GovernmentJobs.com
Attorney (3rd Year Law Student & Fellow/Clerk)
GovernmentJobs.com, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127
Public Defense Attorney Recruitment
King County is recruiting for a Public Defense Attorney to join the Department of Public Defense (DPD) starting Fall 2026. DPD seeks advocates who are thoughtful, creative, and energetic to join a dynamic and diverse team of over 450 staff. DPD prides itself on hiring client-centered advocates, preferring applicants who have participated in a law school clinical program, interned for a public defender program, or have lived experience in the criminal legal or family surveillance systems. As a DPD Attorney, you will enjoy competitive pay, a comprehensive benefits package, support from a unionized workplace, and a chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those navigating the criminal and civil legal systems. You will have extensive courtroom and trial experience, supported by a team that includes supervisors, investigators, paralegals, legal assistants, and mitigation specialists. You will also have opportunities to work across multiple practice areas, including adult criminal, juvenile, dependency, and involuntary commitment courts. Resources to mount a robust defense, including funding for expert witnesses, are available. Generous vacation and sick leave will support attorney well-being and career sustainability. Job duties include providing high-quality legal representation and advocacy for indigent clients, handling all stages of representation, conducting plea negotiations, engaging in motions practice, and representing a diverse client base. Required qualifications include a JD from an accredited law school, the ability to handle on-call 24-hour coverage, and the ability to travel throughout King County. It is highly desirable to have proficiency in languages other than English, particularly Spanish, clinical training in public defense, and lived experience as someone impacted by the criminal legal system or family surveillance system. To apply, submit an online application, a cover letter summarizing your experience, a resume, and a short self-authored writing sample. This recruitment may be used to fill current and/or future career service positions in any of the Department's four divisions and/or office locations in King County. If selected for an interview, you may choose to be interviewed in person or via video conference technology.
King County is recruiting for a Public Defense Attorney to join the Department of Public Defense (DPD) starting Fall 2026. DPD seeks advocates who are thoughtful, creative, and energetic to join a dynamic and diverse team of over 450 staff. DPD prides itself on hiring client-centered advocates, preferring applicants who have participated in a law school clinical program, interned for a public defender program, or have lived experience in the criminal legal or family surveillance systems. As a DPD Attorney, you will enjoy competitive pay, a comprehensive benefits package, support from a unionized workplace, and a chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those navigating the criminal and civil legal systems. You will have extensive courtroom and trial experience, supported by a team that includes supervisors, investigators, paralegals, legal assistants, and mitigation specialists. You will also have opportunities to work across multiple practice areas, including adult criminal, juvenile, dependency, and involuntary commitment courts. Resources to mount a robust defense, including funding for expert witnesses, are available. Generous vacation and sick leave will support attorney well-being and career sustainability. Job duties include providing high-quality legal representation and advocacy for indigent clients, handling all stages of representation, conducting plea negotiations, engaging in motions practice, and representing a diverse client base. Required qualifications include a JD from an accredited law school, the ability to handle on-call 24-hour coverage, and the ability to travel throughout King County. It is highly desirable to have proficiency in languages other than English, particularly Spanish, clinical training in public defense, and lived experience as someone impacted by the criminal legal system or family surveillance system. To apply, submit an online application, a cover letter summarizing your experience, a resume, and a short self-authored writing sample. This recruitment may be used to fill current and/or future career service positions in any of the Department's four divisions and/or office locations in King County. If selected for an interview, you may choose to be interviewed in person or via video conference technology.