We administer a variety of programs, including systemic improvement statewide, and others providing direct representation. Our primary divisions include the Appellate Program, the Parents Representation Program, Disproportionality Advocacy, and our Trial Level Programs (see more below). To learn more about OPD’s programs click here. We are dedicated to excellence in public law and indigent defense, and we seek talented candidates who share this commitment to client-centered service. We value employees who bring diverse backgrounds in education, employment, community activities, and life experiences to enhance our office.
The Training Team
The Training Team is responsible for delivering the Criminal Defense Training Academy described in Second Substitute Senate Bill 5780 and providing training under the SPAR program for attorneys statewide who represent individuals charged with Gross Misdemeanor drug possession. “Training” is used broadly and is anticipated to include small and large group educational events, both online and in-person, along with the development and sharing of resources. The staff and programs supported by this group are anticipated to expand in future years.
The Role of the SPAR Program Attorney Trainer
As the Attorney Trainer, you will work collaboratively with the Training Team and the SPAR program to build and administer a statewide training program for attorneys representing indigent clients charged with drug possession and public use crimes in courts of limited jurisdiction. This position is a unique opportunity to create and maintain training and resources for attorneys representing people accused of drug offenses. This position will report to the Training Team Supervisor. The Attorney Trainer will be supported by the Training Team Supervisor and administrative staff, along with the SPAR program’s collaborative team, which includes a Supervising Attorney, Program Analyst, and Mitigation Specialist Supervisor.
Specific responsibilities will include:
• Design, implement, and present an annual training program for attorneys representing indigent clients charged in courts of limited jurisdiction under SB 2E2SSB 5536, including periodic interim training when appropriate.
• Continually improve and refine training programs based on user feedback and changes in the law.
• Provide coaching and feedback for attorney-participants at skills exercises and mock hearings.
• Research, prepare, publish, and manage training materials, such as motions bank, desk books, legal outlines, practice guides, and advisories
• Coordinate with other organizations as necessary or desirable for sharing motions, legal strategies and tactics, and group training opportunities.
• Collaborate with others locally, statewide, and nationally to plan and implement innovative training programs.
• Conduct field observations of SPAR attorneys to observe how courts of limited jurisdiction handle simple drug possession cases and evaluate the training needs of practicing attorneys
• Conduct periodic reviews in collaboration with the SPAR Supervising Attorney of attorneys contracted with State OPD under the SPAR Program and assist in other quality assurance activities for contracted attorneys, such as occasional coaching and feedback.
Regular travel will be required in Washington State, including occasional overnight travel. Out-of-state travel occurs infrequently.
Minimum Qualifications
• A member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association.
• At least five years of experience as a defense attorney, whether as an employee of a public defense agency, or private contractor. Experience as faculty in training programs hosted by public defense offices or organizations.
• Able to develop and sustain respectful professional relationships with a diverse community of state, county, and city government officials, judges, defense attorneys, professional associations, community representatives, and others.
• Experience using and interpreting Criminal Rules of Procedure, Rules of Professional Conduct, and Indigent Defense Standards.
• Understand Substance Use and Co-Occurring Mental Disorders, and Harm Reduction or other evidence-based approaches to reducing the negative consequences associated with drug use.
• A demonstrated commitment to social and racial justice issues, and a fundamental understanding of the historical context underlying current challenges in the judicial system faced by communities of color, people with disabilities, immigrant communities, and individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+.
• A demonstrated ability to discuss issues and topics of racism, anti-Black racism, social justice, disability justice, and other areas of oppression.
• Able to prioritize tasks and to function independently as well as part of a team in a collaborative environment.
• Proficient with computer use and have the ability to become proficient in the use of specialized case management tools.
• Attention to detail and excellent writing and proofreading skills.
• Able to create training materials and deliver presentations with an understanding of adult learning techniques.
Desired Qualifications
• Strong background representing indigent individuals living with Substance Use Disorder in the civil and criminal justice systems.
• 10+ years as a lawyer representing indigent clients in criminal matters.
• Training or education on how to implement adult learning techniques to improve training outcomes.
General Responsibilities
• Exercise mature judgment in potentially sensitive, high-stress situations.
• Participate in and foster a collaborative working environment at OPD, statewide stakeholder groups, and in demographically diverse local court systems.
• Diligently follow attorney and state employee ethics requirements.
• Conduct all activities with the highest degree of professionalism in furtherance of OPD’s Mission, Vision and Values.
Teleworking
Our offices are in Olympia, Washington. We have teleworking options available by policy, which are considered on an individual basis depending on the needs of the position. Here, the selected candidate will be expected to be a resident of Washington and should expect to be available to be on-site at our Olympia office at least one working day a week.
Interested candidates should submit the following;
• Online application through https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington
• Letter of interest.
• Resume and a list of at least three professional references.
• A self-edited writing sample.
• A list of training programs you have participated in as a faculty member.
• Examples of training or resource materials you have prepared, such as slide decks, handouts, outlines, etc.
Please contact OPD if you require an accommodation to participate in this application process. [email protected], or 360-586-3164.
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