Misdemeanor Public Defender

Summary The Misdemeanor Public Defender in the Island County Office of Public Defense practices in the District Court of Island County, with little supervision. This position reports directly to the Director of the Office of Public Defense. Job Duties

• Carries up to a full caseload of misdemeanors.
• First or second chairs district court jury trials. Reviews and assists in matters of tactics, trial strategy, legal research, writing and motion practice.
• Handles miscellaneous court hearings, including but not limited to, first appearance calendars in all courts, arraignment calendars, non-compliance calendars (probation violations and failures to comply), Drug Court, Mental Health Court and Involuntary Treatment Act hearings.
• Handles the on-call phone in a two week rotation.
• Works with the court and prosecutors to resolve cases. Appropriately utilizes non-attorney professional services.
• Maintains accurate and complete statistical information to be used for future needs and projections.
• Represents the Office of Public Defense with various agencies, judges, court commissioners, law enforcement officials, County officials, school officials and bar association. When assigned, serves on specific task groups or committees.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education, Experience & Certifications 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.
• Ability to successfully pass Island County background check.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license.

Island County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Benefits

Island County offers a wide range of employee benefits designed to meet the diverse needs of our workforce.

Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

Medical: Island County pays 100% of the premiums for most eligible employees and dependents. In addition, the County provides an annual Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (determined by Medical plan selected). Dental: Island County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members for basic dental coverage (buy-up options are available). Life and Disability Insurance: Employees are provided basic coverage of $24,000 and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents. Retirement: Island County employees participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (additional 457(b) deferred-compensation plans are also available). Life Flight: Island County pays 100% of the premium for emergency air transport coverage. 11 paid holidays each year Generous paid time off and Washington-required sick leave Flexible Spending Account (optional) Wellness programs Employee assistance program Pet Insurance (optional - employee paid) Additional benefits are available to be elected (employee-paid).

Student debt? Working for Island County can provide relief! Island County is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Forgiveness Program (PSLF) for full time employees. See https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service for more details.

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible Island County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.

• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Island County does not provide visa sponsorship. *