Senior Public Defender (Project position through 2025)

Job Summary

A Senior Public Defender practices in all the trial courts in which assigned counsel

attorneys work, without supervision. Provides general supervision to attorneys and

support staff. Supervises the Public Defender’s assigned to each unit.

This position reports directly to the Assistant Chief Public Defender and works in

collaboration with other Senior Public Defenders.

This class specification reflects the general concept and intent of the classification and

should not be construed as a detailed statement of all the work requirements that may be

inherent in a position.

This recruitment will be used to fill several positions.

This is a limited duration position through December 31, 2025.

Qualifications

Education and Experience :

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be :

Graduation from an ABA accredited school of law and must be a member of the Washington State Bar Association or obtain membership after employment.

Ten years of practice as an attorney with a minimum of three years trial experience in the trial of criminal cases. Proven experience in handling all phases of the most complex felony cases without supervision.

Ability to successfully pass Clark County background investigation.

Valid Washington State driver’s license.

• Knowledge of.... organization and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies and operational needs;
• operational characteristics, services and activities of a public defense office; legal principles and practices, including civil, criminal, constitutional, and administrative law and procedure;
• legal research, terminology and procedures; organization, duties, powers, limitations, and authority of County government and a public defense office;
• pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations; principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation;

principles and practices of budget preparation and administration; and so forth.

• Ability to.... analyze and apply legal principles; manage and coordinate the work of supervisory, professional, and technical personnel;
• interpret and explain public defense standards, policies and procedures; organize, interpret, and apply legal principles and procedures;
• prepare and present difficult cases in court; conduct research on complex legal problems and prepare sound legal opinions;
• prepare and administer a budget; select, supervise, train and evaluate staff; interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations;

communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including County and other government officials, community groups, and the general public; and so forth.

Selection Process :

Resume and other documents must be attached together in the 'Resume Upload' section of the application. Multiple files are allowed, but all applicant attachments must be uploaded simultaneously, as there is no way to edit or append uploaded materials after submitting the application.

Application Review (Pass / Fail) - An online application is required. Attaching a resume does not substitute for a completed application;

incomplete applications will not pass the application review. Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

Practical Exam (Pass / Fail) - This recruitment may require a practical exam which will be job related and may include, but not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement.

Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

Oral Interview - The interview will be job related and may include, not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement.

Top candidate(s) will continue in the process.

Employment references will be conducted for the final candidates and may include verification of education.

It is general policy of the County that new employees should be hired at the lower steps of the applicable range and advance through the range at the normal progression.

Examples of Duties

KEY OR TYPICAL TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

Carries up to a full caseload of felonies, including homicides, persistent offenders, and other serious charges.

Observes or second chairs at least one entire jury trial of a Public Defender II during an evaluation period. Reviews and assists in matters of tactics, trial strategy, legal research, writing and motion practice.

• Assists the Chief Public Defender / Director and the Assistant Chief with hiring and personnel assignment recommendations;
• plans, schedules, and assigns work; establishes priorities; instructs and trains in correct methods and procedures; reviews and evaluates staff performance;

mediates problems and conflicts among attorneys and support staff. May work with the Director / Chief Public Defender, Assistant Chief and Human Resources to address employee relation issues and concerns.

Handles miscellaneous court hearings, including but not limited to, first appearance calendars in all courts, arraignment calendars, non-compliance calendars (probation violations and failures to comply), ability to substitute in Drug Court, Mental Health Court and Involuntary Treatment Act hearings.

Reviews policy reports, interviews witness, works with the court and prosecutor to resolve cases. Appropriately utilizes non-attorney professional services.

Maintains accurate and complete statistical information to be used for future needs and projections.

Represents Clark County Public Defense with various agencies, judges, court commissioners, law enforcement officials, County officials, school officials and bar association.

Attends public and civic meetings. When assigned, serves on specific task groups or committees.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Salary Grade

M2.405

Salary Range

$10,312.00 - $15,469.00- per month

Close Date

12 / 31 / 2025

Recruiter

Rori Jones

Email :

Equal Opportunity Employer

Clark County is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity in employment, access, and delivery of all county services.

Clark County’s Equal Employment Opportunity Plan is available at .

Employee Benefits and additional compensation

Clark County provides regular full-time and part-time employees with a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, vision and dental insurance, paid leave, flexible spending accounts, life insurance and long-term disability, retirement, and deferred compensation.

Some types of employees in some positions and bargaining units might have different benefits and additional compensation.

More specific benefit information for the different bargaining units can be found at . Also please refer to the specific bargaining unit contract for additional compensation at .

Retirement Information

All Clark County employees must participate in a WASHINGTON STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM PLAN (PERS, PSERS or LEOFF).Employee contributions begin the first day of work.

Current contribution rates vary by plan but could range from 5% to 15% of gross pay, depending on the plan choice.

For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site here :

If you are in need of ADA / Section 504 assistance for accommodations, please contact Human Resources at (564) 397-2456; Relay (800) 833-6388.