The City of Anacortes is seeking qualified candidates to engage in contract public defense services on a part-time basis. Potential candidates would provide defense services to clients in a professional, skilled manner consistent with standards set forth by the American Bar Association, WSBA, the Washington Supreme Court, the Rules of Professional Conduct, case law, and applicable court rules defining the duties of counsel and the rights of defendants in criminal cases. Candidates must be available to represent clients in person at Anacortes Municipal Court a minimum of twice per month. All eligible candidates are required to maintain their own facilities, materials, labor, accounting, and appropriate insurance. Compensation is $100/hour with the possibility of increase in 2025.

1. Provide defense services to all clients in a professional, skilled manner consistent with standards set forth by the American Bar Association, Washington State Bar Association, the Washington Supreme Court, the rules of professional conduct, case law, and applicable court rules defining the duties of counsel and the rights of defendants in criminal cases. Counsel’s primary and most fundamental responsibility is to promote and protect the best interest of the client.

2. Case investigation and strategy, discovery review, motion work, plea negotiations, trial preparation and completion, and sentencing.
3. Represent and advocate for defendants in various court hearings. Including omnibus, pleas, sentencing, trials, and suppression hearings in addition to first appearances for Anacortes arrestees in Skagit County Jail
4. Ensure that the Public Defender’s office operates within caseload limits as set forth in the Anacortes Municipal Code.
5. Interviews clients and witnesses to ascertain facts of the case and handles other details in preparation for trial.
6. Research law, prepares legal briefs, and develops strategy, arguments and testimony in preparation for presentation of the case.
7. Confers with colleagues with specialty in area of law to establish and verify basis for legal proceedings.
8. Administration of the office including handling personnel matters, managing workload and employment of legal assistant, assigning cases, budget, handling client complaints and interfacing with other departments.
9. Maintain a case reporting system and information management system.
10. Participate in staff and policy meetings involving the City, municipal court, and prosecutor’s office and provide input regarding administrative needs of the office.
11. Maintain all continuing legal education requirements as set forth by the Washington State Bar Association, with special emphasis on criminal defense.

Graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. Strong desire to work in indigent defense. Minimum of 5 years of experience in Public Defense is required.

Licenses and other requirements: Licensed attorney in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association. Must possess a valid Washington State driver's license.

Applications will be reviewed on job posting close date.