Public Defense Attorney - Supervisor (TDA) (SDA)

ABOUT THE ROLE The King County Department of Public Defense is recruiting for Public Defense Attorney - Supervisor(s) as a Special Duty Assignment (SDA) within The Defenders Association Division. This role involves supervising attorneys, carrying a partial caseload, and promoting fairness, equity, and anti-oppression frameworks while representing indigent adults and children facing a loss of liberty. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Supervise attorneys and support staff. - Develop, evaluate, train, mentor, and coach unit employees and interns. - Ensure work conforms with professional standards, statutes, rules, and policies. - Conduct disciplinary investigations and impose discipline when appropriate. - Implement and monitor corrective and career development action plans. - Conduct performance evaluations of unit employees. - Assign and balance workload among attorneys within the unit. - Ensure unit employees are up to date on DPD policies, legislative proposals, and case law changes. - Act as a catalyst for problem-solving and conflict resolution. - Carry a partial caseload requiring excellent legal representation, trial skills, and client rapport. - Maintain and update a computerized case-management system. - Identify cases presenting an ethical conflict of interest. - Serve on call at least twice a year and supervise on-call attorneys. - Actively support and promote DPD's mission and policies. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school OR completion of the WSBA's Rule 6 Law Clerk Program. - Member of the Washington State Bar Association in good standing, having been a lawyer for at least three years. - Murder/Sex/Felony High qualified (for Felony placements). - Washington State Driver's License or ability to travel to required destinations. - Knowledge of community resources, legal research computer applications, judicial/trial procedure, and case management. - Ability to manage a work unit, build strong attorney/client relationships, and collaborate with judicial and criminal justice systems. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - This Special Duty opportunity is ONLY open to current King County, TDA, career service employees who have completed their initial probation. - Assignment is anticipated to last up to six months, with the ability to be extended or end early based on business needs. - Must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to the King County worksite. - Must maintain a home workspace with reliable internet for hybrid work. - Hybrid model: minimum of four days per week onsite (especially during the probationary period). - May be required to travel to various locations throughout King County (courts, jails, hospitals, treatment centers). - Exempt from FLSA overtime provisions. - Subject to DPD Ethical Walls Policies and Outside Work Policy for Attorneys. SELECTION PROCESS - Evaluation of application materials and supplemental questions. - Interviewing and reference checks. - Personnel file review going back the last three years. - Background check, if applicable. HOW TO APPLY - Submit a completed King County application. - Attach a current and chronological resume. - Attach a cover letter detailing your background and what you can bring to the Department of Public Defense. - Applications submitted by 11:59 p.m. on September 4, 2026, will be given priority consideration. - Current supervising attorneys in TDAD wishing to transfer should email Managing Attorney Ben Goldsmith at benjamin.goldsmith@kingcounty.gov by the closing date. - For accommodations, contact dpd-hr@kingcounty.gov. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: King County - Location: Dexter Horton Building, 710 Second Avenue #200, Seattle, WA (with potential rotations to other Seattle, Kent, or Redmond locations) - Job Type: Term-Limited, Full Time - Bargaining Unit: AD2 : L117-DPD-Sups&Mgrs-Atty - Opening Date: 08/27/2026 - Closing Date: Continuous (Priority consideration by 09/04/2026) - FLSA Status: Exempt