RFQ - Blake Attorney Representation - Statewide

Blake Attorney Representation - Skamania County RFQ 26011 Background The State v. Blake decision invalidated 100,000s criminal convictions for simple drug possession from 1971 to 2021. Consequently, thousands of people across the state need to have their simple drug possession conviction vacated, refund of legal financial obligations, and in eligible felony cases to be resentenced. OPD has provided representation for individuals impacted by the Blake decision since 2022. There remains a strong demand for legal representation for individuals needing assistance with vacating their unconstitutional convictions and receiving their lawfully owed refunds. Position Summary OPD will enter into a contract or contracts with solo practice attorneys and/or multi‑attorney organizations who will provide legal services to individuals who may be eligible for Blake resentencing in any superior court located in Washington State with highest priority for cases from Clallam County, Clark County, Cowlitz County, Grays Harbor County, Jefferson County, Kitsap County, Mason County, Pacific County, and, Skamania County, Thurston County, and Wahkiakum County. Provide timely direct legal representation for individuals seeking a resentencing for a Blake conviction including drafting motions CrR 7.8 motions, gathering and presenting mitigation evidence, and responding to challenges related to resentencing. May also include work on vacating the underlying Blake conviction. Note that the court of conviction and resentencing court may be located anywhere in the State of Washington. Report to OPD hours and issues worked on monthly basis. Contractors will not be guaranteed a minimum number of hours each month under this contract; hours available under this contract will vary month-to-month depending on local factors. Contractors must have sufficient capacity to timely address any incarcerated client that needs resentencing relief. Required Qualifications Licensed member in good standing with the Washington State Bar. Carries malpractice insurance. Is Class A adult felony-qualified under the Washington State Court Standards for Indigent Defense and WSBA Public Defense Standards. Knowledge of Washington State criminal law. Strong knowledge of sentencing and offender scoring under the Washington’s Sentencing Reform Act. Experience with alleged community custody, drug offender sentencing alternative, and DOC policy violations under the Washington’s Sentencing Reform Act. Experience working with incarcerated people. Experience in obtaining and working with experts, social workers, release planning, and mitigation investigation. Desired Qualifications Prior experience with State v. Blake matters including resentencing, LFOs, and vacation of convictions. Experience practicing law as a public defender or indigent attorney. Experience litigating CrR 7.8 motions. Experience litigating resentencing and mitigation matters. Compensation Each contract attorney will be compensated $160.00 hourly, with a contract cap of $30,000. Paralegals or legal assistants working under attorneys and providing support for contract attorneys’ Blake work will be compensated $70.00 hourly. The number of hours per week or month that will be available under the contract will vary depending on local circumstances. Contractors who must travel outside the county where their office is located for Blake work may also be eligible for mileage and may bill the hourly rate for travel time. EEO Statement The Washington State Office of Public Defense vigorously pursues diversity in the work force. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ, persons with disabilities, formerly incarcerated individuals, and military veterans are encouraged to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr State-of-Washington-Office-of-Public-Defens