Public Defense Attorney

Required Qualifications: 

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school, or a combination of experience, education, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the job duties. (Current law students should apply through a separate posting designated for those intending to take the bar, available August 2025).
• Admission to the Washington State Bar Association or licensure in another state that qualifies you for a license under Admission and Practice Rule (APR) 8(f) House Counsel. WSBA rules permit lawyers licensed in any other U.S. state to apply for admission to the Washington bar by motion, and DPD will reimburse any associated expenses for successful applicants.
• Minimum age of 21.
• Availability for on-call 24-hour coverage, currently requiring approximately one week per year or two Saturday calendars annually.
• Valid Washington State driver's license or the ability to travel throughout King County.

• At least two years of criminal practice and/or jury trial practice.
• Proficiency in languages other than English, particularly Spanish.
• Clinical training in public defense.
• Lived experience related to the criminal legal system that resonates with DPD’s clients.

Knowledge Of:

• Performance Guidelines for Criminal Defense Representation approved by the Washington State Bar Association
• Applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures including:
  • Washington State Criminal Code
  • Washington State Court Rules of Evidence
  • Washington State Court Rules
  • Washington State Rules of Professional Conduct
  • Performance Guidelines for Juvenile Defense Representation approved by the Washington State Bar Association
  • Performance Guidelines for Attorneys Representing Respondents in Civil Commitment Proceedings approved by the Washington State Bar Association

• Execute strong trial, research, and writing skills.
• Provide client-centered representation, ensuring frequent and effective communication using the most suitable medium for each client.
• Provide excellent customer service, including communicating with people of diverse backgrounds, who may be experiencing stress, trauma, and/or suffering from mental illness.
• Champion equity and social justice, demonstrating an understanding of systematic racism and its long-term effects. Engage in open and sincere discussions about race and equity in our work.
• Communicate effectively with all internal and external partners, articulating analysis clearly in both spoken and written forms.
• Manage the needs of many clients in a deadline-driven environment.
• Work with a diverse clientele, respecting differences in race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, and national origin.
• Maintain all continuing legal education requirements as set forth by the Washington State Bar
• Association, with special emphasis on criminal defense. (Note: All DPD employees receive access to more than enough free CLE courses to meet this requirement at no cost, though individual attorneys are responsible for ensuring they remain current with continuing education requirements.)