King County, WA · 5 months ago
Public Defense Attorney
Seattle, WA
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
2+ years expKing County's Department of Public Defense (DPD) is seeking dedicated Public Defense Attorneys who are passionate about advocating for clients. This role involves providing high-quality legal representation and advocacy for indigent clients while collaborating with a team to ensure exceptional, client-centered representation.
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Responsibilities
Provide high-quality legal representation and advocacy for indigent clients, including individuals with limited English proficiency and those with disabilities
Handle all stages of representation—from arraignment through trial, and when necessary, sentencing and select post-conviction motions—under DPD’s vertical model of public defense, which ensures continuity of representation by the same attorney throughout the case
Conduct plea negotiations, mitigation, and other case resolution strategies
Engage in motions practice, including legal research, drafting, and arguing pretrial motions, often in collaboration with expert witnesses
Represent and advocate for a diverse client base, including individuals experiencing mental illness, substance use disorder, and/or trauma
Develop and implement effective legal strategies that address both legal and client-centered needs, in collaboration with investigators, mitigation specialists, and paralegals
Qualification
Required
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
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
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
Preferred
At least two years of criminal or civil practice that includes motion and 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
Benefits
A comprehensive benefits package, including a pension.
Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what’s best for themselves and their eligible dependents
Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
Generous vacation and paid sick leave
Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
Flexible Spending Account
Wellness programs
Onsite activity centers
Employee Giving Program
Employee assistance programs
Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
Training and career development programs
Company
King County, WA
King County is one of the best places to work in Washington and one of the state's largest employers with 14,000 dedicated employees.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Laura Federighi
Chief Financial Officer
Dan Bernard
Communities of Opportunity (COO) Employment Manager
Recent News
2025-08-27
2025-08-27
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