Public Defense Attorney

In addition to annual step increases, this position will receive a general wage increase of 5.5 percent, effective 1/1/2025. 

The King County Department of Public Defense (DPD) is seeking dedicated Public Defense Attorneys who are passionate about advocating for our clients. Our collaborative approach means that you’ll work alongside skilled investigators, mitigation specialist, paralegals, and other committed support staff, ensuring that we provide exceptional, client-centered representation.

DPD is the best-resourced public defense agency in the first state to adopt new caseload standards for public defenders based on the National Public Defense Workload Study | RAND. These standards, adopted by the Washington State Bar Association in March 2024, limit public defenders in felony practice to 110 weighted case credits in 2025, 90 weighted case credits in 2026, and 47 weighted case credits annually by 2027. The new standards also weigh more serious charges with additional credit, leading to even lower limits for public defenders defending against more serious alleged offenses.
 
Throughout their phased-in implementation beginning in July 2025, these new caseload standards will afford DPD’s attorneys the time they need to fully investigate and litigate every client’s case. Just as importantly, we believe these standards – along with the training and support all our staff receive – will allow public defenders joining DPD to have a long, sustainable career providing representation they can be proud of to the most vulnerable members of our community. DPD has already began implementing phase I standards a year in advance.  This shows DPD’s commitment to being a leader in the field of public defense.

As a DPD attorney, you’ll enjoy: 

• Pay comparable with county prosecutors.
• A comprehensive benefits package, including a pension.
• Support from a unionized workplace.
• Robust funding for expert witnesses and ongoing training opportunities.

• Have training, mentorship, and hands-on trial experience under the guidance of experienced supervisors.
• Have support in pursuing various litigation strategies including writs and interlocutory appeals.
• Have opportunities to explore diverse practice areas and a wide variety of case types.
• Have the ability to work with experts in different fields.
• Participate in in-house and national training programs.
• Have a flexible work schedule, including telecommuting options.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES include but are not limited to the following:  

• Provide competent legal representation and advocacy for indigent clients, including those with limited English proficiency.
• Oversee all aspects of legal representation from arraignment through trial and, and if necessary, sentencing, and post-trial processes. This includes conducting plea negotiations and mitigation efforts. 
• Engage in motions practice, which involves researching, writing, and arguing pretrial motions, as well as preparing and collaborating with and preparing expert witnesses across various fields.
• Serve a diverse client base, including individuals facing mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and other systemic issues. 
• Develop and implement effective legal strategies that address client needs, often in collaboration with investigators, mitigation specialists, and paralegals.

Required Qualifications: 

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school, or a combination of experience, education, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the job duties. (Current law students should apply through a separate posting designated for those intending to take the bar, available August 2025).
• Admission to the Washington State Bar Association or licensure in another state that qualifies you for a license under Admission and Practice Rule (APR) 8(f) House Counsel. WSBA rules permit lawyers licensed in any other U.S. state to apply for admission to the Washington bar by motion, and DPD will reimburse any associated expenses for successful applicants.
• Minimum age of 21. 
• Availability for on-call 24-hour coverage, currently requiring approximately one week per year or two Saturday calendars annually. 
• Valid Washington State driver's license or the ability to travel throughout King County.

• At least two years of criminal practice and/or jury trial practice.
• Proficiency in languages other than English, particularly Spanish. 
• Clinical training in public defense.
• Lived experience related to the criminal legal system that resonates with DPD’s clients.

• Performance Guidelines for Criminal Defense Representation approved by the Washington State Bar Association
• Applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures including:
  • Washington State Criminal Code
  • Washington State Court Rules of Evidence
  • Washington State Court Rules
  • Washington State Rules of Professional Conduct
  • Performance Guidelines for Juvenile Defense Representation approved by the Washington State Bar Association
  • Performance Guidelines for Attorneys Representing Respondents in Civil Commitment Proceedings approved by the Washington State Bar Association

• Execute strong trial, research, and writing skills.
• Provide client-centered representation, ensuring frequent and effective communication using the most suitable medium for each client. 
• Provide excellent customer service, including communicating with people of diverse backgrounds, who may be experiencing stress, trauma, and/or suffering from mental illness.  
• Champion equity and social justice, demonstrating an understanding of systematic racism and its long-term effects. Engage in open and sincere discussions about race and equity in our work. 
• Communicate effectively with all internal and external partners, articulating analysis clearly in both spoken and written forms. 
• Manage the needs of many clients in a deadline-driven environment. 
• Work with a diverse clientele, respecting differences in race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, and national origin. 
• Maintain all continuing legal education requirements as set forth by the Washington State Bar Association, with special emphasis on criminal defense. (Note: All DPD employees receive access to more than enough free CLE courses to meet this requirement at no cost, though individual attorneys are responsible for ensuring they remain current with continuing education requirements.)

WHY KING COUNTY?
 
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 APPLY?
This opportunity to join the Department of Public Defense (DPD) is open to all qualified applicants. To process your application, please provide the following items:

1. A complete King County application (available at www.kingcounty.gov/jobs) including your bar license information under the “Certificates and Licenses” section. 
2. A cover letter addressing: What does being a public defender mean to you? How do your experiences and background help you achieve results for your clients?
3. A resume.
4. A legal writing sample, such as a brief, motion, or client letter. 

• Dexter Horton Building, 710 Second Avenue, Seattle.
• Jefferson Street Building, 1401 East Jefferson, Seattle.
• Meeker Street Building, 420 West Harrison Street, Kent.