Deputy Public Defender II

Salary : $92,092.80 - $109,469.52 Annually
Location : Mason County, WA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202600033
Department: Public Defense
Opening Date: 08/19/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: PD


Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks, which may be found in positions of this class.

Please review the full position description for additional information.

Description
A Deputy Public Defender II primarily practices in Superior Court, and plans, organizes, and coordinates the representation and defense of indigent clients in criminal cases for the County, with minimal supervision. Prepares and tries felony and misdemeanor cases.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES The Deputy Public Defender II position is distinguished from the lower level Deputy Public Defender I classification as the position requires the applicant to meet the Washington State Indigent Defense Standards for defending Class B and C Felonies. It is distinguished from the higher level Deputy Public Defender III classification in that the applicant need not meet the Indigent Defense Standards for Class A felony representation, and is not required to take Class A felonies onto its caseload. It is distinguished from both in that large portions of the work performed by the Deputy II is civil in nature, focusing on commitments and guardianship proceedings.

Essential Functions


(Any one position may not include all duties listed, nor do the examples include all tasks that may be performed in positions of this class.)


Focus Area - Juvenile Dependency
(essential functions assigned to Deputy Public Defender II with a focus in Juvenile Dependency which may include, but not be limited to, any combination of the following)

• Manages a full Superior Court caseload, largely centered around juveniles appearing on the offender calendar, the dependency calendar, and the BECCA calendar. May also be called upon to handle additional cases for other attorneys on an intermittent basis.
• Prepares cases for trial, pre-trial, and post-trial hearings and/or plea bargains with the Deputy Prosecuting Attorney.
• Assists other attorneys in matters of trial strategy, tactics, and legal research and analysis.
• Handles miscellaneous court hearings, including, but not limited to: preliminary appearance calendars, arraignment calendars, non-compliance calendars, ability to substitute in Therapeutic Court hearings, Juvenile Court, and District Court when necessary.
• Maintains membership in good standing in the Washington State Bar Association and complies with all relevant standards for representing indigent defendants in accordance with the Washington State Supreme Court and Mason County.
• Reviews police reports, interviews witnesses, and works with the court, deputy prosecutors, and assistant attorneys general to resolve cases as appropriate.
• Performs a variety of legal office work, prepares appropriate legal pleadings, and does necessary research.
• Maintains accurate and complete statistical information to be used for future needs and projections.
• Appropriately utilizes non-attorney professional services.
• Provides back-up defense for Superior, and District Courts and is knowledgeable of the rules and procedures of the courts.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Public Defender.

Focus Area - Superior Court Civil and Therapeutic Courts
(essential functions assigned to Deputy Public Defender II with a focus in Superior and Therapeutic Courts which may include, but not be limited to, any combination of the following)

• Manages a full Superior Court caseload, largely centered around therapeutic courts, Involuntary Treatment Court, and the Uniform Guardianship Act. May also be called upon to handle juvenile conflict cases, dependency child representation cases, or felony "B" and "C" cases.
• Prepares cases for trial, pre-trial, and post-trial hearings and/or plea bargains with the Deputy Prosecuting Attorney.
• Assists other attorneys in matters of trial strategy, tactics, and legal research and analysis.
• Handles miscellaneous court hearings, including, but not limited to: preliminary appearance calendars, arraignment calendars, non-compliance calendars, ability to substitute in Drug Court hearings, Juvenile Court, and District Court when necessary.
• Maintains membership in good standing in the Washington State Bar Association and complies with all relevant standards for representing indigent defendants in accordance with the Washington State Supreme Court and Mason County.
• Reviews police reports, interviews witnesses, and works with the court, deputy prosecutors, and assistant attorneys general to resolve cases as appropriate.
• Performs a variety of legal office work, prepares appropriate legal pleadings, and does necessary research.
• Maintains accurate and complete statistical information to be used for future needs and projections.
• Appropriately utilizes non-attorney professional services.
• Provides back-up defense for Superior, District, and Juvenile Courts and is knowledgeable of District and Juvenile Court rules and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Public Defender.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an ABA accredited school of law and must be a member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association.
• Knowledge of criminal law and judicial procedure of Washington State, techniques of interviewing, and preparation and defense of all variety of criminal cases, with emphasis on felonies.
• Ability to perform legal research; analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to legal problems.
• Present law, facts, evidence, and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form.
• Work harmoniously and maintain good public relations.
• Qualified under the Washington State Indigent Defense Standards to handle "B" and "C" level felonies.

Supplemental Information

Health Insurance Enjoy medical, dental, and vision coverage for yourself and eligible dependents as a regular full-time employee. Some part-time employees may also qualify. We offer affordable plans, with premiums partially covered based on the type of coverage you choose.

Retirement Plans Secure your future with enrollment in one of Washington State's Department of Retirement Systems programs: PERS, PSERS, or LEOFF. Both you and the County contribute to your retirement, ensuring long-term financial stability.

Paid Leave Take time to recharge! Mason County provides sick leave, holidays, and vacation time based on County policies or union agreements. Plus, your vacation accrual grows the longer you stay with us.

Life & AD&D Insurance We've got you covered with County-paid basic life and AD&D insurance for added peace of mind.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Access 24/7 support for yourself, your spouse, domestic partner, and children (up to age 26). Whether it's personal or work-related challenges, the EAP is here to help improve your well-being.

Educational Assistance Advance your career with County-supported education! Full-time employees may be reimbursed for approved courses relevant to their role.

Longevity Rewards We recognize and reward your dedication with additional monthly compensation for continuous service milestones.

Thriving Work Environment We maintain a drug-free, smoke-free workplace that fosters professionalism and respect.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion Mason County is an equal opportunity employer that celebrates diversity and upholds fair employment practices.

Accommodations for All Applicants If you need accommodations during the selection process, we're here to help! Contact our Human Resources Department at View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Join Mason County and build a rewarding career in a supportive and inclusive environment. Apply today to become part of our dedicated team!
01


Are you a member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association?

• Yes
• No
• No, I am a member in good standing in another state's bar association

02


Do you have the ability to perform legal research; analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to legal problems?

• Yes
• No

03


Are you qualified under the Washington State Indigent Defense Standards to handle "B" and "C" level felonies?

• Yes
• No

Required Question