Deputy I or II or Senior Deputy, DOQ - Whatcom County

Deputy I or II or Senior Deputy, DOQ
Whatcom County Public Defender’s Office

SALARY RANGES:  

DEPUTY I:   $4,257 - $5,716 / Month       CLOSING DATE: October 9, 2008
DEPUTY II:  $5,033 - $6,734 / Month
SENIOR DEPUTY:  $5,708 - $7,620 / Month                           

SUMMARY:  Acts as court-appointed counsel representing individuals accused of misdemeanors or felonies in superior, district and juvenile courts.  Represents indigents in involuntary commitment proceedings and dependency proceedings Represents appointed clients in all phases of criminal proceedings, including arraignment, pretrial hearings, trial preparation, plea negotiations, trial and sentencing.  Responsible for the investigation and preparation of each case assigned.  Assists management and other staff, as directed. Complies with legal standards and requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS:  Must be a current member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association, OR must be a current member in good standing of another State Bar Association AND must become a member of the Washington State Bar Association by passing the next Washington State Bar exam. Trial experience in criminal law is preferred. Spanish language fluency is desired. The Deputy II level requires three years as a successful practicing attorney with criminal trial experience,  and the Senior Deputy requires six years as a successful practicing attorney working primarily in criminal defense, with a trial background in criminal law that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:  Must have a driving record that meets County standards and possess a valid driver’s license at time of hire and throughout employment. Must pass job-related tests. Background check must meet County criteria. Required to successfully complete all continuing legal education requirements as mandated by the Washington State Bar Association, which includes 2 hours of ethics credit per year throughout employment.

BENEFITS:  Whatcom County offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental and vision coverage for employees and their family, plus life insurance coverage for employees.  Our benefits package includes attractive paid leave provisions, including three weeks vacation to start, an average of 12 holidays per year, and sick leave.  County employees participate in the Washington State Retirement System with joint contributions by the County and the employee.  Whatcom County offers an employee assistance program, a long term disability program, and employees may, at their option and expense, participate in a flexible spending plan for health care/dependent care, a retirement health savings plan, and deferred compensation plans.  The County provides a match of up to 2% of salary for deferred compensation plan contributions.

HOW TO APPLY:  The required application materials are available on our website at: www.whatcomcounty.us/jobs. You must submit your resume, cover letter and completed application materials to Human Resources by the closing date.  You may also fax a copy of your application materials to (360) 738-2521 by the closing date, and mail or drop off the originals.  To request that application materials be mailed to you please call (360) 676-6802.  Whatcom County Human Resources is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except holidays. 

If you would like to request assistance with physical access or communications, or have other needs related to a disability, please contact Human Resources.

Whatcom County will perform checks of education, training, criminal history, experience and other job-related information.  Certain positions will be subject to testing for job-related skills, driving record checks, drug tests and a physical examination.

Whatcom County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Human Resources Website Fax TTY
(360) 676-6802 www.whatcomcounty.us (360) 738-2521 (360) 738-4555