Attorney Trainer

Minimum Qualifications

• A member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association.
• At least five years of experience as a defense attorney, whether as an employee of a public defense agency, or private contractor. Experience as faculty in training programs hosted by public defense offices or organizations.
• Able to develop and sustain respectful professional relationships with a diverse community of state, county, and city government officials, judges, defense attorneys, professional associations, community representatives, and others.
• Experience using and interpreting Criminal Rules of Procedure, Rules of Professional Conduct, and Indigent Defense Standards.
• Understand Substance Use and Co-Occurring Mental Disorders, and Harm Reduction or other evidence-based approaches to reducing the negative consequences associated with drug use.
• A demonstrated commitment to social and racial justice issues, and a fundamental understanding of the historical context underlying current challenges in the judicial system faced by communities of color, people with disabilities, immigrant communities, and individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+.
• A demonstrated ability to discuss issues and topics of racism, anti-Black racism, social justice, disability justice, and other areas of oppression.
• Able to prioritize tasks and to function independently as well as part of a team in a collaborative environment.
• Proficient with computer use and have the ability to become proficient in the use of specialized case management tools.
• Attention to detail and excellent writing and proofreading skills.
• Able to create training materials and deliver presentations with an understanding of adult learning techniques.

Desired Qualifications

• Strong background representing indigent individuals living with Substance Use Disorder in the civil and criminal justice systems.
• 10+ years as a lawyer representing indigent clients in criminal matters.
• Training or education on how to implement adult learning techniques to improve training outcomes.

General Responsibilities

• Exercise mature judgment in potentially sensitive, high-stress situations.
• Participate in and foster a collaborative working environment at OPD, statewide stakeholder groups, and in demographically diverse local court systems.
• Diligently follow attorney and state employee ethics requirements.
• Conduct all activities with the highest degree of professionalism in furtherance of OPD’s Mission, Vision and Values.