Public Defender I

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.

Training and Experience Evaluation Details:
The T&E examination consists of a Supplemental Questionnaire. The questions may be viewed online under the tab marked "QUESTIONS" on the job announcement page. The T&E must be submitted online, at the time of application.

• Copies of your college or university transcripts (unofficial transcripts are accepted) may be a required part of this application and will be used to verify that you meet the minimum qualifications, as posted on the job announcement.
• Responses to your T&E questions should be consistent with the information given in your application details. Answers are subject to verification.
• Failure to complete all of the questions or incomplete responses will result in a lower score; therefore, it is advantageous for you to provide a full and complete response to each supplemental question.
• Resumes or questionnaires uploaded as attachments will not be accepted in lieu of completing each question online.
• "See Resume" or "See above," etc., and copy/paste from a previous answer are not qualifying responses and will not be considered.

Additional examinations shall be administered as applications are received with results merged into one eligible list according to final ratings, pursuant to the Merit System Rules of the Civil Service Commission: Rule IV, Section 13 – Continuous Examinations.

For information on what to expect with the hiring process, a test information guide, and frequently asked questions, please visit our website.

Upon request, at time of application, City of Spokane will provide alternative accessible tests to individuals with disabilities that impair manual, sensory, or speaking skills needed to take the test, unless the test is intended to measure those skills. 

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, genetic information, veteran/military status, or disability status. As a Fair Chance Employer, City of Spokane does not conduct initial background screening for non-public safety positions.