Special Counsel – Criminal Policy & Practice
- Summary
- Special Counsel – Criminal Policy & Practice
~~ This recruitment is open until filled, first consideration will be given to candidates who apply prior to July 2, 2019 ~~
The Department of Public Defense (DPD) is committed to providing legal representation to indigent clients in King County. King County is a vibrant community with residents who represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the artistic and social traditions of many cultures.
DPD provides legal representation to adults and juveniles who have been charged with a crime and cannot afford an attorney, as well as people facing civil commitment, parents who could lose their children in a dependency petition, and people seeking to vacate a past felony or misdemeanor conviction. The Department works to address racial disproportionality in the criminal legal system, the collateral consequences of justice involvement, and other structural and/or systemic issues that undermine the rights of the criminally accused. It employs not only attorneys, but also skilled investigators, mitigation specialists, paralegals, and other support staff.
Expert services are regularly funded, in keeping with state court rules. King County public defense has also been a leader in the development of diversion alternatives to support clients who have entered or are at risk of entering the legal justice system due to drug involvement, mental illness, or other issues. - Job Duties
The successful candidates for this position should possess the following qualifications:
- Extensive experience representing indigent individuals in a criminal or civil legal system, depending on position sought.
- A robust executive skill set, including an ability to provide leadership, think strategically, solve problems, manage complex projects, marshal resources, and juggle competing demands.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including an understanding of how to foster a healthy group dynamic, build consensus, develop collaborative teams, navigate sensitive issues, establish positive working relationships, and maintain staff morale and productivity through periods of change.
- Demonstrated commitment to issues of equity and social justice.
- Demonstrated commitment to advocacy on behalf of indigent individuals.
- JD from an accredited law school and an active WA State law license in good standing or ability to obtain within six months of employment.
- Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Special Counsel – Criminal Policy and Practice
The Special Counsel – Criminal Policy and Practice reports to the Director of the Department of Public Defense. The Special Counsel will work with DPD staff, community partners, and others impacted by the criminal legal system to identify systemic issues that affect DPD's clients. In collaboration with the Special Counsel for Affirmative Litigation, the Special Counsel will litigate appeals where DPD determines there is a significant reason to continue representation through the appellate process.
The ideal candidate will be highly organized, have a deep understanding of DPD's criminal practice areas, and be willing and able to learn new bodies of work.
Job Responsibilities- Attend unit meetings to identify recurring legal issues and draft briefs that can be used by DPD attorneys to litigate those issues.
- Develop and implement initiatives and programs designed to assess and improve DPD's client representation.
- Monitor data regarding practice across DPD divisions and flag areas of disparity; work with Deputy Director and Managing Attorneys to address disparities.
- Represent DPD in external meetings with individuals, community groups, institutional representatives, and in the media.
- Communicate with other legal and political entities and representatives regarding operational issues.
- Collaborate with the Training Team to assist in developing curriculum and implementation of new attorney training.
- Collaborate with the Training Team and other attorneys to build and maintain a DPD brief bank.
- Develop and regularly update manuals, practice tips, advisories, and other resources related to substantive law issues.
- Identify areas for system reform and advocate for that reform through policy, public education, and litigation.
- Lead or participate in litigation involving systemic issues impacting DPD's clients.
- File and litigate appeals in cases where DPD determines there is a strategic reason in a particular case to continue representation through the appellate process.
- In conjunction with civil counterpart, convene/attend meetings of different labor classifications across all of DPD.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Supplemental Information
Work Location and Schedule: These positions are located at 710 Second Avenue, Suite 200, Seattle, WA. The positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and are not overtime eligible. The work week is normally 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Selection Process: Materials will be reviewed for qualifications, and the most competitive candidates will be invited to participate in a selection process that may be inclusive of the following: a detailed reference and background check, ethics questionnaire, phone screen, and one or more panel interviews. (For out-of-state candidates at least one in-person interview will be required.) Final selection and appointment to these position are at the discretion of the Department Director.
Required Application Materials: Interested individuals should submit an online application, resume, and a .pdf or .doc attachment with answers to the supplemental questions listed below. (The set of questions is dependent upon which position you are applying for; if you are applying for consideration for multiple positions, please complete and submit all relevant supplemental questions.).
Supplemental Questions for Special Counsel--Criminal Policy and Practice:
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List three policy issues impacting DPD's (or Public Defense's) criminal practice areas. Explain how you would address these. (No more than 500 words)
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King County Superior Court has decided to hold arraignments only by video. How would you challenge this practice? (No more than 500 words)
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King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
- Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
- Retirement: King County employees are eligible to participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
- Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
- 10 paid holidays each year (plus 2 personal holidays)
- Generous vacation and paid sick leave
- Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, and volunteer leave
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness programs
- Onsite gyms and activity centers
- Employee giving program
- Employee assistance programs
- Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
- Training and career development programs
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
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01This selection process requires that you submit the online application, a resume, and answers to the supplemental questions listed in the job announcement for the practice area(s) for which you wish to be considered. Have you completed and attached all of the required materials?
- Yes
- No
Required Question