Attorney 1 - Public Defender
Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/spokanecountywa/jobs/newprint/5139234)
Apply
?
Attorney 1 - Public Defender
Salary
$72,436.44 - $88,119.26 Annually
Location
WA 99260, WA
Job Type
Regular
Job Number
25-00212
Department
Public Defender
Opening Date
11/10/2025
Closing Date
Continuous
FLSA
Exempt
Description
Benefits
Questions
Job Summary
Join the largest Public Defender office in Eastern Washington!
Established in 1970, our office has grown to include 60+ dedicated attorneys serving across a wide range of practice areas, including:
Juvenile (civil & criminal) defense
Adult misdemeanor & felony defense
Civil commitments
And more
Be part of a legacy of justice, advocacy, and community impact.
This recruitment will be used to fill up to four (4) positions working 40 hours per week.
The position allocated to this class is the entry, working- level of the series, responsible for performing civil and/or criminal legal work in lower courts for the County Prosecutor or Public Defender. Work is performed within departmental policy guidelines and applicable law, under the general direction of the Department Head or Elected Official, or under the direct guidance, as needed, of a higher-level attorney. Incumbents are expected to display the ability and willingness to assume responsibility and advance rapidly to a state of functional individual competency in their assigned area. Work is reviewed for accuracy and completeness at the onset of employment; as experience is gained, less review and supervision will be provided. Positions of this class may assume the work responsibilities of a higher class for training purposes.
Promotion from Attorney 1 to Attorney 2 is determined by an affirmative recommendation of the department. Considerations include but are not limited to: demonstrated competency in all facets of the duties and responsibilities of an Attorney 1 and the ability to independently handle more complex case assignments with limited or no supervision.
TOTAL COMPENSATION: $92,718 - $112,792 annually. Total compensation is an estimate based upon base compensation, median retirement fund contributions, and current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates (including medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, and leave). The actual total will vary depending upon each employee's enrollment choices.
Examples of Duties
Assists or independently represents the County or a client in court, at various stages of the criminal justice process.
Evaluates and analyzes the facts and evidence of cases or assignments.
Conducts legal research and analysis, provides legal opinions or memorandums, prepares/files/responds to various legal documents and correspondence within prescribed timeframes.
Addresses issues, questions and concerns regarding statutory procedures and requirements.
Works with investigators, paralegals, and other administrative staff to manage court dates, filings, and case investigations.
Maintains appropriate communication with individuals party to a case/assignment.
Researches and stays informed of new court decisions, new laws and revised rules and regulations.
Performs other related duties as required/assigned.
As an Attorney 1 in the Public Defender's Office:
Provides legal representation to indigent individuals in arraignments/initial hearings, pre-trial/status conferences, review and evidentiary hearings, plea bargaining processes, trials, verdicts, and sentencings. Provides legal counsel and advice, interviews and selects appropriate witnesses, prepares witnesses to give testimony, presents argument in court and conducts direct and cross examination of witnesses.
Minimum Requirements
Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited college or university school of law.
Licensed to practice law, with WA State Bar Association (WSBA) membership in good standing.
If not yet admitted to the practice of law, candidates may be hired who possess a J.D. and have functioned as a WSBA licensed Rule 9 Legal Intern in the nine (9) months prior to their employment application date. If hired under Rule 9 status, candidates must sit for and pass the WA State Bar Examination or otherwise be admitted to the practice of law in WA State by the WSBA within a specified timeframe (not to exceed one year from date of hire) as a condition of continued employment.
Public Defender's Office only: if not licensed to practice law in WA State, must meet the requirements under APR 8- Exception for Indigent Representation.
Candidate must be a member in good standing of the bar in another state and have applied and be pending approval by the WSBA under WA Supreme Court APR 3.
One (1) year of prior experience as a law clerk or legal intern is preferred.
Selection Factors
Knowledge of principles and practices of criminal or civil law as required by the position.
Knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
Skilled in communicating effectively both orally and in writing, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.
Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with the general public and parties affected by the court and administration.
Ability to analyze, evaluate and organize facts, evidence and legal procedures and to present information orally and in writing in a clear and logical form.
Ability to analyze and prepare a variety of legal documents and instruments.
SPOKANE COUNTY
Employee Benefits Summary
The following is a brief list of benefits available to Spokane County regular employees. Complete information is available from Human Resources Department. This information is subject to change.
PAID TIME OFF
Spokane County Observed Holidays
Up to 10 (ten) paid holidays are observed by Spokane County.
