Note: Current Employees must use the Workday Dashboard career section to apply for this position.
Employee Type
Regular Department: Law and Justice Administration Salary: $107,978.98 - $151,121.88 Annually / $8,998.25 - $12,593.49 Monthly / $51.91 - $72.65 Hourly
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40 Overtime Eligibile: No Job Posting Date Range: 06/25/2026 - Until Filled
Job Summary
The position allocated to this class is a senior, neutral administrative officer responsible for ensuring continuous case coverage across all case types when the Spokane County Public Defender's Office (PD) or the Counsel for Defense Department (CFD) is unable to provide representation due to a conflict of interest, capacity constraint, or other coverage gap or when indigent representation is ordered in Civil cases, including Minor Guardianship or Child in Need of Services (CHINS). This position operates independently of both the PD and CFD offices and reports directly to the Senior Director of Law & Justice. The coordinator serves as the county's primary point of accountability for conflict/external counsel assignment and contracting, panel development, budget management within the annual conflict counsel appropriation, and coverage reporting to the Superior Court bench and the Board of County Commissioners Job Description: ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Receives conflict case referrals from the Public Defender and Counsel for Defense offices and civil indigent case referrals from Superior Court and assigns cases to qualified external counsel in a timely manner, ensuring same‑day action whenever possible. Ensures continuous case coverage by monitoring assignment progress, addressing delays, and escalating emergent coverage issues to the County CEO and Superior Court administration when required. Maintains accurate records of case referrals, assignments, timelines, case outcomes, attorney availability, and panel utilization to support reporting and program oversight. Serves as the primary point of contact for the Superior Court regarding case assignment status and provides updates as needed. Develops, maintains, and oversees the external counsel panel by recruiting, vetting, onboarding, and monitoring qualified attorneys across all case types, ensuring adequate capacity to meet demand. Conducts periodic reviews of panel counsel performance and availability and removes or replaces attorneys who no longer meet program standards. Drafts, negotiates, executes, and renews contracts for external counsel in coordination with County Purchasing and the Prosecutor’s Civil Division, and ensures contract compliance with applicable policies and statutes. Reviews and verifies billing and invoicing submitted by external counsel for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to contracted rates and case type scope. Administers the annual external counsel budget by tracking expenditures, monitoring trends, preparing required reports, and alerting leadership when supplemental funding may be needed. Prepares annual budget requests for the external counsel program based on utilization data, panel capacity needs, and projected case volumes. Identifies and supports pursuit of grant opportunities and external funding sources that may reduce county costs for indigent defense coverage. Provides written and verbal reports to the Superior Court bench, County CEO, and Board of County Commissioners on coverage performance, trends, capacity, and budget status. Develops and maintains operational procedures for case intake, assignment protocols, panel management, documentation, and quality monitoring, ensuring consistency and transparency in program operations. Ensures external counsel assignments and program practices comply with RCW 10.101, GR 42, Spokane County Code 1.17A, Washington Supreme Court caseload standards, and related statewide and local requirements. Monitors developments in indigent defense law, statewide standards, and professional obligations and updates internal processes as needed. Oversees or operates the conflict case management system and ensures accurate case entry, reporting capability, and data integrity to support planning and decision‑making. Produces data-driven analysis of case volume, panel utilization, cost-per-case trends, and coverage gaps for executive and policy reporting. Other duties as assigned. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited college or university school of law, and Four (4) years of experience in legal service delivery/administration, contract oversight and management, budgeting, financial forecasting or management of external service providers.
