RFQ - Blake Attorney Representation - Statewide

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

Blake Attorney Representation - Skamania County
RFQ 26011

Expected Contract Period:
Immediately through June 30, 2026. May be extended depending on funding.

Application Due Date:
Rolling. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and positions are open until filled. Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible.

Submit Applications by Email to: Blake Defense Program blake@opd.wa.gov

[BENEFITS INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS WEBSITE

DOES NOT APPLY TO CONTRACTORS]

Background:
The State v. Blake decision invalidated 100,000s criminal convictions for simple drug possession from 1971 to 2021. Consequently, thousands of people across the state need to have their simple drug possession conviction vacated, refund of legal financial obligations, and in eligible felony cases to be resentenced. OPD has provided representation for individuals impacted by the Blake decision since 2022. There remains a strong demand for legal representation for individuals needing assistance with vacating their unconstitutional convictions and receiving their lawfully owed refunds.

This position will provide direct representation for resentencing to individuals who are in high priority categories such as individuals who may be immediately released due to resentencing, cases returned on appeal, and other emergent scenarios.

Duties

Position Summary:
OPD will enter into a contract or contracts with solo practice attorneys and/or multi-attorney organizations who will provide legal services to individuals who may be eligible for Blake resentencing in ANY superior court located in Washington State with highest priority for cases from Clallam County, Clark County, Cowlitz County, Grays Harbor County, Jefferson County, Kitsap County, Mason County, Pacific County, and, Skamania County, Thurston County, and Wahkiakum County. Such legal services include:

1. Provide timely direct legal representation for individuals seeking a resentencing for a Blake conviction including drafting motions CrR 7.8 motions, gathering and presenting mitigation evidence, and responding to challenges related to resentencing. May also include work on vacating the underlying Blake conviction. Note that the court of conviction and resentencing court may be located anywhere in the State of Washington.

2. Report to OPD hours and issues worked on monthly basis.

Contractors will not be guaranteed a minimum number of hours each month under this contract;
hours available under this contract will vary month-to-month depending on local factors.
Contractors must have sufficient capacity to timely address any incarcerated client that needs resentencing relief.

This RFQ is open to solo practice attorneys or multi-attorney offices. Salary

• $160/hour

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
OPD is seeking attorneys with the following qualifications:

• Licensed member in good standing with the Washington State Bar.
• Carries malpractice insurance.
• Is Class A adult felony-qualified under the Washington State Court Standards for Indigent Defense and WSBA Public Defense Standards.
• Knowledge of Washington State criminal law.
• Strong knowledge of sentencing and offender scoring under the Washington’s Sentencing Reform Act.
• Experience with alleged community custody, drug offender sentencing alternative, and DOC policy violations under the Washington’s Sentencing Reform Act.
• Experience working with incarcerated people.
• Experience in obtaining and working with experts, social workers, release planning, and mitigation investigation.

Desired Qualifications:
In addition, the following qualifications are preferred:

• Prior experience with State v. Blake matters including resentencing, LFOs, and vacation of convictions.
• Experience practicing law as a public defender or indigent attorney.
• Experience litigating CrR 7.8 motions.
• Experience litigating resentencing and mitigation matters.

Other Information

Compensation:
Each contract attorney will be compensated $160.00 hourly, with a contract cap of $30,000. Paralegals or legal assistants working under attorneys and providing support for contract attorneys’ Blake work will be compensated $70.00 hourly. The number of hours per week or month that will be available under the contract will vary depending on local circumstances. Contractors who must travel outside the county where their office is located for Blake work may also be eligible for mileage and may bill the hourly rate for travel time.

How to Apply:
Questions regarding applications and completed applications can be sent to blake@opd.wa.gov. Please include the following information:

• Cover Letter describing how you meet the required qualifications listed above, and the preferred qualifications, if applicable.
• Your Resume or Resume of Attorneys who would participate in delivery of these services.
• Two (2) Professional References.
• Answers to following questions:

1. Please specify in what Blake and other resentencing work you have provide direct representation on, including what county or counties you have appeared in.

2. Please specify how many hours per week or month you expect to devote to the contract.

3. Please describe your current workload/practice, and how you would fit this contract into your existing workload.

4. Please describe what process you would use to ensure timely and regular communication with incarcerated clients.

OPD reserves the right to amend this Request for Qualifications and reserves the right to refrain from contracting with any and all applicants. This Request for Qualifications does not obligate the state of Washington or OPD to contract for the services specified here.

The Washington State Office of Public Defense vigorously pursues diversity in the work force. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ, persons with disabilities, formerly incarcerated individuals, and military veterans are encouraged to apply.

[BENEFITS INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS WEBSITE

DOES NOT APPLY TO CONTRACTORS]

Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026