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CO
City of Spokane
Public Defender I
Career Insights for Lawyer (General)
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What they do
A Lawyer represents clients in legal matters or court proceedings, provides legal advice and draws up legal documents. Works on criminal or civil cases, and either specializes in one area or practices broadly across all areas of law.
$146,184 / year median in Washington
+9% projected growth
Job Description
Performs entry-level professional legal work in defending indigent clients referred by the Municipal Probation Department or Municipal Court with misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor charges before the Municipal Court and occasionally before Spokane County District and Superior Courts. Prepares and conducts legal defense before the Court including representation at first appearance and arraignment. Gathers evidence and conducts legal research to formulate defense against charges. Interviews clients and witnesses and may work with an investigator to ascertain case facts, and handles other details in preparation for trial or case resolution. Prepares legal briefs, develops strategy, arguments and testimony in preparation for presentation of the case. Negotiates resolution with prosecutors on non-trial cases. Represents client in court, examining and cross-examining witnesses. Summarizes case to jury. Provides advice by phone to DUI arrestees who have asked for such advice of counsel during business and non-business hours. Confers with colleagues with specialty in area of law to establish and verify basis for legal proceedings, such as therapeutic courts. Performs related work as required. Open Entry (Must be met at time of application.) Membership in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association, whether by exam, diploma privilege by graduation from an accredited law school, or APR 6. Applicants must first meet the minimum qualifications to be evaluated. Those who pass the examination will then go on the hiring list. The examination will consist of a Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E). A Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E) is a written test where the applicant answers structured questions based on their previous experience and training or education. Please view this video for tips to help you fill out the T&E. This is an online examination that will require a computer. If you do not have access to a computer, please notify Civil Service so that one may be provided. Computer reservations can also be made through your local public library.