Public Defense Attorney Supervisor (ACAD) (SDA)
King CountyAbout the role
Posting number: 2026AR27853
Department: DPD - Dept of Public Defense
Division: Assoc Counsel for Accused
Job classification: Public Defense Attorney - Supervisor (AD2 : L117-DPD-Sups&Mgrs-Atty)
Posting type: Promotional
Categories: Legal
Summary
The Department of Public Defense (DPD) is seeking to fill one Special Duty Assignment (SDA) for the position of Public Defense Attorney – Supervisor in our Associated Counsel for the Accused Division. Practice area placement will depend upon business need and the experience of the successful candidate, and may occur in any practice area.
This assignment is anticipated to last for up to six (6) months but has the ability to be extended or end early based on business needs.
This recruitment will be used to fill future Special Duty vacancies over the next six (6) months.
The successful applicant will have a passion for public defense and for representing clients, focusing on their objectives, interests, and dignity. They will be committed to fighting institutional and structural racism and willing to address issues related to equity and social justice within the workplace and the broader work of public defense. They will have a demonstrated ability to supervise the work of other lawyers and support staff and to mentor, develop, evaluate, and support employees in a fast-paced environment.
Candidates should be fully knowledgeable of court procedures and the law; have considerable trial experience; possess excellent writing, research, and analytic skills, and have expertise in case preparation, handling, and disposition.
Depending on the needs of their unit, attorney supervisors may carry a partial caseload subject to the limitations in DPD’s Case-Weight Credit Policy Manual.
Levels of responsibility will range from supervising entry-level attorneys to those who are highly experienced. The supervisor will ensure that caseload standards that foster excellence in legal representation are observed in accordance with Washington State Bar Association guidelines. Supervising attorneys will have demonstrated commitment to clients, the Division, and DPD. The successful applicant will have an aptitude for management and leadership and will be able to work within a team of managers.
The Department’s Mission Statement
The King County Department of Public Defense represents indigent adults and children facing a loss of liberty. Our department is an independent voice that promotes fairness and equity for our clients and advocates for their objectives, interests, and dignity.
DPD provides high quality legal representation to indigent clients in felonies, misdemeanors, juvenile defense, family defense (dependency cases), involuntary commitment (mental illness), and sex offender commitment proceedings.
DPD advocates to reduce the harm and reach of the criminal and civil legal systems that restrict our clients’ liberty, and advances policy reforms to reduce systemic racism. We strive to create a flexible workplace culture that is inclusive, respectful, and supportive, premised on a shared anti-oppression framework. To learn more about DPD, visit our website.
Examples of duties
- Supervise attorneys.
- Develop, evaluate, train, mentor, and coach unit employees, and interns.
- Ensure work conforms with prevailing professional standards, applicable statues, rules, and DPD and county policies.
- In consultation and coordination with the ACAD Managing Attorney, the Director’s Office, and Human Resources, conduct disciplinary investigations and impose discipline, when appropriate.
- Implement and monitor corrective and career development action plans and provide support to enable employees to make positive changes.
- Conduct performance evaluations of unit employees, at least annually, and as required for probationary periods, TLTs, and interns.
- Assign and balance workload among attorneys within unit.
- Ensure unit employees are up to date on DPD policies and developments, relevant legislative proposals or enactments and administrative and case law changes that bear on the practice area.
- Act as a catalyst for problem-solving and conflict resolution within the unit and the Division.
- Carry a partial caseload, requiring excellent legal representation and trial skills, excellent rapport with clients
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