Defense Attorney I-IV

About the Role The Benton County Office of Public Defense seeks Defense Attorneys I through IV to provide high-quality legal defense services to indigent defendants charged with misdemeanors or felonies in Benton County District or Superior Courts. Appointed by the Court or its designee, you will operate in a career progression series with opportunities to advance by meeting minimum qualifications and performance measures. What You'll Do

• Negotiate plea bargains, dismissals, or other dispositions with prosecutors.
• Investigate facts, identify meritorious defenses, and prepare defense strategies.
• Maintain ongoing communication with clients and respond to questions.
• Direct the work of investigators as needed.
• Research applicable law, draft motions and briefs, and file required documents.
• Manage client case files, prepare public defender time reports, and close files per policy.
• Consult with social workers, probation officers, judges, and referees to determine appropriate treatment programs as part of defense strategy.
• Prepare cases for trial, organize for trial preparation, and participate in hearings, preliminaries, and trials.
• Provide full representation from arrest through pre-trial, trial, sentencing, post-trial motions, and revocation proceedings as needed.
• File, present, and argue appeals to the Superior Court via the Rules for Appeal of Decisions of Courts of Limited Jurisdiction process.
• Maintain a substantial caseload and stay current on new laws and procedures.
• Provide legal advice to County departments and elected officials; assist and train support staff; and perform other duties as assigned. What We're Looking For
• Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university.
• License to practice law in the State of Washington; in good standing of the State Bar of Washington.
• Minimum experience by level:
• Attorney I: Six months defending or prosecuting criminal cases (or equivalent education/experience)
• Attorney II: Three years defending or prosecuting criminal cases with jury trials (or equivalent)
• Attorney III: Five years defending or prosecuting criminal cases with jury trials (or equivalent)
• Attorney IV: Seven years defending or prosecuting criminal cases with jury trials (or equivalent)
• Direct experience in at least two jury trials for Attorney I (trial experience gained as a Rule 9 Intern qualifies).
• Knowledge of Washington state criminal law, local statutes, and procedures; understanding collateral consequences and potential immigration and civil-commitment issues.
• Ability to research, draft motions and briefs, and communicate effectively with clients, law enforcement, judges, and County departments.
• Ability to manage a high-volume caseload with strong organizational and time-management skills. Nice to Have
• Rule 9 Intern trial experience qualifies for Attorney I. Compensation & Benefits
• Pay grades for Defense Attorney I-IV: I: 150, II: 155, III: 160, IV: 165 (exempt; annual compensation based on grade).
• Exempt status; eligibility for County benefits as per policy.