RFQ Attorney Representation for Indigent Clients for ITA Proceedings under RCW 71.05

About the Washington State Office of Public Defense (OPD):  We are an independent judicial branch agency mandated to implement the constitutional and statutory guarantees of counsel and to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of indigent defense services funded by the state. 
 
Mission: Upholding the rights of all people who are facing the loss of liberty or family by providing statewide leadership, administration, and support to the multidisciplinary public defense profession.
 
Vision: Public defense clients, everywhere in the state, receive truly equitable and client-centered representation from fully supported professionals.
 
Values:  Justice  *   Service   *   Equity    *    Excellence    

We administer a variety of programs, including systemic improvement programs and programs providing direct representation. To learn 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.

Program Description:  The Washington State Office of Public Defense (OPD) Forensic Civil Commitment Program provides state funded attorney representation to indigent clients with a statutory right to counsel provided in the Involuntary Treatment Act commitment proceedings at the University of Washington’s Center for Behavioral Health and Learning brought under RCW 71.05. 

OPD seeks to fill two (2) contract attorney positions. A contact attorney is expected to represent clients in cases brought by the State of Washington who are subject to involuntarily commitment for 90 or 180 days under the Involuntary Treatment Act. A full-time attorney will carry a caseload consistent with the Washington State Supreme Court Standards on Indigent Defense, CrR 3.1 Stds. (View CrR 3.1 online.) 

Annual compensation for a full-time caseload is $205,700. Contractors are responsible for all overhead costs including, but not limited to office space, health and malpractice insurance, retirement and other costs of doing business. OPD provides Westlaw, JIS, and King County ECR access, and covers all authorized expert and litigation costs. If interested, please follow the application procedures below.

Attorney Qualifications: 

1. Be a licensed member of the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA), in good standing; and 
2. Have at least: 
   • Served one year as a public defender, prosecutor or private counsel in the civil commitment practice,
   • Been trial counsel in five civil commitment initial hearings
   • Experience as lead counsel in at least one felony trial or been co-counsel with a more experienced attorney in a 90- or 180-day commitment hearing; and
   • Experience as counsel in cases involving each of the following:
     • Mental health issues; and
     • Expert witnesses.
3. Familiarity with the Superior Court Civil Rules; 
4. One year of appellate experience or demonstrated legal writing ability;
5. Be able to use current technology to transmit electronic reports, invoices, and other documentation that may be required; 
6. Comply with the Washington Supreme Court and WSBA Standards for Indigent Defense Services. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

1.  Be available to start work under the OPD contract by March 1, 2025.

Application Procedure

Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. To apply, please email a letter of interest identifying your qualifications, a current resume, and a legal writing sample. Letters of interest should describe the applicant’s current contracts for public defense or other representation as well as any existing caseload, specifying the number and type of cases currently carried.

Email application materials to:
Laurel Brinson, Program Assistant, at laurel.brinson@opd.wa.gov
 
Please address any questions to:
Kelly Canary, Managing Attorney, at kelly.canary@opd.wa.gov
 
OPD reserves the right to amend this Request for Qualifications and reserves the right to refrain from contracting with any and all applicants.  This Request for Qualifications does not obligate the state of Washington or OPD to contract for the services specified here.

The Washington State Office of Public Defense vigorously pursues diversity in the work force. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons over 40 years of age, persons of disability, and disabled and Vietnam era veterans are encouraged to apply.

Salary : $205,700