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Attorney Trainer

Expires: 2024-10-21
Organization
Washington State Office of Public Defense
Salary
$113,712 - $128,676 annually
Job Status
Full Time
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Washington

The Training Team

The Training Team is responsible for delivering the Criminal Defense Training Academy described in Second Substitute Senate Bill 5780 and providing training under the SPAR program for attorneys statewide who represent individuals charged with Gross Misdemeanor drug possession. “Training” is used broadly and is anticipated to include small and large group educational events, both online and in-person, along with the development and sharing of resources. The staff and programs supported by this group are anticipated to expand in future years.

The Role of the SPAR Program Attorney Trainer

As the Attorney Trainer, you will work collaboratively with the Training Team and the SPAR program to build and administer a statewide training program for attorneys representing indigent clients charged with drug possession and public use crimes in courts of limited jurisdiction. This position is a unique opportunity to create and maintain training and resources for attorneys representing people accused of drug offenses. This position will report to the Training Team Supervisor. The Attorney Trainer will be supported by the Training Team Supervisor and administrative staff, along with the SPAR program’s collaborative team, which includes a Supervising Attorney, Program Analyst, and Mitigation Specialist Supervisor.

Specific responsibilities will include:

  • Design, implement, and present an annual training program for attorneys representing indigent clients charged in courts of limited jurisdiction under SB 2E2SSB 5536, including periodic interim training when appropriate.
  • Continually improve and refine training programs based on user feedback and changes in the law.
  • Provide coaching and feedback for attorney-participants at skills exercises and mock hearings.
  • Research, prepare, publish, and manage training materials, such as motions bank, desk books, legal outlines, practice guides, and advisories
  • Coordinate with other organizations as necessary or desirable for sharing motions, legal strategies and tactics, and group training opportunities.
  • Collaborate with others locally, statewide, and nationally to plan and implement innovative training programs.
  • Conduct field observations of SPAR attorneys to observe how courts of limited jurisdiction handle simple drug possession cases and evaluate the training needs of practicing attorneys
  • Conduct periodic reviews in collaboration with the SPAR Supervising Attorney of attorneys contracted with State OPD under the SPAR Program and assist in other quality assurance activities for contracted attorneys, such as occasional coaching and feedback.

Regular travel will be required in Washington State, including occasional overnight travel. Out-of-state travel occurs infrequently.

This is a project position and is dependent on continued project funding. Funding is currently available through June, 2025. OPD is committed to advocating for continued funding in the upcoming legislative session.

Requirements
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.
Job Contact
Mia Pagnotta
(360) 586-3164 x 123 Mia.Pagnotta@opd.wa.gov