Chief Public Defender
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_onKMAS-AM (Shelton), East State Route 3, Bayshore, Mason County, Washington, United States
About the Role
This position serves as the administrator and manager for the delivery of public defender services across Mason County. The role is critical to ensuring that the county's indigent defense system operates in strict compliance with Washington State laws (RCW 10.101 et seq.), local ordinances, and professional conduct rules. The incumbent will advise the County on public defense policy, litigation strategies, and contract negotiations while overseeing the financial management and resource utilization of the department.
In addition to high-level administration, this role involves active legal practice. The Public Defender will screen, prepare, and defend misdemeanor cases in District Court and felony cases in Superior Court as needed. A key part of the day-to-day function involves coordinating with judges to optimize court docket scheduling and ensuring the efficient disposition of cases. The role also requires managing a personal indigent defense caseload, selecting and supervising staff, and administering contracts with external attorneys and investigators.
Hiring Process
This recruitment remains open until the position is filled, with ongoing application reviews. Candidates are encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible, as the recruitment may close at any time. The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, though the nature of the role may occasionally require long hours, non-standard weeks, weekends, or holidays to meet court deadlines and case demands.
Work location
Work model: On-site
KMAS-AM (Shelton), East State Route 3, Bayshore, Mason County, Washington, United States
Washington
Key Responsibilities
- check_circleManage and administer the delivery of public defender services for the County
- check_circleFormulate policies and procedures to ensure indigent defense meets legal standards
- check_circleScreen, prepare, and defend misdemeanor and felony cases in court
- check_circleAdminister contracts with attorneys and investigators providing indigent defense
- check_circleDesign internal operations and administrative controls for the public defender system
- check_circlePlan, coordinate, and manage public defender services within budgeted funds
- check_circleOversee grant applications, submissions, and compliance requirements
Requirements
- verifiedGraduation from an ABA accredited school of law
- verifiedMember in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association
- verifiedThree (3) years handling adult felony cases
- verifiedTwo (2) years as a defense attorney representing people in adult felony cases
- verifiedLead or co-counsel in four (4) adult felony trials
- verifiedCompleted defense training or CLE on mitigation and challenging prior convictions
- verifiedThree (3) years of supervisory experience at senior management level
- verifiedValid Washington State Driver's License
Nice to Have
May be required to obtain additional education as required to conduct business functions.
Similar Job Opportunities
Skills, education and keywords
Skills: Microsoft Suite, Legal Research, Investigation, Judicial Procedure, Rules Of Evidence, Government Administration, Office Procedures, Word Processing, Information Retrieval, Case Management.
Education: Graduation from an ABA accredited school of law required.
Frequently asked questions about Chief Public Defender at Economic Development Council of Mason County
What does a Chief Public Defender at Economic Development Council of Mason County do?expand_more
In this Chief Public Defender at Economic Development Council of Mason County role, you will manage and administer the delivery of public defender services for the county; formulate policies and procedures to ensure indigent defense meets legal standards; screen, prepare, and defend misdemeanor and felony cases in court; and administer contracts with attorneys and investigators providing indigent defense.
What are the requirements for this Chief Public Defender role?expand_more
Economic Development Council of Mason County is looking for candidates who meet the following requirements: Graduation from an ABA accredited school of law; Member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association; Three (3) years handling adult felony cases; Two (2) years as a defense attorney representing people in adult felony cases; Lead or co-counsel in four (4) adult felony trials; and Completed defense training or CLE on mitigation and challenging prior convictions.
Where is the Chief Public Defender role at Economic Development Council of Mason County located?expand_more
Chief Public Defender at Economic Development Council of Mason County is based in KMAS-AM (Shelton), East State Route 3, Bayshore, Mason County, Washington, United States. This is a on-site role.
Is this Chief Public Defender job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more
Economic Development Council of Mason County has listed this Chief Public Defender role as on-site.
How much experience is required for this Chief Public Defender role?expand_more
Chief Public Defender at Economic Development Council of Mason County typically requires 3+ years of relevant experience at the executive level.
What skills do you need for the Chief Public Defender role at Economic Development Council of Mason County?expand_more
Key skills for Chief Public Defender at Economic Development Council of Mason County include Microsoft Suite; Legal Research; Investigation; Judicial Procedure; Rules Of Evidence; Government Administration; Office Procedures; and Word Processing.
What education is required for Chief Public Defender at Economic Development Council of Mason County?expand_more
Educational requirements for this role: Graduation from an ABA accredited school of law required.
What category does the Chief Public Defender role belong to?expand_more
Chief Public Defender at Economic Development Council of Mason County is part of the legal job category on Recrutus.