Job Summary

A Senior Public Defender practices in all the trial courts in which assigned counsel
attorneys work, without supervision. Provides general supervision to attorneys and
support staff. Supervises the Public Defender’s assigned to each unit.

This position reports directly to the Assistant Chief Public Defender and works in
collaboration with other Senior Public Defenders.

This class specification reflects the general concept and intent of the classification and
should not be construed as a detailed statement of all the work requirements that may be
inherent in a position.

This recruitment will be used to fill several positions.

This is a limited duration position through December 31, 2025.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Graduation from an ABA accredited school of law and must be a member of the Washington State Bar Association or obtain membership after employment.

• Ten years of practice as an attorney with a minimum of three years trial experience in the trial of criminal cases. Proven experience in handling all phases of the most complex felony cases without supervision.

• Ability to successfully pass Clark County background investigation.

• Valid Washington State driver’s license.

Knowledge of....organization and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies and operational needs; operational characteristics, services and activities of a public defense office; legal principles and practices, including civil, criminal, constitutional, and administrative law and procedure; legal research, terminology and procedures; organization, duties, powers, limitations, and authority of County government and a public defense office; pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations; principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation; principles and practices of budget preparation and administration; and so forth.

Ability to....analyze and apply legal principles; manage and coordinate the work of supervisory, professional, and technical personnel; interpret and explain public defense standards, policies and procedures; organize, interpret, and apply legal principles and procedures; prepare and present difficult cases in court; conduct research on complex legal problems and prepare sound legal opinions; prepare and administer a budget; select, supervise, train and evaluate staff; interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including County and other government officials, community groups, and the general public; and so forth.

Selection Process:

Resume and other documents must be attached together in the 'Resume Upload' section of the application.  Multiple files are allowed, but all applicant attachments must be uploaded simultaneously, as there is no way to edit or append uploaded materials after submitting the application.

 

Application Review (Pass/ Fail) - An online application is required.  Attaching a resume does not substitute for a completed application; incomplete applications will not pass the application review.  Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

 

Practical Exam (Pass/Fail) - This recruitment may require a practical exam which will be job related and may include, but not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement.  Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

 

Oral Interview - The interview will be job related and may include, not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement.  Top candidate(s) will continue in the process.

 

Employment references will be conducted for the final candidates and may include verification of education.

 

It is general policy of the County that new employees should be hired at the lower steps of the applicable range and advance through the range at the normal progression.

Examples of Duties

KEY OR TYPICAL TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Carries up to a full caseload of felonies, including homicides, persistent