Job Description and Summary
Lewis County is currently seeking qualified attorneys to contract with the County to perform indigent
defense services in the Lewis County District Court. Attorneys interested in obtaining a contract with the
County would represent individuals in all criminal proceedings beyond preliminary appearances up to and
including probation violations.
Rate of Pay
Current rate of pay for attorneys under the contract is as follows:
DV Cases: $800 per case (2023)/$840 per case (2024)
Non-DV Cases: $400 per case (2023)/$420 per case (2024)
Probation Violations: $200/$210 per hearing regardless of number of cases resolved at the
hearing
Job Duties
Interview clients as assigned to determine the facts of the case. Review discovery materials to
evaluate each case in order to engage in development of case strategy and trial preparation or
resolution, including plea negotiation. .
Meet with clients to evaluate options and strategies. Keep clients informed of the status of their
case and promptly respond to reasonable requests for information. Explain to clients all matters
necessary for them to make informed decisions about their cases.
Appear in court to represent assigned client at all stages of the proceedings.
Personally investigate cases and/or obtain and direct investigators in the investigation of cases,
engage in pre-trial negotiations, prepare and argue pre-trial motions as needed, conduct bench
and jury trials and any necessary subsequent hearings.
Coordinate and arrange for tests of physical evidence and the use of expert witnesses.
Conduct all trial actions including selection of jury in criminal matters, cross and direct
examination of witnesses, introduction of evidence and exhibits and make arguments on the law
and interpretation of the evidence.
Zealously represent clients in all legal proceedings including, but not limited to arraignments, pre-
trial motions, trials, guilty pleas and post-trial matters. Post-trial matters may include post-trial
motions, sentencing hearings, restitution hearings, sentence reviews, the filing of appeals and
other representation as determined by the needs of each individual case.
Prioritize and plan cases and work activities while using resources efficiently.
Complete seven hours of continuing legal education within each calendar year in courses related
to their public defense practice.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Law degree from an accredited college or university (may be waived for individuals obtaining
Washington Bar license under other qualifying circumstance).
Licensed to practice law in the State of Washington with the Washington State Bar Association.
Meet the qualifications as outlined in Standard 14 of CrR 3.1.
Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
If interested, please contact Amber Smith, Director of Human Resources and Risk Management
(amber.smith@nulllewiscountywa.gov or (360) 740-1385) for additional information.