances, arraignments, pre-trial motions, pleas of guilty, sentencing hearings and post-trial matters such as restitution hearings and sentence reviews/amendments.

Conducts all trial actions including: selection of jury, opening arguments, direct and cross examination, introduction of evidence and exhibits, preparation of jury instructions, closing arguments and post-trial motions.

In Civil Matters:

Represents clients at all stages of the following civil matters and proceedings: civil commitment proceedings (except under RCW 71.09), civil contempt, truancy, and at risk youth, and drug forfeitures.

In all civil matters, performs case evaluation, additional investigation, trial preparation, settlement negotiations, pre-trial motions, non-jury and jury trials and appeals as required.

Supervision in All Matters:

Normally requires only moderate to low supervision. Is able to perform lead or limited supervisory duties when assigned, including assigning and reviewing cases to and with other attorneys, evaluation of performance, resolution of ethical issues, response to complaints regarding services provided.

Other Duties As Assigned in All Matters:

Performs other duties as assigned such as: participation in the management of the department; preparation of appellate briefs in connection with appeals; preparation of correspondence and pleadings on a personal computer; participation in or preparation and presentation of in-house training programs; and presentation of educational programs to local school, community or civic organizations.

Education and Experience:

• A minimum of eight (8) years of law practice experience;
• A significant amount of jury trial and/or courtroom experience at the Juvenile Court and/or Superior Court level;
• Qualified by experience to handle contested trial matters with moderate to low supervision in District Court, Juvenile Court and/or Superior Court.

Required:

• Admission to the Washington State Bar;
  Admission to practice in the Supreme Court of Washington.
• Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation which may include fingerprinting.
• Valid Washington State Driver's License and proof of insurance at time of employment are required.

Equipment Used:

Telephone, copy and fax machines, and personal computer. Must have the ability to drive personal and/or County vehicle, and travel to locations outside of the courthouse.

Working Conditions:

This position is rated as Sedentary Work:
Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting, most of the time.

Environment:
Pathogen exposure work in locked down facilities, exposure to hostile/angry individuals, work outside of standard business hours and multiple work locations;

Physical Demands: bending, carrying, handling, lifting,…