Associate Special Counsel

This position is open until filled, and priority consideration of applications for those submitted before or on May 21, 2024.

This opportunity will be filled as either Career Service or a Special Duty Assignment (please see separate posting).

A Government Entity Department of Public Defense (DPD) is looking to hire an attorney to focus on building internal capacity to identify and litigate legal issues that would have a systemic impact. We are looking for candidates who can: identify key issues in Washington caselaw; train staff on developments in appellate caselaw and legislative changes; work collaboratively with our staff to build a strong trial record on issues of systemic importance; and, where appropriate, litigate strategic appeals.

Job Duties:
Essential Job Functions and Duties Include but Are Not Limited to The Following:

• Working Collaboratively with Dpd Attorneys to Identify Legal Issues that Impact Dpd Clients.
• Attending division level unit meetings and creating other opportunities to work directly with line staff.
• Providing training regarding criminal caselaw updates, legislative changes, and other criminal law related issues.
• Developing training materials for supervisors in the criminal practice.
• Drafting model briefs, in collaboration with others.
• Conducting training on the issues/factual records that we seek to set up for appeal.
• Filing appeals and motions for discretionary review on behalf of DPD clients, litigating those appeals, and where appropriate, coordinating an amicus strategy.
• Responding to proposed court rule changes and advancing DPD efforts to propose court rules.
• Educating other appellate counsel about strategic appellate litigation that DPD is hoping to advance.
• Consulting and discussing legislative proposals with other DO staff to evaluate impacts.
• Supporting DPD in writing amicus brief when that will advance DPD's clients' interests.
• Working with Communications Manager regarding media contacts connected to any of the above.
• Demonstrates and practices cultural sensitivity when engaging a diverse population.

Other Functions:

• Attending court hearings in Seattle and Kent.
• Attending stakeholder meetings as requested by the Director.
• Other duties as assigned.

The Department reserves the right to assign additional duties in support of DPD's mission.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills:
To accept this role, you must:

• Possess a J.D. from an accredited law school or any combination of experience/education/training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the work.
• Be admitted to Washington State Bar Association or licensing in other states qualifying for a license under Rule 8.
• Be at least 21 years old.
• Maintain a valid Washington State driver's license or the ability to travel throughout A Government Entity.

Ability to:

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with attorneys, employees, other agencies, and the public.
• Work under pressure, managing multiple priorities to meet competing demands and deadlines.
• Use modern technology to develop training modules needed for in-person and online platforms.
• Use effective communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills to engage others.

The Following qualifications are a plus:

• Demonstrated track record of appellate litigation.
• Trial level public defense experience.
• Familiarity with DPD's practice areas and strategic objectives.
• Demonstrated commitment to public defense.