Public Defense Attorney - Supervisor (TDA) (CS)

ABOUT THE ROLE The Department of Public Defense (DPD) is recruiting for Public Defense Attorney Supervisor positions within The Defenders Association Division. The role involves supervising attorneys, ensuring high-quality legal representation, mentoring staff, and fostering an inclusive environment committed to equity and social justice. Supervisors may carry a partial caseload and must demonstrate a passion for public defense and client representation. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Supervise, develop, evaluate, train, mentor, and coach unit employees and interns - Ensure work conforms to professional standards, statutes, rules, and policies - Conduct disciplinary investigations, impose discipline, and implement corrective action plans - Conduct annual performance evaluations and assign or balance attorney workloads - Carry a partial caseload requiring excellent legal representation, trial, research, and negotiation skills - Maintain and update computerized case-management systems to track caseloads - Identify ethical conflicts of interest - Serve on-call at least twice a year and supervise on-call attorneys - Participate in the Division Management Team and assist with office-wide initiatives MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school or completed the WSBA's Rule 6 Law Clerk Program - Member of the Washington State Bar Association in good standing with at least three years of experience as a lawyer - Murder/Sex/Felony High qualified to be considered for Felony placements - Washington State Driver's License or ability to travel to required destinations SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to the King County worksite - Subject to DPD Ethical Walls Policies and Outside Work Policy for Attorneys - Represented by Teamsters 117 bargaining unit - Must maintain a home workspace with a reliable internet connection SELECTION PROCESS - Evaluation of application materials and supplemental questions - Interviewing - References - Personnel file review going back three years - Background check if applicable HOW TO APPLY - Submit a completed King County application - Attach a current or chronological resume - Attach a cover letter detailing your background and what you bring to the DPD - Current TDAD supervising attorneys wishing to transfer should email Managing Attorney Ben Goldsmith at benjamin.goldsmith@kingcounty.gov by the closing date - Applications submitted by 11:59 p.m. on August 10, 2026, receive priority consideration EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Job Type: Career Service Executive, Full Time, Exempt from FLSA overtime provisions - Location: Hybrid model with an onsite minimum of four days per week and five days during the probationary period - Work Locations: Various locations including Seattle, Kent, and Redmond District Court - Travel: Required to various locations throughout King County, including courts, jails, hospitals, and treatment centers - Benefits: Pension plan, holidays, transit pass, training, and education opportunities