Description:
Program Description: A Government Entity Forensic Commitment Program provides state funded attorney representation to indigent clients with a right to counsel at State expense for civil commitment proceedings brought under RCW 71.09.OPD seeks to fill 1 contract attorney position. A contact attorney is expected to represent clients in all stages of RCW 71.09 proceedings from the probable cause hearing to unconditional release. A full-time attorney will carry a caseload of approximately 17 case weights.
Annual compensation for a full-time caseload is $205,700. Contractors are responsible for all overhead such as support staff, rent, and other costs of doing business. If interested, follow the application procedures below.
Qualifications:
The following qualifications are required:
- Be a licensed member of the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA), in good standing; and
- Have at least:
- Five years criminal or civil trial experience; and
- One year experience as a felony defense attorney or one year experience as a criminal appeals attorney; and
- Experience as lead counsel in at least one felony trial; and
- Experience as counsel in cases involving each of the following:
- Mental health issues; and
- Sexual offenses; and
- Expert witnesses; and
- OR
- Work under the supervision of an attorney that meets the above qualifications and have either one year of experience as a public defender or significant experience in the preparation of criminal cases, or civil cases including legal research and writing and training in trial advocacy;
- Familiarity with the Superior Court Civil Rules; and
- One year of appellate experience or demonstrated legal writing ability;
- Be willing to accept case appointments in multiple counties;
- Be able to use current technology to transmit electronic reports, invoices, and other documentation that may be required;
- Be compliant with Washington Supreme Court and WSBA Standards for Indigent Defense Services.
