Chief Public Defender

Job Description

This position will provide overall administration and management of the delivery of public defender services for the County.  Provide financial management, resource utilization, legal compliance and quality assurance, and will advise the County as to matters of public defense policy, litigation, and negotiation of public defender contracts.   The position will screen, prepare and defend misdemeanor cases in District Court and felony cases in Superior Court, as needed, and will coordinate with the judges the most efficient way to schedule and handle court dockets.
Essential Functions
(Any one position may not include all the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks which may be found in positions of this class.)

Ensure that all public defense services and functions are managed and provided in accordance with RCW 10.101 et. seq., Mason County Ordinances, Rules of Professional Conduct or any rules as may be adopted and required by the Washington State Supreme Court.  Formulate policies and procedures that control and ensure the indigent defense delivery system in Mason County meets professional and legal standards.

Plan, coordinate and manage public defender services within budgeted funds, and prepare the annual Public Defender Budget proposal for submission to the County Commissioners.  Manage financial and case disposition records to determine direct and indirect costs.

Design the internal operation and administrative controls necessary for the orderly disposition of cases in the public defender system.  Initially reviews and screens all charges and determines the appropriate case assignment and monitors all phases of service delivery of cases referred for indigent representation.   Provide periodic reports to ensure that the public defense services provided by the County are compliant with the law.

Investigate complaints regarding service delivery and serves as a focal point for inquiries, issues, complaints or emergencies related to the availability and/or quality of services.  Represents the County on various committees and special interest groups and work cooperatively with Court staff and with other elements of the criminal justice system in the promotion and protection of the rights of the individuals requesting or receiving service.  Serve on the Mason County Criminal Justice Working Team.

Administer contracts with attorneys providing indigent defense as well as investigators and others who provide professional services related to providing indigent defense in Mason County.  Oversee grant applications, submissions and compliance.

Maintain an indigent defense caseload, as appropriate.

Responsible for selecting, assigning, training, supervising, and evaluating the work performance of assigned staff. Make decisions regarding personnel matters and actions.

Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.

Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:
Washington State criminal and civil law and related local statutes, ordinances, case law, and procedures.
Principles, methods, and practices of legal research and investigation. Judicial procedure and rules of evidence.
Judicial procedures
Government administration and practices.
Office procedures, practices, and equipment

Skill in:
Microsoft Suite.
Customer service.

Ability to:
Attend training to meet legal requirements for the State of Washington.
Conduct legal research, analysis, and investigation of criminal or civil cases. Plan, prepare, present, and conduct case strategies for trial.
Interpret and explain codes, statutes, ordinances, and procedures.
Manage heavy caseloads and maintain appropriate records, logs, and case files.
Ability to utilize a computer and related software packages to perform word processing, analysis, information retrieval, and tracking.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, regarding complex or sensitive issues.
Problem solve.

OTHER DUTIES:
May be required to obtain additional education as required to conduct business functions.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
(The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Mason County provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

Work is performed primarily in an office or courtroom environment; however, an incumbent may be required to travel to meetings, hearings, training seminars, and court sessions.  May be required to move more than twenty-five (25) lbs.  Incumbent may be required to work long hours, non-standard work weeks, weekends, and holidays.

Position requires mental acuity to ensure thorough analysis of situations in a fast-paced environment. Employee is required to maintain confidentiality of information within the department. The employee may be required to deal with disgruntled individuals requiring the use of conflict management skills. Employee is frequently required to perform work in confidence and under pressure for deadlines and is always required to maintain professional composure and tact, patience, and courtesy.

Minimum Qualifications

(Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job may be considered.)

Graduation from an ABA accredited school of law and must be a member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association.
Three (3) years handling adult felony cases, including two (2) years as a defense attorney representing people in adult felony cases.
Lead or co-counsel in four (4) adult felony trials in which the state has rested, at least one (1) of which was submitted to a jury and at least one (1) of which was a felony-high case.
Completed defense training or CLE on mitigation and challenging prior convictions.
Three (3) years of supervisory experience at senior management level.

 

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Valid Washington State Driver’s License
Member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association

Supplemental Information
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday 8 AM to 5 PM
Position Description Updated: 02.24.2025