Deputy Public Defender II

Job Summary
The Deputy Public Defender II is the full journey level class within the Public Defense Office series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Deputy Public Defender I by the performance of the full range of cases as assigned. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the judicial procedures and policies of the work unit. The Deputy Public Defender Attorney II receives direction from higher level defense attorney staff.

This recruitment may be used to fill future openings.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Equivalent to a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Membership in the State Bar of Washington
• Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge will be considered.

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, Senior Public Defender Page 3 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

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

Carries up to a full caseload of felonies (Class A, B, & C felony types)

Assists other attorneys in matters of trial strategy, tactics, and legal research and analysis

Represents defendants in Superior Court who have financially qualified for court-appointed counsel.

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

Reviews police reports, interviews with witnesses, work with the court and prosecutor to resolve cases. Appropriately utilizes non-attorney professional funding services.

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

Provides legal assistance to defense attorney staff and other County and government attorneys as requested.

Conducts research into legal precedents, federal laws, state statutes, and County ordinances and represents the client's interest in court

Interacts, mediates and negotiates with opposing counsel, judges, office staff, other agencies and law enforcement

Performs time management and scheduling functions, meet deadlines, and set project priorities

Represents the Office of Public Defense with various agencies, Judges, court Commissioners, law enforcement officials, County officials, school officials, and the bar association. Serves on specific task groups or committees as assigned.

Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with County policies, procedures and safety practices.

Performs other duties as assigned

Salary Grade
M2.403

Salary Range
$9,514.00 - $13,320.00- per month

Close Date
Open Until Filled Recruiter
Rori Jones
Email:
View email address on click.appcast.io

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 View phone number on click.appcast.io; Relay View phone number on click.appcast.io.