Franklin County Office of Public Defense seeks statements of qualifications from qualified attorneys to provide possible public defense services in Franklin County District Court.
Summary
• For all misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor charges in District Court.
• Base annual compensation is $68,400/yr for 400 case equivalents per year. This will be paid in equal monthly installments.
• Additional compensation will be provided for:
* Trial per diem - $450 per day/$225 per half day
• This RFQ does not have a deadline. The contract may be awarded immediately as Franklin County sees fit. Therefore, early or immediate submission of application is recommended.
• One contract to be awarded
• Contract period to begin immediately.
How to Apply
Before applying, please make sure to read this RFQ announcement in its entirety. Any questions should be addressed in writing to: If you meet the minimum qualifications, then you are invited to apply by submitting the following materials to the contact listed below by the RFQ close date in the following manner:
1. A letter of interest providing any background, experience or professional accomplishments that the applicant wishes to be considered.
2. A current resume.
3. A copy of current malpractice and commercial general liability insurances meeting insurance requirements (see Required Qualifications)
4. Letters of reference from listed professional references (Optional)
Electronic submission is strongly encouraged and may be emailed to:
Please indicate "RFQ Response-FCDC Contract" in the subject line of the email application.
Contact information for mailed applications and for any questions is as follows:
Office of Public Defense
RFQ-FCDC
1016 N. 4th Ave
Pasco, WA 99301
Background
Franklin County provides indigent defense services through the Franklin County Office of Public Defense. All indigent defense services for Franklin County District Court are provided by contracted attorneys. District Court criminal dockets in Franklin County are on Wednesdays. Contract public defenders are responsible for regularly appearing on the docket where pending cases in their pre-trial stages are addressed, and also where some new cases are arraigned and assigned directly to public defenders. In addition to assigned arraignment docket days.
Contract Details
Number and Effective Dates of Contracts
Franklin County anticipates awarding 1 contract at this time.
Eligibility
All attorneys admitted to practice law in the State of Washington who meet the Required Qualifications (stated below) and who have, or are prepared to establish, a private law office with access to confidential meeting facilities within the Tri-Cities area (Richland, Kennewick or Pasco).
Compensation Plan
• Base annual compensation is $68,400/yr for 400 case equivalents. This will be paid in equal monthly installments.
• Additional compensation will be provided for:
*Trial per diem - $450 per day/$225 per half day
Maximum Caseload
Successful applicants who accept contract offers will be required to meet the state mandated
cap of 400 case equivalents per year mindful of the caseload maximums and limitations on
private practice for contract public defenders imposed by the Washington State Supreme Court.
Compliance with Public Defense Standards and Laws
All applicants awarded contracts pursuant to this RFQ are solely and personally responsible for familiarizing themselves and complying with all public defense standards and legal requirements associated with the practice of law in the State of Washington. This includes Washington State Public Defense Standards as adopted by the Washington State Supreme Court and codified in court rules in the “Standards for Indigent Defense” (SID) section; Franklin County’s Public Defense Ordinance; and the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPCs). Franklin County provides the following support to contractors to assist them in complying with public defense standards and applicable laws:
• Free, local CLEs approved by the State Office of Public Defense and WSBA
• Access to no-cost subscriptions to JIS-LINK (allowing computerized access to Superior Court and District Court computerized records)
Scope of Services:
The services contemplated by this RFQ consist of all aspects of criminal defense of persons charged with crimes in District Court. The successful candidate would be responsible for fully, completely, and diligently representing criminal defendants according to standards set by applicable statutes, case law and the Rules of Professional Conduct. Examples of responsibilities include, but are limited to:
• Investigating or otherwise making appropriate inquiry into the facts of given cases
• Consulting with defendants, advising of the nature of charges, discussing possible resolutions, formulating defenses, and preparing for trial if appropriate.
• Conferring and negotiating with prosecuting attorneys about cases
• Attending any and all court appearances pertaining to assigned cases including but not limited to arraignment, pretrial hearings, omnibus, trial, sentencing and restitution hearings
• Retaining and supervising the services of experts and/or investigators as appropriate
• Researching legal issues, and filing and arguing motions as appropriate Qualifications
• Active membership (in good standing) in the Washington State Bar;
• Meet the requirements for Standard 14 in the “Standards of Indigent Defense” as
ratified by the WSBA and the Washington State Supreme Court.
• Familiarity with Washington criminal statutes in particular pertaining to misdemeanor or misdemeanor crimes, District Court criminal rules, constitutional provisions, and key case law;
• Familiarity with collateral consequences of criminal convictions in general under both State and Federal law as well as specific collateral consequences of common crimes (including, but not limited to, sex offender registration, driver’s license suspension, security clearance revocation and firearm offender registration);
• Familiarity with mental health issues including knowledge of when need to obtain expert services is triggered;
• Must have excellent caseload management skills that are appropriate for a caseload of the size anticipated by this RFQ;
• Familiarity with, and ability to certify to, indigent defense standards as applicable to District Court cases and as;
• Either currently insured or able to procure insurance meeting following parameters:
* Malpractice insurance in the amount of $1 million per occurrence, $1 million general aggregate and a deductible of no less than $10,000
* Commercial general liability insurance in the amount of $1 million per occurrence, $2 million general aggregate
• Demonstrated commitment to public defense and service to indigent clients;
• Willingness and ability to meet with appointed clients (including clients incarcerated in the Franklin County jail) within 72 hours of appointment;
Desirable:
• Working knowledge of prosecution practices in Franklin County, particularly in the Franklin County Prosecutor's Office
• Working knowledge of District Court procedures in Franklin County
• Qualified to handle misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor under Washington Standards for Indigent Defense.