Public Defense Paralegal (CS/TLT/SDA)

This posting will remain open until filled and may close at any time without prior notice. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.
This recruitment will be used to establish an eligibility pool for Career Service (CS) and Term-Limited Temporary (TLT)/Special Duty Assignment (SDA) Public Defense Paralegal positions that may become available within the next six months. TLT/SDA assignments typically last between 6 and 24 months and may be extended or concluded earlier depending on business needs. Positions may be assigned to any division and located in either Seattle or Kent.

King County’s Department of Public Defense is looking to create an eligibility pool for Public Defense Paralegal positions. Paralegals work in a fast-paced environment as part of a client-centered defense team advocating for the client’s objectives. Paralegals work independently under general supervision and provide a variety of investigative and paraprofessional legal support functions under the legal and technical guidance of an attorney. The work involves considerable liaison with other agencies, jurisdictions, clients/victims/witnesses, and the public. The Paralegal is responsible for investigating facts and underlying issues and performing complex legal research.

The successful candidate is dedicated to our collective mission to defend the most vulnerable and marginalized members of our community. We value diversity and aim for our team to reflect the communities that our clients call home.

WHY JOIN DPD?

The King County Department of Public Defense (DPD) provides high quality legal representation to indigent clients in felonies, misdemeanors, juvenile defense, family defense (dependency cases), involuntary commitment (mental illness), and sex offender commitment, and inquests.

We also advocate to reduce the harm and reach of the criminal legal system and civil legal systems that restrict our clients’ liberties and to address systemic racism. We strive to create a flexible workplace culture that is inclusive, respectful, and supportive, premised on a shared anti-oppression framework. To learn more about DPD, visit our website.