Classification: Attorney III

Job Req: R1971

Department: Assigned Counsel

Hours/Week: 40

Union: N/A

Pay Range: Annual Pay Range as follows: $103,095 - $116,102 (ATT III Step 1-7)

Hiring Range: Annual Hiring Range as follows: $103,095 - $109,405 (ATT III Step 1-4 DOQ)

Temporary Hiring Incentive of $12,000 ($6,000 upon acceptance and $6,000 after six months of employment) from March 1, 2023 to March 1, 2024.

Open Date: 01/09/2024

Close Date: Open Until Filled with weekly reviews

Overview:

The Yakima County Assigned Counsel Office (Office of the Public Defender) has one opening for an Attorney III level. The incumbent is responsible for providing professional legal indigent defense for clients in the District Court or Superior Court (Adult, Juvenile and/or ITA). Assignment is subject to the needs of the indigent defense program.

Benefits included in position:

Health Care Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Basic Life and Basic LTD)

Retirement Benefits

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

Paid Sick Leave

This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies that occur within 90 days of the closing of this position. (This excludes Yakima County Sheriff's Office and Department of Corrections)

Responsibilities:

Essential Duties:

Performs complex and serious cases and assignments at a journey to advanced level, with moderate to minimal supervision in a wide variety of criminal and/or civil legal work, depending upon assignment. Uses attorney training, office resources, and timely involvement of supervisors to ensure effective and professional representation of parties involved. When assigned, exercises lead or limited supervisory authority. Performs complex and serious cases and assignments at a journey to advanced level, with moderate to minimal supervision in a wide variety of criminal and/or civil legal work, depending upon assignment. Uses attorney training, office resources, and timely involvement of supervisors to ensure effective and professional representation of parties involved. When assigned, exercises lead or limited supervisory authority.

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In Criminal Matters:

Evaluates each case and assesses its factual and legal sufficiency under the law at each stage of a criminal proceeding by reviewing police and other reports and analyzing all information available.

Evaluates strengths, weaknesses and facts of each case for purposes of additional investigation, plea negotiations, development of case strategy and trial preparation.

Coordinates or conducts case investigation for trial preparation as necessary.  Arranges for tests of physical evidence, testimony of expert witnesses and interviews or directs interviews of witnesses as required. Interviews and confers with client regarding facts, plea discussions, trial, sentencing and progress of case and maintains client confidentiality.

Instigates or responds to plea bargaining negotiations with opposing counsel and represents the interest of the client.

Represents the client at preliminary appearances, arraignments, pre-trial motions, pleas of guilty, sentencing hearings and post-trial matters such as restitution hearings and sentence reviews/amendments.

Conducts all trial actions including: selection of jury, opening arguments, direct and cross examination, introduction of evidence and exhibits, preparation of jury instructions, closing arguments and post-trial motions.

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