County Attorney 1 - Misdemeanor

Posting number: 26-00015

Department: Assigned Counsel

Division: Department of Assigned Counsel

Job classification: County Attorney 1

Posting type: Open

Categories: Legal, Professional, Attorney, Criminology

Summary

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Applicants who have a scheduled bar examination are encouraged to apply. Conditional offers of employment can be made in advance of passing the bar examination, contingent upon completion and passing of all pre-employment requirements.

Examples of duties

Why It's a Great Opportunity:  

The Pierce County Department of Assigned Counsel (DAC) provides the opportunity to work in a supportive environment with significant training and opportunities to improve trial skills by providing active courtroom experience with ongoing support.
  
As a DAC employee you will make a difference in people's lives and a positive contribution to Pierce County. DAC Attorneys represent indigent clients in all stages of misdemeanor criminal proceedings, including arraignment, motions, trial, and review hearings.  
 
Why It's a Great Department: 

The Department of Assigned Counsel (DAC) is responsible for the delivery of mandated legal services to indigent persons accused of crimes in the Pierce County Superior Court; Pierce County District Court; Municipal Court of Tacoma; and Pierce County Juvenile Court proceedings. DAC also provides constitutionally mandated legal services to persons detained for Involuntary Civil commitment proceedings at Western State Hospital, and other evaluation and treatment facilities, and a limited number of participants in Dependency proceedings. 

The mission of the Department of Assigned Counsel is to provide and administer the public defense delivery system in Pierce County in a manner that assures eligible people receive professional and effective representation while efficiently utilizing public resources.  
   
For more information about our great organization, please visit by clicking here.

  
How to be Successful in the Role:   

You will bring your strong interpersonal skills, excellent research and writing skills, commitment to social justice, ability to provide quality legal representation and zealous advocacy for indigent clients at all stages of criminal proceedings to this role. If you are passionate about advocating for your clients, are organized and detail-oriented, can adjust and adapt to unexpected circumstances, and ask questions when assistance or guidance is needed, then this role is for you. Prior courtroom experience is preferred but not required.
  
Your Future in this Role: 

In this role you will represent clients at all stages of criminal proceedings, gaining experience and expertise in the process. You will have the opportunity to progressively take on more challenging cases and legal issues. New attorneys will have at least one other attorney assigned to a courtroom with them, they will also be assigned a mentor. The department regularly hosts in-house trainings throughout the year (approximately 18 annually), as well as provides access to other training resources, including statewide memberships. Pierce County offers a Leadership Certificate Program, Employee Resource Groups, and many other learning and growth opportunities. 
  
Core Daily Responsibilities:

• Provide legal representation for accused at in-custody arraignment proceedings.
• Preparation and presentation at pretrial motion practices.
• Trial preparation, investigation and presentation.
• Plea negotiation processes.
• Responsibility to present appeals to Superior Court and provide legal representation during the appellate process.
• Representation at sentencing proceedings, post-trial motions and revocation proceedings.
• Lead responsibility of Rule 9 Legal Licensed Legal Interns.
• Manage a substantial caseload of clients.
• Provide legal representation to all eligible clients who are the subject of civil commitment proceedings in superior court, including representation at 72-hour hearings, 14-day hearings, 90-day hearings, 180-day hearings, motions to revise, appeals and other applicable motions practice.
• Trial preparation, investigation and presentation.

A complete list of duties can be found in the classification description here.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate
• Meet minimum professional qualific