Experience
coordinating indigent defense systems preferred. Member of the Washington State Bar Association. An equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Knowledge of: RCW 10.101 (county indigent defense obligations); GR 42 (judicial administration of public defense). Spokane County Code Section 1.17A (caseload credit standard). Washington indigent defense standards, applicable laws, and Supreme Court Orders governing caseload compliance Applicable RPCs governing conflicts of interest in public defense Conflict‑of‑interest structures and court operations. Contract administration and budget practices. CXrR 3.3 speedy trial obligations and their operational implications for case coverage timelines. Ability to: Manage contracts, monitor legal services billing and administer program budgets. Analyze problems and implement solutions. Maintain accurate and confidential records. Communicate effectively with courts and stakeholders. Manage high‑volume, time‑sensitive workloads. Skilled in: Building or significantly expanding a program from limited existing infrastructure. Preparing and administering budgets, including grant compliance and legislative reporting. Case tracking systems, spreadsheets, and reporting tools. BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS All County employees are responsible for contributing to a safe and positive work environment, actively demonstrating the County values in their daily work and interactions: Respect: Appreciating and valuing customers, other County employees and County leadership by showing courtesy, friendliness and fairness. Communicating in a productive and professional manner. Accountability: Honoring and delivering on commitments by taking responsibility for personal actions and results; being a responsible steward of public resources and the trust County residents have placed in each of us. Integrity: Modelling transparent and ethical behavior and demonstrating it with honest and trustworthy behaviors and actions; leading by example and performing work to the highest standards. Innovation: Striving for excellence by actively pursuing opportunities for new and improved methods, procedures or technologies; fostering an environment of engagement and empowerment and embracing continuous improvement. WORKING CONDITIONS Work is primarily performed in an office environment with regular attendance required at Superior Court and County facilities. Occasional evenings/weekends may occur. Total Compensation: $138,213 - $193,436 Annually Total compensation is an estimate based upon base compensation, median retirement fund contributions, and current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates (including medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, and leave). The actual total will vary depending upon each employee's enrollment choices. Please select the link below to view Spokane County
Benefits
Benefits
| Spokane County, WA Here are just a few reasons: Community Impact: Many people find fulfillment in public service, knowing their work has a positive impact on the lives of Spokane County residents. Whether through public safety, infrastructure projects, or social services, employees can make a meaningful difference in residents' lives while contributing to the overall well-being and development of the community. Diverse Job Opportunities: Spokane County employs a diverse workforce, offering positions in fields such as law enforcement, social services, animal control, parks and recreation, administration, and more. This diversity allows for many employment opportunities for individuals with different backgrounds and skill sets. Job Stability and
Benefits
Spokane County offers competitive salaries and benefits packages, including healthcare, vacation time, and retirement and pension plans that provide long-term financial security for employees. Career Growth: There are various opportunities for career advancement within Spokane County. We invest in employee training and professional development, enhancing employees' skills and qualifications. Work-Life Balance: We emphasize work-life balance, with reasonable work hours and policies that support employee well-being. If you’re seeking stability and a predictable schedule, you’re in the right place! Inclusive Workplace Culture: Spokane County aims to foster an inclusive and supportive workplace culture, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion among its employees. Spokane boasts: Natural Beauty: Spokane is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including rivers, lakes, and nearby mountains. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as hiking, skiing, and boating. From golf course to parks and trails along the Spokane River, there's something for everyone who enjoys the outdoors. Affordable Living: Compared to many other cities on the West Coast, Spokane has a relatively low cost of living. Housing prices are more affordable, making it easier to buy a home or rent. Four Seasons: Spokane experiences all four seasons distinctly. Summers are warm and dry, while winters bring snowfall, making it ideal for those who enjoy seasonal variety. Cultural Scene: The city has a vibrant cultural scene with numerous art galleries, theaters, and music venues. Events such as the Spokane Symphony and First Friday art walks contribute to the city's cultural richness. Community Feel: Spokane is known for its friendly and welcoming community. It has a strong sense of local pride and community involvement. Educational Opportunities: The city is home to several universities and colleges, providing educational and cultural opportunities. This includes Gonzaga University, Washington State University Spokane, Whitworth University, and Eastern Washington University. Healthcare Facilities: Spokane boasts excellent healthcare facilities, including Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Deaconess Hospital, ensuring residents have access to quality medical care. Family-Friendly: With good schools, safe neighborhoods, and numerous family-oriented activities, Spokane is a great place to raise a family. Central Location: Spokane's location in eastern Washington makes it a hub for travel throughout the Pacific Northwest. It's close to other major cities like Seattle and Portland, as well as outdoor destinations like national parks and recreation areas. Overall, Spokane offers a balanced lifestyle with a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural amenities, and community spirit, making it a desirable place to live and work! Click to learn more about our extensive benefits package.