About the role#
The Department of Public Defense is hiring 3rd-year law students, judicial clerks, and fellows for positions beginning in Fall 2027. We provide legal representation to indigent clients facing felony or misdemeanor charges, dependency and termination cases, and involuntary commitment petitions. Our office uses a vertical model of representation, ensuring you stay with your client throughout their case. We prioritize sustainable workloads through a case-weight credit model based on national research.
What you'll do#
- Provide legal representation and advocacy for indigent clients, including those with disabilities or limited English proficiency.
- Manage all stages of a case from arraignment through trial, sentencing, and post-conviction motions.
- Conduct plea negotiations, mitigation, and case resolution strategies.
- Perform legal research, draft motions, and argue pretrial motions.
- Collaborate with investigators, mitigation specialists, and paralegals to develop and implement legal strategies.
- Advocate for a diverse client base, including individuals experiencing mental illness, substance use, or trauma.
What you'll need#
- A Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
- Eligibility to sit for the Washington State Bar Examination in July 2027 or, for clerks and fellows, admission to the bar in Washington or another state qualifying under Rule 8.
- Must be at least 21 years old.
- Ability to handle on-call 24-hour coverage, which currently requires approximately one week per year or two Saturday calendars annually.
- Ability to travel throughout King County.
- Proficiency in languages other than English, clinical training in public defense, or lived experience with the criminal legal or family surveillance systems is highly desirable.
Location & details#
- This is a full-time, paid position based in King County, Washington, with offices in Seattle, Kent, and Redmond.
- The role follows a hybrid work model. During the probationary period, you must work onsite four days per week.
- Employees must reside in Washington state within a reasonable distance to their worksite to meet reporting requirements.
About King County, WA
King County operates as a government agency based in Seattle, Washington. It provides services to more than 2 million residents. The organization employs over 8,000 people. It functions as a large employer within the state.
How to get in at King County, WA
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