PTO
Non-represented and a select group of represented employees receive a bank of hours that combine both vacation and sick leave into a paid time off bank. There is no waiting period to use this time and it starts out at almost 2 days per month accrual increasing in accrual rates annually for first 5 years.
Vacation
For employees with less than five (5) years of continuous service, the accrual rate is 1 day of vacation each month for a total of 12 days per year. After six (6) months, employees are eligible to take accumulated vacation time. (Please note the vacation time accumulation may vary depending on contract language).
Sick Leave
Sick leave is earned at 1 day per month and can be taken as the days are accumulated.
Other Leaves
Spokane County provides several other paid leaves such as: bereavement leave, jury duty and military duty leave.
INSURANCE BENEFITS
Medical Insurance
Two plans are currently available: Premera Blue Cross (PPO) and Kaiser Permanente (HMO). Spokane County pays 95% of the premium for full-time employees and 90% of the premiums for spouses and dependents. Premiums are deducted each pay period (pay periods: 15th and last day of the month).
2024 Rates:
Premera
Employee Only: $38.04 per month
Employee & Spouse: $149.52 per month
Employee & Family: $209.60 per month
Employee & Child(ren): $136.16 per month
Kaiser:
Employee: $35.92 per month
Employee & Spouse: $140.56 per month
Employee & Family: $196.06 per month
Employee & Child(ren): $128.58 per month
Dental Insurance
Two plans are currently available: Delta Dental of Washington (PPO) and Willamette Dental (DMO). Spokane County pays 95% of the premium for full-time employees and 90% of the premiums for spouses and dependents.
2024 Rates:
Delta Dental Willamette Dental
Employee: $5.74 per month Employee: $5.98 per month
Family: $11.48 per month Family: $11.96 per month
Group Life Insurance
The County provides a $25,000 group life insurance policy to employees. The County provides a $10,000 benefit for those represented by 492, 492CS & 492CL. This benefit is paid in full by Spokane County.
Long Term Disability Coverage
Provides an income protection benefit in the event of a long-term illness or injury at rate of 60% of income up to a maximum of $5,000 per month. Spokane County pays the full premium for this plan. Deputy Sheriff's receive a benefit through their union for disability.
RETIREMENT
Retirement Plan (401a)
Spokane County employees are automatically included in the Washington State Retirement System. Both the employer and the employee contribute to the plan. This retirement plan provides a guaranteed lifetime monthly benefit once vested and eligible for retirement.
Additional Retirement Plan Option (457b)
Employees may supplement their retirement income and save money on taxes by participating in this optional County program. Roth (after-tax) option is also available through this retirement plan.
VOLUNTARY BENEFITS
AFLAC
Supplemental insurance is optional and is provided by AFLAC to help pay for benefits not covered by major medical insurance. The employee pays 100% of the premium.
Travel Assistance
Provides additional travel protections anytime you travel more than 100 miles from home. Includes pre-trip information, emergency ticket replacement, and emergency evacuation coverage. This benefit is paid in full by Spokane County.
Flexible Spending Plan (FSA)
Spokane County sponsors a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account to allow out-of-pocket Medical & Daycare Expenses to be paid with Tax Free Dollars. Premiums are automatically set up pre-tax under the FSA.
Voluntary Term Life Insurance
Voluntary Term Life Insurance is additional optional life insurance provided through The Standard Insurance. New employees are guaranteed up to $50,000 for self and $20,000 for a spouse with no medical underwriting needed.
WORK/LIFE PROGRAMS
Employee Assistance Program
Employees and their family members are eligible to receive free counseling. There are also benefits relating to financial and legal concerns.
Reduced Cost Bus Pass Program
Spokane County participates in a program with STA which discounts bus passes to $5 a month.
Wellness Programs
There are opportunities for nearby exercise programs at reduced cost and education programs around wellness themes including financial well-being, nutrition and stress reduction.
Discounts
There are local and national discounts available to Spokane County employees.
01
Have you graduated from an accredited law school?
Yes
No
02
Are you a member of the Washington State Bar Association, or a member of a Bar Association with reciprocity to Washington State?
Yes
No
03
Have you passed the Washington State Bar Examination, but have not yet been assigned a bar number?
Yes
No
Not applicable
04
Have you worked as a licensed Rule 9 Legal Intern with Spokane County within the past nine (9) months?
Yes
No
Required Question
Employer
Spokane County
Address
824 N Adams Spokane, Washington, 99260
Phone
509-477-5750
Website
http://www.spokanecounty.org/employment
