We are a small, growing, dedicated office serving the needs of our community. We find our work as fulfilling as it is challenging. Our office puts a premium on camaraderie and opportunities for professional growth. Central to our office culture and our mission success is the wellbeing of our team, as a practice of principled employment.
If you want to work hard for a strong mission in an office that always has your back and wants you to succeed, then you should apply. If you want to be a part of a growing institution, and leave your fingerprints on how that institution operates, then you should apply. If you want your work to speak for itself, then you should apply.
Form of Application:
Please send a letter of interest; resume; three professional references; proof of admission to the Washington State Bar Association or pending application to the Washington State Bar and any other states where the applicant has previously been admitted; and disclosure of any complaint that resulted in disciplinary action by the entity charged with the discipline of attorneys in any state or jurisdiction.
Address for Response:
Send responses marked “BENTON COUNTY OPD – PDA I/II” to:
Attn: Charlie Dow
Office of Public Defense
7122 W. Okanogan Place, Bldg. A
Kennewick, WA 99336
Closing Date
There is present need to fill multiple positions, however this post will be open on a continuous basis. Interviews will be scheduled as soon as qualified applications are received so interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Compensation Rate:
Salary is set by the 2024 Non-Bargaining (NB) Salary Schedule.
Public Defense Attorney I
Standard hiring range is between $79,356 – $83,772 (NB-19, Step A-C).
Full salary range is $79,356 - $102,972 (NB-19).
Public Defense Attorney II
Standard hiring range is between $91,860 – $96,972 (NB-22, Step A-C).
Full salary range is $91,860 - $119,220 (NB-22).
This position comes with potential for promotion to higher salary ranges within the first year to well performing employees. Benefits include:

• Local area gym membership discounts,
• Various wireless plan discounts,
• Government discounts on select Apple products,
• Free license on Microsoft Office through the Home Use Program.

Additionally, Benton County is prepared to offer up to $5,000 in relocation assistance for costs to relocate to the Kennewick area. Benton County OPD is interested in investing significant time, training, and experience opportunities towards candidates who are prepared to commit to at least two years with the Office.
As employees of Benton County, all selected attorneys would be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness credit months. Additionally, all selected attorneys would be eligible for the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) provided by the State of Washington.

Minimum Qualifications:
Must be a member of the Washington State Bar Association in good standing.
Preferred Qualifications:
On-the-job training and mentorship will be a part of every candidate's experience with our office, however competitive candidates will have the following skills and abilities:

• Criminal law experience in either courtroom or legal clinic settings;
• Working knowledge of all rules and statues pertaining to District Court;
• Good aptitude for dealing with multiple clients;
• An interest to appear in court fully prepared, with an ability to think quickly and manage solutions to cases;
• An interest to seek trial experience, work with mentoring attorneys, and develop as a trial advocate;
• Working knowledge of collateral consequences of criminal conviction in District Court.