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Do Not Be Influenced by Others’ Negative Opinions of You
Government
Attorney
Criminal Law - Prosecution
Litigation - General (consumer)
Public Defense Attorney DUTIES: Act as court-appointed counsel representing indigent people in the courts of Cowlitz County. Represent clients in all phases of criminal proceedings, including arraignment, pretrial hearings, trial preparation and investigation, plea negotiations, trial and sentencing. May also represent indigent clients in involuntary commitment, truancy, Youth at Risk, CHINS and dependency proceedings. Caseload will consist of misdemeanor, juvenile or adult felony cases, based on experience and office needs. Will also assist management and other staff as directed and comply with legal standards and requirements. Interview defendants as assigned to determine the facts of the case. Review police reports and other materials to evaluate each case against the state of the law to determine its relative strengths and weaknesses in order to engage in plea negotiations, development of case strategy and trial preparation. Meet with clients to evaluate options and strategies. Keep clients informed of the status of their case and promptly respond to reasonable requests for information. Explain to clients all matters necessary for them to make informed decisions about their cases. Personally investigate cases and/or obtain and direct investigators in the investigation of cases, engage in pre-trial negotiations, prepare and argue pre-trial motions as needed, conduct bench and jury trials and any necessary hearings subsequent thereto. Coordinate and arrange for tests of physical evidence and the use of expert witnesses. Conduct all trial actions including selection of jury, cross and direct examination, introduction of evidence and exhibits and make arguments on the law and interpretation of the evidence. Represent defendants in all legal proceedings including, but not limited to arraignments, pre-trial motions, trials, guilty pleas and post-trial matters, including but not limited to post-trial motions, sentencing hearings, restitution hearings, sentence reviews and the filing of appeals. Prioritize and plan cases and work activities while using resources efficiently. Act on a rotating basis to provide 24-hour access to counsel to individuals under arrest and or investigation for DUI. Cooperate with the courts in its electronic records project, which includes electronic receipt of hearing and trial notices, discovery, and other documents and information, and electronic filing of motions and other documents. Perform other duties or projects as assigned, including attending conferences/meetings on behalf of the Public Defender Office.
Qualification and Experience
Qualifications: Law degree from an accredited college or university. Admission to Washington State Bar Association. Knowledge of applicable Washington State and federal law relating to criminal and other assigned cases. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing. Exceptional interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations, engage in problem solving, work with upset or mentally ill people, negotiate with others and manage conflict. High level of analytical ability and logic. Ability to gather and synthesize large bodies of information.
Position #2017-034
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