Closing Date: 14th August, 2026
Description:
Description:Learn more about the Director of Assigned Counsel here. (https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.piercecountywa.gov%2FDocumentCenter%2FView%2F159570%2FDAC_Director_Digital&data=05%7C02%7Ccharissa.hudson%40piercecountywa.gov%7C366238171873461f007508dedd1ea08b%7Cf0a7f3cff9f846988d26ab6b65fa184e%7C0%7C0%7C639191320793193444%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=zAEyQrPnTBGfHhwzqVwl2qP%2BeUGsgdMhQP%2FG5mj2WyY%3D&reserved=0)
Summary:
Pierce County is looking for a dedicated Director of The Department of Assigned Counsel who has/is:
- Deep knowledge of Washington State Bar process, technical legal writing, and a comprehensive understanding of the County's indigent defense delivery system in compliance with all State and Federal laws regarding standards for Indigent Defense Services.
- Skilled in assigning and managing caseloads, leading teams, contracted legal services, budgeting, and responding to complex customer complaints through clear, transparent, and honest communication.
- Demonstrated experience drafting legal documents, representing complex legal cases, and navigating relationships with diverse community partners, including the courts, County officials, and attorney or investigative panel members and the ability to maintain strong working relationships with inter-agencies and key stakeholders in all aspects of legal service delivery.
- Devoted to ensuring all of Pierce County is eligible to receive professional and effective legal representation while efficiently utilizing public resources.
A complete classification can be found here. (https://www.piercecountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/118542/Director-of-Assigned-Counsel)
Our strategic leader will focus on:
- Continuous improvement for themselves and their organizations
- Fostering a growth mindset and life-long learning
- Data-driven decision-making
- Consideration for customer perspectives and impacts
- Collaboration across large, diverse work environments
- Ensuring equity and inclusion in all facets of work
- Policy and guideline development; turning ideas into action
- Championing the streamlining processes to create positive change
Director of Assigned Counsel Highlights:
Mission and Vision: The DAC provides and administers a public defense system that ensures eligible individuals receive professional, effective legal representation while responsibly utilizing public resources.
Comprehensive Legal Services: The department oversees constitutionally mandated representation for eligible individuals in criminal, juvenile, dependency, termination, involuntary commitment, and other proceedings across Pierce County courts and partner jurisdictions.
Quality and Accountability: We administer a network of qualified private attorneys and legal service providers who meet Washington State indigent defense standards, ensuring effective representation through strong oversight and operational support.
Collaboration: The department partners with the courts, County leadership and the legal community to strengthen public defense services while promoting fairness, accountability, and public trust.
Find out more about our Department of Assigned Counsel here. (https://www.piercecountywa.gov/92/Assigned-Counsel-Public-Defender)
Minimum Qualifications:
- Additional qualifying experience or completion of coursework at an accredited college or university in a job-related field, may substitute for the required experience or education.
- Graduate Degree Juris Doctorate
- Nine plus (9+) years of progressively responsible professional/managerial level experience directly related to the department.
- Licenses or Certifications Member in good standing with Washington State Bar Association (WSBA).
- A valid driver's license is required.
Supplemental Information:
About Pierce County:
Pierce County is a vibrant region where career opportunities intersect with an exceptional quality of life. With stunning natural landscapes, from the shores of Puget Sound to the majestic Mt. Rainier National Park, the area offers endless outdoor activities, including hiking, boating, and golfing on nationally ranked courses. Urban amenities abound as well, with thriving arts, cultural, and culinary scenes that complement the area's natural beauty. As one of the fastest-growing counties in Washington State, Pierce County is a hub of innovation and community collaboration, making it an exciting place to grow your career and make a lasting impact.
Pierce County is committed to a "Forward Together" mission that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion while tackling critical community challenges. The focus on affordable housing, reducing homelessness, expanding behavioral health services, and creating good-paying jobs ensures a high quality of life for all residents. This dedication to fostering inclusive communities, safe infrastructure, and equitable access to opportunities makes Pierce County a place where careers thrive, and individuals can make meaningful contributions to a resilient, vibrant future.
We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.