King County Department of Public Defense

Please join us in welcoming our new Human Resource Associate, Natalia Strom! As the HR team grows, the better we become at executing on our core objective, which is to provide high-level, individualized support to all employees based on their specific goals, strengths, and circumstances. With the addition of three new team members in 2025, we look forward to new opportunities for growth and collaboration, which we hope will foster both a strong sense of collegiality across the department, and shared pride in our hard work to serve the community.

Please join us in welcoming our January hires! DPD’s HR team strives to recruit and cultivate dedicated, dynamic, and diverse talent for all positions across the department. We are thrilled to announce the newest additions to our team. DPD wouldn’t be able to provide the exceptional representation we’re known for without the invaluable contributions of our non-attorney professionals. Christine joins DPD as an investigator in our Northwest Defenders Division (NDD). Christine worked as a paralegal and staff attorney in Des Moines, Iowa, before moving to Seattle. She primarily worked in insurance defense where she was responsible for investigations, research, and drafting discovery and pleadings. She also worked part-time as a freelance legal writer and researcher.?? ? Among her most memorable experiences is abseiling down waterfalls and cliff faces in Vietnam during her travels.? Samiksha joins the DPD-HR team as a HR Associate. She has a master’s degree in human resource management from India and has over three years of experience as an HR Officer at Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Limited (MMMOCL), India. During her time there she managed HR operations, including full-cycle recruitment, compliance, employee onboarding, performance appraisals, leave administration, exit processes, and various administrative tasks. She ensured smooth organizational operations and adherence to company policies. She is eager to contribute to DPD and looks forward to collaborating with the team. Catalina joins the DPD-HR team as a Sr. Analyst with a dedicated focus on attorney recruiting. She brings broad legal talent acquisition experience, which includes lateral attorney recruitment for boutique and Am Law 100 firms, as well as corporate legal departments. She also has experience working with law students as both a law school career services advisor and?as a campus recruiter.?? ? Catalina is a University of Michigan undergrad and American University law graduate. She sees DPD’s Attorney Recruiter opportunity as a way to blend her experience as an attorney and headhunter, with her passion to pursue a career in public service and contribute meaningfully to the community.? ? In her free time, you can find Catalina trying to keep up with her?ten-month-old cattle dog puppy, Eddie. #dpdhr #publicservice #weareoneteam

We're actively interviewing for our next class of lateral attorneys. Come work with us! #DPD #PublicDefense #PublicDefenseAttorney

The King County Department of Defense Welcomes First Lateral Attorney Class of 2025! DPD kicked off 2025 by welcoming our first class of lateral attorneys on January 21. We are thrilled with the arrival of these six experienced public defenders, whose hiring is key to our strategy to meet the WSBA’s new caseload standards. The attorneys completed core felony skills training and have joined their divisions. We look forward to working with each of them. Elizabeth Berry is returning to her home state of Washington after several years as a public defender in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, where she represented clients facing both misdemeanor and felony charges. Elizabeth is joining NDD to represent clients in Seattle Municipal Court. ? Shaquille Turner will also join NDD’s SMC unit, transitioning to public defense after five years as an attorney in the U.S. Army. We are excited for Shaquille to continue his career in public service at DPD as he moves into civilian life. ? Stephen Grant will bring over a decade of criminal defense experience to TDAD’s felony unit in Kent. A former Rule 9 intern at Northwest Defenders Association, Stephen is returning to public defense in King County, where he began his legal career. ? Thomas Wells joins SCRAPD’s felony unit in Kent with more than a decade of criminal defense experience in King County. He has extensive trial experience, including three trial victories in King County District Court just last year. ? Zachary Porter, a recent transplant to King County, will also join SCRAPD’s felony unit in Kent. After five years of public defense work in California and more than two dozen jury trials, Zachary’s experience will be a significant asset to SCRAPD’s clients. ? Kevin Cole will join SCRAPD’s Seattle felony unit, returning to public defense after two decades in private practice in Western Washington. Kevin began his legal career in public defense and has represented clients facing serious felony charges, including homicides. #DPD #PublicDefense #PublicDefenseAttorney From left to right: Stephen Grant, Thomas Wells, Shaquille Turner, Kevin Cole, Zachary Porter, and Elizabeth Berry

