Counsel for Defense Manager – Spokane County

Job Summary:

The position allocated to this class performs administrative, supervisory, and participatory legal work in managing the staff, policy and operations of the Counsel for Defense Department. In addition to administrative responsibilities, the manager is expected to carry a half case load when appropriate, considering the other imperatives of the office. Appears as counsel of record for selected clients (including capital defendants) and in other hearings. Duties are carried out with professional expertise within the language, meaning and intent of pertinent statutes. Work involves considerable contact with judicial, executive, legal and social service agencies. Under the administrative direction of the Chief Executive Officer or designee, the incumbent shall be appointed by the Selection Committed as provided for in RCW 36.26.030.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Administers, directs and supervises office activities and personnel policies; appoints, trains, counsels, advises and supervises attorneys, investigators and support staff.
Prepares and presents the annual budget to the County Commissioners. Monitors fiscal policy and line item budget expenditures of the Department.
Annually reports to the Board of County Commissioners as provided for in RCW 36.26.050.
Maintains and ensures the integrity of representation of indigent defendants in the courts.
Represents defendants at all levels of proceedings, including capital defendants, who cannot be represented by the Public Defender’s Office due to conflicts of interest or other factors.
Advises professional staff on complex issues, defense strategies and procedures; monitors and evaluates work, ensuring performance is consistent with prevailing professional standards, applicable statutes and county policies. Assigns, tracks and reviews caseloads.  Oversees the arrangement of training and practice updates for attorneys, as required or needed.
Responds to or oversees the resolution of sensitive or complex inquiries, problems or complaints regarding availability or quality of services. Responds to public records requests.
Establishes, prepares and submits pertinent budgets, reports, documents and data as required.
Maintains and establishes equitable working relationships with all agencies within the criminal justice system.
Attends meetings and hearings and represents the department and the County to all agencies, organizations and individuals both public and private including the media in matters related to the Department.
Performs other related duties as required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Juris Doctor degree from an accredited college or university school of law, and,
Eight (8) years of progressively responsible legal and criminal trial experience as a licensed practicing attorney, including the performance of administrative functions and the supervision of professional staff.  Must have demonstrated experience in the utilization of expert witnesses and evidence.
Admitted to practice law in Washington State at the time of application; membership in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association, without qualifications or restrictions on the practice of law.   Certification by the Washington State Supreme Court to be lead counsel in capital cases under Special Proceedings Rule 2 preferred.