Attorney- Involuntary Treatment Act (ITA) Contempt of Court (CoC)

POSITION SUMMARY 

Under general supervision, the Level 1 Attorney represents people primarily in civil proceedings under contempt of court and Involuntary Treatment Act (ITA) proceedings (RCW 71.05) where loss of liberty is at risk. The role requires frequent collaboration with clients, social workers, investigators, mental health professionals, treatment providers, and court personnel. Attorneys in this position may rotate into criminal defense assignments in the future based on office needs. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

• Provide legal representation to assigned clients at all stages of legal proceedings.   

• Review discovery and court pleadings, research legal issues, and counsel clients.  

• Refer appropriate cases for social work services.    

• Prepare and present written and verbal legal arguments clearly and logically.  

• Conduct pretrial negotiations with assigned prosecutors.  

• Prepare and argue post-trial motions as needed.   

• Communicate regularly with clients using trauma-informed approaches. 

• Work cooperatively with colleagues. Provide coverage as needed. 

• Maintain case files in Legal Server. Document all work done on behalf of the client. 

• Independently manage a large caseload and meet deadlines.  

• Comply with WA State Rules of Professional Conduct.   

• Provide mentorship to Rule 9 and legal interns as assigned.  

• Maintain knowledge of current practices and developments in the law.   

• Attend continuing legal education seminars as required by the WSBA.  

• Interact with all criminal justice system participants to promote respect, including people affected by mental health, substance abuse, or other personality disorders.  

• Prioritize collaboration and cooperation in your interactions with all Defenders. 

• Hold yourself accountable when contributing to differences in power and identity, and act in ways which honor the authenticity, value, and dignity of each Defender.  

• Seek to cultivate constructive relationships with court stakeholders for the benefit of clients, and represent SCPDA with mindfulness, compassion, and consideration towards others.  

• Advance and/or progress toward recognizing and naming racism and other oppressions within our work.  

• Intentionally engage in antiracism learning using a framework (example: Awareness, Knowledge, Skills and Action).  

• Adhere to company policies and procedures.  

• Participate in meetings as requested.  

• Other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Licensed attorney in good standing with and member of the Washington State Bar Association.  

• Knowledge of Washington State civil commitment, contempt and criminal law.  

• Knowledge of Washington and federal rules of evidence and criminal procedures.  

• Able to build new capacities for learning and seek opportunities to expand your approach to problem-solving.  

• Ability to align your actions with the rules and guidelines of professional conduct.  

• Ability to curiously explore and incorporate perspectives different from your own.  

• Ability to keep regular office hours and maintain a workload which may require after-hours or weekend work.  

• Accept direction and feedback and follow through appropriately. Incorporates feedback into future performance.  

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and Outlook. Ability to learn and use variety of software applications.  

• Ability to maintain ethical and professional standards of the office and observe strict confidentiality.  

• Elevate deliberativeness over reactivity and take responsibility for intention and impact. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

Work is performed primarily in an office or courtroom environment. Some duties may be performed hybrid with supervisor approval where consistent i=with court and client needs. 

• Frequent standing, walking, and sitting.  

• Frequent lifting and carrying up to 10 pounds.  

• Occasional lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds.  

• Must be able to work at computer or desk area for extended periods of time.  

• Requires ability, with or without accommodation, to use computer screen and other electronic devices, input information, read and interpret data from the screen.  

This job description provides an outline of essential functions and is not all-inclusive SCPDA may modify it at any time.