?? Exciting News: $5,000 Attorney Referral Bonus Now Available for Eligible King County Employees! ?? We’re excited to announce that King County Department of Public Defense (DPD) is now part of King County’s $5,000 Attorney Referral Bonus Program! This initiative gives represented King County employees the opportunity to play a direct role in shaping DPD’s future while being recognized for their efforts. Here’s how it works: ??Refer a licensed attorney. ???If your referral is hired and successfully completes their 12-month probationary period, you’ll receive a $5,000 bonus—provided you’re still employed by King County. ??There’s no limit to the number of bonuses you can earn, though only one person can claim the referral bonus per new hire. This program is part of our broader efforts to attract and retain skilled, mission-driven attorneys who will help us lower caseloads while maintaining our commitment to exceptional advocacy. Why refer attorneys to DPD? ?? Competitive salaries and benefits ?? Well-funded pensions. ?? Commitment to WSBA-revised caseload standards. ?? Opportunities for professional growth through training and development. ?? A collaborative and mission-driven work environment. Help us find remarkable attorneys who share our passion for advocacy! If you know someone who’d thrive in this role, make the referral today and be part of building DPD’s future. ?? Questions? Reach out to our HR team for more details at [email protected]. #KingCounty #PublicDefense #DPD

We are thrilled to announce a monumental achievement in the fight for public defense reform! After tireless advocacy from our dedicated staff and the strong leadership of DPD’s union partners, we’ve successfully secured the adoption of groundbreaking caseload standards by the Washington State Bar Association. This victory is a crucial step toward ensuring public defenders have the resources and support they need to deliver the quality, ethical representation every client deserves. It’s a major milestone in the ongoing effort to build a more equitable justice system. This success is a direct result of the passion and dedication of our staff, who shared powerful personal stories and pushed for meaningful change. We’re excited to see the positive impact this will have on our community, and we hope it will serve as a model for reform nationwide. ?? Read more in this insightful blog post by Matt Sanders: https://lnkd.in/ggd4bQqF #PublicDefense #WSBA #PublicDefenders

Ready to make a change in the new year? The King County Department of Public Defense is hiring experienced attorneys to join our felony practice. Be part of a groundbreaking shift in public defense as we implement new caseload standards—the first state in the country to do so following last year's landmark National Public Defense Workload Study. Make a difference. Join us in shaping the future of public defense. Please note: The salary range listed in the below ad will begin 01/01/25. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/g6KCUa48 #PublicDefense #KingCountyDPD #LegalCareers #PublicDefenders

?? Exciting Opportunity: Director of Training at the King County Department of Public Defense! ?? ? Are you passionate about shaping the future of public defense? Do you have the expertise to lead a comprehensive training program that empowers public defenders and non-attorney staff alike? If so, we want to hear from you! ? ?? Position: Director of Training ?? Salary: $165,493.54 - $209,772.78 Annually ?? Location: Seattle, WA ?? Application Deadline: December 6, 2024, 11:59 PM PST ? About the Role The King County Department of Public Defense (DPD) is seeking an experienced and dedicated Training Director. This role will be instrumental in designing and implementing advanced training programs tailored to the unique demands of public defense in King County. The Director will play a key role in preparing new and lateral attorneys for the complexities of felony practice and will develop standardized training for non-attorney staff. ? We are a dynamic and well-funded department with over 480 employees, including more than 200 attorneys, committed to providing high-quality representation and advocating for systemic and legislative changes to improve outcomes for our clients. ? Ideal Candidate We’re looking for an innovative and resourceful leader who: ?? Has extensive experience as a criminal trial attorney, preferably within Washington State ?? Demonstrates a proven ability to train and mentor public defenders ?? Possesses strong communication skills and the ability to build collaborative partnerships ?? Is committed to equity, diversity, and reducing systemic oppression in the legal system ? Why Join DPD? This is a unique opportunity to impact public defense in King County by developing a world-class training program that equips defenders with the skills and awareness to advocate effectively for our clients. At DPD, you’ll be part of a supportive, inclusive workplace culture that values work-life balance and promotes professional growth. ? Ready to Apply? Interested candidates should submit: ? A complete King County application ? A cover letter outlining your qualifications and vision for the role ? A resume ? To learn more about the King County Department of Public Defense and to apply, click the following link: https://lnkd.in/gY-vNkTt. ? Join us in advocating for fairness and equity in King County! ?? ? #PublicDefense #TrainingDirector #LegalJobs #SeattleJobs #KingCountyJobs

