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 after being committed pursuant to a finding of Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity, under Ch. 10.77 RCW.

Position Overview:
A contract attorney will represent individuals who have been acquitted not guilty by reason of insanity of a criminal charge and have been committed to a state hospital or facility for treatment of their mental illness and dangerousness. Representation includes forced medication hearings, administrative meetings within the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), conditional and unconditional release hearings, bench trials, or jury trials. A full-time attorney will carry a caseload of approximately 15 clients.

Annual compensation for a full-time caseload is $205,704.00. 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 good standing with the Washington StateBar Association;
Two years of criminal or civil trial experience;
Experience as counsel in cases involving expert witnesses and mental health issues;
Have familiarity with the Washington Superior Court Civil Rules and the ability to become familiar with a jurisdiction's local court rules;
Be responsive to and communicate clearly with clients living with disabilities, and/or mental health issues, and those with Limited English Proficiency (LEP);
Be willing to accept case appointments in multiple counties and ability to travel to a State Hospital or Facility and jurisdictions for Court hearings;
Be compliant with the Washington State Supreme Court and WSBA Standards for Indigent Defense Services; and
Possess experience or interest in how race, gender, national origin, disability, and class intersect to create disparities for individuals experiencing state intervention in their lives, and a willingness to challenge the State on issues of bias andprejudice.