Note: Current Employees must use the Workday Job Hubs career section to apply for this position.

The mission of Yakima County Government is to provide accessible, responsive and responsible public service through leadership and teamwork committed to understanding and meeting public needs.

Our Values:

• Integrity

• Common Sense

• Innovation

• Accountability

Position Data:

Attorney I-S

Regular

Exempt (ineligible for overtime)

Overview:

Annual Pay Range as follows:
Attorney I - $102,000 - $110,408 (ATT I Step 1-5)
Attorney II - $113,720 - $128,068 (ATT II Step 1-7)

Annual Hiring Range as follows:
Attorney I - $102,000 - $108,143 (ATT I Step 1-4 DOQ)
Attorney II - $113,720 - $120,681 (ATT II Step 1-4 DOQ)


Job Closing Date: Open until filled with weekly reviews.


The Yakima County Assigned Counsel Office (Office of the Public Defender) has immediate openings for Attorneys at the Attorney I and II levels. The incumbent is responsible for providing professional legal indigent defense for clients in the District Court or Superior Court (Adult, Juvenile and/or ITA). Assignment is subject to the needs of the indigent defense program.


Benefits include in position:
-Health Care Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Basic Life and Basic LTD)
-Retirement Benefits
-Paid Vacation
-Paid Holidays
-Paid Sick Leave

Note: This is a Non-Bargaining Unit Position.

This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies that occur within 90 days of the closing of this position. (This excludes Yakima County Sheriff's Office and Department of Corrections)

Responsibilities:

Essential Duties:

Performs attorney cases and assignments of a moderate level of complexity and seriousness, with close to moderate supervision in a wide variety of criminal and/or civil legal work, depending upon assignment, which may change. Uses attorney training, office resources, and timely involvement of supervisors to ensure effective and professional representation of parties involved.

In Criminal Matters:

Evaluates each case and assesses its factual and legal sufficiency under the law at each stage of a criminal proceeding by reviewing police and other reports and analyzing all information available.

Evaluates strengths, weaknesses and facts of each case for purposes of additional investigation, plea negotiations, development of case strategy and trial preparation.

Coordinates or conducts case investigation for trial preparation as necessary.  Arranges for tests of physical evidence, testimony of expert witnesses and interviews or directs interviews of witnesses as required. Interviews and confers with client regarding facts, plea discussions, trial, sentencing and progress of case and maintains client confidentiality.

Instigates or responds to plea bargaining negotiations with opposing counsel and represents the interest of the client.

Represents the client at preliminary appearances, arraignments, pre-trial motions, pleas of guilty, sentencing hearings and post-trial matters such as restitution hearings and sentence reviews/amendments.

Conducts all trial actions including: selection of jury, opening arguments, direct and cross examination, introduction of evidence and exhibits, preparation of jury instructions, closing arguments and post-trial motions. 

Responds to individuals arrested who wish to consult with an attorney at critical stages of proceedings.

In Civil Matters:

Represents clients at all stages of the following civil matters and proceedings: civil commitment proceedings (except under RCW 71.09), civil contempt, truancy, and at risk youth, and drug forfeitures. 

In all civil matters, performs case evaluation, additional investigation, trial preparation, settlement negotiations, pre-trial motions, non-jury and jury trials and appeals as required.

Supervision in All Matters:

Normally requires close to moderate supervision in handling cases or matters of the type assigned.  Works with supervisors in resolution of ethical issues and in response to problems and to complaints regarding services provided.

Other Duties as Assigned In All Matters:

Performs other duties as assigned such as: preparation of appellate briefs in connection with appeals; preparation of correspondence and pleadings on a personal computer; participation in or preparation and presentation of in-house training programs; and presentation of educational programs to local school, community or civic organizations.

Education & Experience:
Attorney I - Admission to the Washington State Bar.
If you are awaiting results of the Washington State Bar exam and/or awaiting admission into the WSBA, we encourage you to apply. 

Attorney II - Admission to the Washington State Bar. 
A minimum of four (4) years of law practice experience.

Required:

• Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation which may include fingerprinting.

• Valid Washington State Driver's License and proof of insurance at time of employment are required.

Equipment Used:

Telephone, copy and fax machines, and personal computer. Must have the ability to drive personal and/or County vehicle, and travel to locations outside of the courthouse.

Working Conditions:

This position is rated as Sedentary Work:  Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.  Sedentary work involves sitting, most of the time. 

Environment: Pathogen exposure work in locked down facilities, exposure to hostile/angry individuals, work outside of standard business hours and multiple work locations;

Physical Demands:  bending, carrying, handling, lifting, reaching, sitting, standing, walking, fingering, balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, kneeling, hearing, smelling, talking, visual acuity.

Intellectual Demands:  ability to multitask, confidentiality, ability to work under pressure, ability to articulate and communicate in conversations, ability to follow written and verbal instruction.

Knowledge:

• The laws of the State of Washington, rules of evidence and procedure, and Washington Court rules;

• The field of assignment sufficient to perform thoroughly and accurately the full scope of responsibility as illustrated in the class description and essential duties; 

• The ethical and professional responsibilities of an attorney generally and for the field of assignment.

Skills ( and abilities):

• Using a personal computer and related software applications, and operating basic office equipment;

• Performing legal research; analyzing and applying legal principles, statutes, constitutional provisions, facts, evidence and precedents to legal problems;

• Applying supervisory techniques and methods; and assigning, reviewing and evaluating the work of others (supervisory positions);

• Prioritizing work under varying conditions and effectively managing time;

• Finding solutions to problems and making decisions within the scope of responsibility and the law;

• Exercising sound judgment in consulting senior attorneys and supervisors with questions and concerns, and, in referring matters to others which are beyond the scope, knowledge or authority of the position.

• Working individually and cooperatively as a member of a team;

• Applying knowledge of the law in writing various documents, organizing evidence, drafting interview questions, presenting legal arguments, and legal and/or factual situations;

• Establishing and maintaining effective interpersonal relationships with co-workers, individuals involved in the court systems, media and diverse members of the public while maintaining focus on case and client interests;

• Maintaining confidentiality; and

• Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, in clear concise language appropriate for the purposes involved and the parties addressed, including court appearances.

“AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER”
Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans and the Disabled are encouraged to apply.

Yakima County ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of a person’s age, color, creed, sensory, mental or physical disability, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political belief, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and military status, or any other protected status under federal or state statute.

PAY TRANSPARENCY NONDISCRIMINATION PROVISION
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish the information.

Disabled applicants may request accommodation to participate in the job application and/or selection process for employment. Please contact Human Resources for further information.

Yakima County is a qualified Public Service entity for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, go to https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service or contact your federal loan servicer.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Yakima County will hire only United States citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States.

Yakima County is an E-Verify Employer.