Join Our Team of Trailblazing Public Defenders in Seattle!? ?? The King County Department of Public Defense (DPD) is hiring Public Defense Attorneys passionate about client-centered representation and systemic change. Be part of a nationally recognized team leading the way in radically reducing caseloads, ensuring our attorneys can deliver exceptional advocacy while fostering sustainable careers.? ?? ?? Why Join DPD?? King County DPD is the first public defense office in the U.S. to implement groundbreaking caseload standards based on the 2023 ABA/RAND National Public Defense Workload Study. These new standards, already being phased in, will cap felony attorneys at a maximum of 47 cases per year by July 1, 2027. This historic shift ensures more time for thorough investigations, innovative strategies, and impactful client advocacy.? ?? What We Offer:? ?? ?? Competitive salaries: $97,888 - $155,091 annually ?? ?? Ongoing training, mentorship, and litigation support? ?? ??? Robust funding for expert witnesses and trial resources? ?? ?? Hybrid work options with office locations in Seattle and Kent? ?? ?? Proudly unionized office and a comprehensive benefits package, including a pension? In addition to annual step increases, this position will receive a general wage increase of 5.5 percent, effective 1/1/2025.? ?? Why DPD Stands Out:? Our mission is to promote justice and equity for indigent clients, advocating for their rights, dignity, and interests. With nation-leading standards and a commitment to reducing attorney caseloads, we’re reshaping public defense and setting the bar for the future of our field.? ?? Ready to make a difference? ?? Apply today to join a team that values innovation, advocacy, and equity. Learn more about the role and how to apply at https://lnkd.in/gMhijnZF. ?? If you have any questions, you can reach out to Anastasia Ryseff, HR Analyst at [email protected] or 206-848-0267.?? ?? #PublicDefense #DPD #PublicDefenseAttorney

?? DPD Welcomes New Class of Attorneys! ?? Last week, we proudly welcomed our 2024 class of new attorneys to the DPD family! Their journey began with an orientation featuring heartfelt remarks from Matt Sanders and our dedicated Director’s Office staff, along with their Managing Attorneys. A memorable highlight was the swearing-in ceremony led by Judge McKee, a former public defender at DPD, as they celebrated their admission to practice law in Washington at a reception in the Dexter Horton Building. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to our new attorneys: Cory Bargemann, Leah Bishop-Williams, Brittany Chung, Eilidh Currie, Samuel Cyphers, Michael Deneroff, Brandon Easley, Matthew Frost, Elizabeth Glenski, Eliane Helitzer, Jacob Hill, Grace Kang, Sanea Lamas, Angela Liu, Kendrick Lu, Samuel Luebbers, Courtney Martin, Meagan Murray, Zulen Pantoja-Ortega, Mila Reed-Guevara, Jared Rothenberg, Naomi Rothenberg, Morgan Rozman, Jean Russell, Rebecca Schumacher, Nicole Teague, Eric Tedder, Patreece Spence, JD, Elias Passas, and Sarah Lubiner. #DPD #PublicDefense #PublicDefenseAttorney