Classification: Attorney I/II

Job Req: R1970

Department: Assigned Counsel

Hours/Week: 40

Union: N/A

Pay Range: Annual Pay Range as follows: Attorney I - $100,000 - $108,243 (ATT I Step 1-5) Attorney II - $111,491 - $125,556 (ATT II Step 1-7)

Hiring Range: Annual Hiring Range as follows: Attorney I - $100,000 - $106,121 ( ATT Step 1-4 DOQ) Attorney II - $111,491 - $118,315 (ATTII Step 1-4 DOQ)

Temporary Hiring Incentive of $15,000 ($7,500 upon acceptance and $7,500 after six months of employment) from July 1, 2024 to June ,2025.

Open Date: 07/02/2024

Close Date: 12/31/2024 with weekly reviews

Overview:

The Yakima County Assigned Counsel Office (Office of the Public Defender) has immediate openings for Attorneys at the Attorney I and II levels. The incumbent is responsible for providing professional legal indigent defense for clients in the District Court or Superior Court (Adult, Juvenile and/or ITA). Assignment is subject to the needs of the indigent defense program.

Benefits included in position:

Health Care Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Basic Life and Basic LTD)

Retirement Benefits

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

Paid Sick Leave

This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies that occur within 90 days of the closing of this position. (This excludes Yakima County Sheriff's Office and Department of Corrections)

Responsibilities:

Essential Duties:

Performs attorney cases and assignments of a moderate level of complexity and seriousness, with close to moderate supervision in a wide variety of criminal and/or civil legal work, depending upon assignment, which may change. Uses attorney training, office resources, and timely involvement of supervisors to ensure effective and professional representation of parties involved.

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In Criminal Matters:

Evaluates each case and assesses its factual and legal sufficiency under the law at each stage of a criminal proceeding by reviewing police and other reports and analyzing all information available.

Evaluates strengths, weaknesses and facts of each case for purposes of additional investigation, plea negotiations, development of case strategy and trial preparation.

Coordinates or conducts case investigation for trial preparation as necessary.  Arranges for tests of physical evidence, testimony of expert witnesses and interviews or directs interviews of witnesses as required. Interviews and confers with client regarding facts, plea discussions, trial, sentencing and progress of case and maintains client confidentiality.

Instigates or responds to plea bargaining negotiations with opposing counsel and represents the interest of the client.

Represents the client at preliminary appearances, arraignments, pre-trial motions, pleas of guilty, sentencing hearings and post-trial matters such as restitution hearings and sentence reviews/amendments.

Conducts all trial actions including: selection of jury, opening arguments, direct and cross examination, introduction of evidence and exhibits, preparation of jury instructions, closing arguments and post-trial motions. 

Responds to individuals arrested who wish to consult with an attorney at critical stages of proceedings.

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In Civil Matters:

Represents clients at all stages of the following civil matters and proceedings: civil commitment proceedings (except under RCW 71.09), civil contempt, tru