DEPUTY I - PUB DEFWFIATCOM COUNTY JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION: Deputy I RANGE: 335
DEPARTMENT: Public Defender FLSA: E
REPORTS TO: Public Defender EEO: 2
SUMMARY
Acts as court -appointed counsel representing individuals accused primarily of misdemeanors, but may
be required to handle felony or juvenile cases as needed. Represents appointed clients in all phases of
criminal proceedings, including arraignment, pretrial hearings, trial preparation, plea negotiations, trial
and sentencing. Responsible for the investigation and preparation of each case assigned. May
represent individuals in involuntary commitment proceedings. Primary caseload consists of
misdemeanor, juvenile, or felony cases based upon experience. Assists management and other staff,
as directed. Complies with legal standards and requirements.
Depending upon assignment, the incumbent may perform some or all of the following duties,
which are a representative sample of the level of work appropriate to this position.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
Interviews defendants as assigned to determine the facts of the case. Reviews police and other reports
to evaluate each case against the state of the law to determine its relative strengths and weaknesses, to
prepare for plea negotiations, development of case strategy, and trial preparation.
Researches, prepares, and argues pre-trial motions.
Instigates or responds to plea bargaining negotiations on behalf of the defendant and represents the
defendant's interests in the negotiations.
Coordinates or conducts the case investigation for trial preparation as necessary. Arranges for tests of
physical evidence, the testimony of expert witnesses, and interviews witnesses as required.
Conducts all trial actions including selection of jury, cross and direct examination, introduction of
evidence and exhibits and makes arguments on the law and interpretation of the evidence.
Represents defendants at all legal proceedings including, but not limited to: arraignments, pre-trial
motions, guilty pleas and post -trial matters, such as restitution hearings and sentence reviews,
presenting defense recommendations for disposition of cases.
Shares rotating on -call duties with other staff attorneys, responding to events occurring after normal
work hours, on weekends and on holidays.
Prioritizes and plans work activities using resources effectively. Plans for additional resources and
integrates changes smoothly and in a timely manner.
Keeps clients reasonably informed about the status of their case and promptly complies with reasonable
requests for information. Explains matters to clients to the extent reasonably necessary to permit the
clients to make informed decisions about their cases.
Complies with all Rules of Professional Conduct as adopted by the Washington Supreme Court.
ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES
Prepares appellate briefs to appeal convictions or other rulings in matters of law, when it appears to be
in the interest of justice.
Prepares materials for, presents components of, and participates in an in-house training program as
assigned.
Participates in educational presentations at local schools and community or civic organizations as
assigned.
Trains and works closely with temporary and other staff, as assigned.
Assists with the creation or updating of procedures, tasks, workflows and systems, as assigned.
Performs all duties of lower- and similarly -classified positions and other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Must be a current member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association, OR must be a
current member in good standing of another State Bar Association AND must become a member of
the Washington State Bar Association by passing the next Washington State Bar exam.
Trial experience in criminal law is preferred.
Spanish language fluency is desired.
Requires knowledge of:
The field of assignment sufficient to perform thoroughly and accurately the full scope of
responsibility as illustrated by example in this job description.
The Washington State Criminal Code, Rules of Evidence and Procedure, and the Washington
Court Rules and the Washington State Rules of Professional Conduct.
Principles of planning and time management.
Computer operation and a variety of office software including word processing and
computerized legal research.
Safety precautions, practices and procedures applicable to area of assignment.
Requires abilily to,
Plan, coordinate, organize and schedule services.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in clear, concise language appropriate for
the purpose and parties addressed, including the presentation of law, facts, evidence and
arguments in an organized and logical form in court.
Use tact, discretion, persuasion, diplomacy, respect and courtesy to gain the cooperation and
commitment of others and establish and maintain effective working relationships and rapport
with public officials, department heads, co-workers, individuals involved with the court
system, attorneys, staff members of other County departments, the media, and diverse members
of the public.
Fulfill the commitment of the County to provide outstanding public, intra- and inter-
departmental customer service.
Read, understand, interpret, analyze and apply appropriately the terminology, instructions,
policies, procedures, legal requirements, and regulations pertinent to area of assignment.
Be attentive to detail, maintain a high degree of accuracy and recognize, resolve and correct
discrepancies in data or information. Work effectively in a multi -task environment. Take
appropriate initiative. Apply good judgement, creativity and logical thinking to obtain
potential solutions to problems within the scope of knowledge and authority or refer to the
appropriate source. Develop ways to improve and promote efficient work methods.
Initiate, compile, compose and/or edit correspondence, pleadings, and other applicable
documents.
Perform thorough legal research and analysis of legal principles, facts, evidence and precedents
and apply pertinent information to the preparation of assigned cases.
Work effectively and maintain focus in a multi -task environment to meet timelines, goals and
objectives.
Proficiently operate office equipment standard to the area of assignment.
Maintain current knowledge for assigned areas and adapt to new technologies, keeping
technical skills up-to-date and using technology to increase productivity.
Work independently and cooperatively as a member of a team.
Maintain appropriate level of confidentiality on all matters.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Background check must meet County criteria for criminal justice positions.
Must have a driving record that meets County standards and possess a valid driver's license at time of
hire and throughout employment.
Must pass job -related tests.
Required to successfully complete all continuing legal education requirements as mandated by the
Washington State Bar Association, which includes 2 hours of ethics credit per year throughout
employment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Works primarily in a high traffic office setting. Appears in a variety of courts on a daily basis,
interviews clients in the jail and hospital, investigates crime scenes, and interviews witnesses at a
variety of locations. Periodically drives motor vehicle to perform duties at other sites or travel out
of the County. May occasionally lift and carry items weighting up to 30 pounds. May work extended
hours during trials or as required. Maintains a high caseload, which can be emotionally and
psychologically draining due to the nature of the crimes involved. May deal with potentially violent
and/or verbally abusive clients. Possibility of exposure to hostile and offensive language and/or
physical harm from clients. Uses appropriate safety equipment and follows established work safety
policies, practices and procedures.
The sastements contained herein reticet, as of the dint signed, general details as necessury to desenbe the principal functions of this Job, the level
orknnwledge anA skill typsrully required and the scope of respansibiIHY, but should ntn be considerod an all-mcIuslvc Iistmg of work requirements.
Individuals may per(orm other duties as ussigncd, including work In other Iuncnonal areas, to cover absences or relief, to cqualim peak work
periods or other-ANe• to bafnrwc the workload Al ju Note dlscrmon, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience,
cenifscations. And trttming sn tieu ofspecifically required qualificattons contained herein.
Whatcom County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color,
religion, national origin, sox, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, military service, genetics, and any other legally protected class,
Whatcom County also complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.
EMPLOYEE STATUS: This is a FLSA exempt position and as such is not entitled to overtime.
The position is also subject to an "employee at will" doctrine.
AX&I14atZ2,-
Signature
Job
Job Code: D 165 Reason for Change'
Job Group: Standard Language
W/C Code: 1501
Group:7000
Security: Level 2
Driving: Periodically
CDL: N
BBP: N
Cash Handling: N
Date
JDF SmeW Roauircmonts
Medical Privac)r N
Physical Capacity: N
Physical: N
Polygraph: N
Psychological: N
1)1;1ItJTY I.PD.JOB BA8116(21