The City of Ferndale provides publicly funded attorney representation to indigent defendants with a right to counsel at City expense.
The City of Ferndale currently has one Public Defender who fills the position at 100% of a full-time caseload, or approximately 260 cases per year, and is seeking one position at 50% of a full-time caseload, or approximately 130 cases per year, pro-rated based on the contract’s start date. Alternative divisions of caseload and/or number of positions may be considered in order to achieve 1.5 total positions. The City anticipates that one or both contracts will be extended for multiple years, and that the half-time position may increase over time with overall City case volume.
Annual compensation for a full-time caseload ranges from $120,000 to $150,000 per year, depending on experience. Half-time contracts are pro-rated based on the percentage of the full-time caseload, beginning at $60,000. Contractors are responsible for all overhead such as support staff, rent, and other costs of doing business. If interested, follow the application procedures below.
Minimum Qualifications
A qualified applicant must:
- Be a licensed member of good standing with the Washington State Bar
- Meet Washington State Supreme Court Standards for Indigent Defense 14.3
- Demonstrate a commitment to indigent defense
- Possess experience or interest in how race, gender, national origin, disability, and class intersect to create disparities for individuals experiencing state intervention in their lives, and a willingness to challenge the City on issues of bias and prejudice.
- Provide representation with energy, enthusiasm and a commitment to trauma-informed, anti-racist, intersectional, non-judgmental advocacy throughout the case
- Be responsive to and communicate clearly with clients who are often under great stress
Preferred Qualifications
The City will prefer applicants who:
- Reside or work in Whatcom County, or have the ability to attend Ferndale Municipal Court in person on Tuesday and Friday mornings.
- Have the capacity to support additional caseload and compensation to reflect anticipated State caseload limitations.
Applications will be accepted until January 31, 2025. To apply, email a letter of interest identifying your qualifications, a resume, and a writing sample.
Letters of interest should describe the applicant’s current contracts for public defense or other representation as well as existing caseload, specifying the number and type of cases currently carried, including private practice commitments, if any.
Email Materials to:
Susan Duncan, Administrative Services Director: susanduncan@cityofferndale.org
Please address any questions to Susan Duncan at the above email address.
The City of Ferndale reserves the right to amend this Request for Qualifications and reserves the right to refrain from contracting with any and all applicants. This Request for Qualifications does not obligate the City of Ferndale to contract for the services specified here.
