Job Description
Job DescriptionSalary: $72,373 to $86,417 Annually
Job Title: Public Defender
Department: Administration
Reports To: City Manager
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Location: Airway Heights, Washington
Salary Range: $6,031 to $7,201 Monthly; $72,373 to $86,417 Annually
Benefits: See Description Below
FLSA Status: Exempt Position
EEO Category: Professional
The individual in this position will be employed at-will. This position is not a union position.
GENERAL OVERVIEW:
The attorney filling this position will act as court-appointed counsel representing indigent people in the Airway Heights Municipal Court. The attorney will represent clients in all phases of criminal proceedings, including arraignment, pretrial hearings, trial preparation and investigation, plea negotiations, trial and sentencing. The primary caseload will consist of misdemeanor offenses. The attorney will also assist management and other staff as directed and comply with legal standards and requirements.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
The responsibilities of this position will include, but are not limited to:
- Interview defendants as assigned to determine the facts of the Review police reports and other materials to evaluate each case against the state of the law to determine its relative strengths and weaknesses in order to engage in plea negotiations, development of case strategy and trial preparation.
- Meet with clients to evaluate options and 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.
- 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 hearings subsequent thereto.
- Coordinate and arrange for tests of physical evidence and the use of expert
- Conduct all trial actions including selection of jury, cross and direct examination, introduction of evidence and exhibits and make arguments on the law and interpretation of the evidence.
- Represent defendants in all legal proceedings including, but not limited to first appearances, arraignments, pre-trial motions, trials, guilty pleas, probation violations, and restitution hearings.
- Prioritize and plan cases and work activities while using resources
- Cooperate with the courts in its electronic records project, which includes electronic receipt of hearing and trial notices, discovery, and other documents and information, and electronic filing of motions and other documents.
- Perform other duties or projects as assigned, including attending conferences/meetings.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
- Law degree from an accredited college or university.
- Admission to Washington State Bar Association.
- Possess and maintain a valid drivers license.
- One (1) year of prior experience as a law clerk or legal intern is preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Knowledge of applicable Washington State law relating to criminal and other assigned cases.
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations, engage in problem solving, work with upset or mentally ill people, negotiate with others and manage conflict.
- High level of analytical ability and logic. Ability to gather and synthesize large bodies of information.
BEHAVIORAL
STANDARDS:
All City employees are responsible for contributing to a safe and positive work environment, actively demonstrating the City of Airway Heights values in their daily work and interactions:
- Professionalism: Complying with the Rules of Professional Conduct for Washington, complying with all Court Rules and Judicial Orders, Respecting the Judge and Judges staff and Maintaining confidentiality.
- Respect: Appreciating and valuing customers, other City employees and City leadership by showing courtesy, friendliness and fairness. Communicating in a productive and professional manner.
- Accountability: Honoring and delivering on commitments by taking responsibility for personal actions and results; being a responsible steward of public resources and the trust City residents have placed in each of us.
- Integrity: Modelling transparent and ethical behavior and demonstrating it with honest and trustworthy behaviors and actions; leading by example and performing work to the highest standards.
- Innovation: Striving for excellence by actively pursuing opportunities for new and improved methods, procedures or technologies; fostering an environment of engagement and empowerment and embracing continuous improvement.
BENEFITS:
The benefits listed below are those currently enjoyed by full-time City of Airway Heights employees. It is important to remember that over the course of time these benefits may change - they are not permanent. Benefits may change through City Council or administrative actions or changes mandated by state and federal law.
- Paid Holidays: 11 paid holidays and 4 personal holidays per year.
- Paid Time Off (PTO): The purpose of PTO is to compensate employees for absences due to injury, illness, vacation and personal business. In addition, the program is designed to provide employees with personal flexibility regarding the use of leave hours. PTO hours accrue based upon the actual number of regular hours worked.
- Year 1-4 = 8 hours/month
- Year 5-10 = 11 hours/month
- Year 11-15 = 13 hours/month
- Year 16+ = 15 hours/month
- Sick Leave: Employees will accrue 10 hours of sick leave every month.
- Retirement Plan: All retirement plans are through the State of Washington Department of Retirement Systems (DRS).
- Medical, Dental& Vision Insurance: The City currently pays the entire medical, dental and vision insurance premiums for the employee. The City pays for a portion of dependent coverage and the employee pays for the remaining dependent coverage/premiums.
- Other Benefits Offered
- Aflac Supplemental Insurance
- Group Life Insurance
- HRA VEBA
Origination Date: February 2, 2026