Salary : $106,198.32 - $154,202.40 Annually
Location : County Courthouse - 311 Grand Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Superior Court Clerk
Opening Date: 09/04/2026

Summary
Whatcom County is currently recruiting for a Senior Conflict Deputy I or II, DOQ to work within the Conflict Public Defender's office. This position acts as court-appointed counsel providing every aspect of legal representation to persons charged with a state crime or delinquent act and who, because of indigence, cannot obtain counsel to represent them.

** This position will remain open until filled. Applications will be reviewed and interviews scheduled as they come in. Recruitment will be suspended once the position has been filled. **

Key Duties Include:

• Clear backlog of cases, representing Indigent Clients in Superior, Juvenile and District who have a conflict of interest with the Public Defender's office.
• Interviews defendants as assigned to determine the facts of the case. Reviews police and other reports to evaluate each case against the state of the law to determine its relative strengths and weaknesses, to prepare for plea negotiations, development of case strategy, and trial preparation.
• Independently researches, prepares, and argues pre-trial motions.
• Instigates or responds to plea bargaining negotiations on behalf of the defendant and represents the defendant's interests in the negotiations.
• Coordinates or conducts the case investigation for trial preparation as necessary. Arranges for tests of physical evidence, the testimony of expert witnesses and interviews witnesses as required.
• Conducts all trial actions including selection of jury, cross and direct examination, introduction of evidence and exhibits and makes arguments on the law and interpretation of the evidence.
• Represents defendants at all legal proceedings including, but not limited to: arraignments, pre-trial motions, guilty pleas and post-trial matters, such as restitution hearings and sentence reviews, presenting defense recommendations for disposition of cases.
• Keeps clients reasonably informed about the status of their case and promptly complies with reasonable requests for information. Explains matters to clients to the extent reasonably necessary to permit the clients to make informed decisions about their cases.
• Complies with all Rules of Professional Conduct as adopted by the Washington Supreme Court.

View the full Job Description:

• Senior Conflict Deputy
• Senior Conflict Deputy II

Supervisor: Superior Court County Clerk

Salary Range (2026 Wages):

• Range 9 - Conflict Deputy I: $7,203 - $10,458
• Range 11 - Conflict Deputy II: $8,093 - $11,751
• Range 13 - Senior Conflict Deputy: $9,093 - $13,204
• Range 14 - Senior Conflict Deputy II: $9,639 - $13,996

Hiring rate depends on qualifications. This position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated salary range (apx. 3.8%) subject to satisfactory performance, in addition to any negotiated Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).
Qualifications
Requires :

• Conflict Deputy I: Must be a member in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association.
• Conflict Deputy II: three (3) years of experience as a public defender, prosecuting attorney, or private criminal defense counsel
• Senior Conflict Deputy: six (6) years of experience as a public defender, prosecuting attorney, or private criminal defense counsel
• Senior Conflict Deputy II: twenty (20) years of experience as a public defender, prosecuting attorney, or private criminal defense counsel AND qualified under the Standards of Indigent Defense to handle felony cases OR qualified for class A.

Office of Public Defense standards in Superior Court and Court of Limited Jurisdiction rule 3.1 and Juvenile Court Rule 9.2.
Must be a current member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association, OR must be a current member in good standing of another State Bar Association AND must become a member of the Washington State Bar Association by passing the next Washington State Bar exam.

Trial experience in criminal law is preferred.

Spanish language fluency is desired.

Background check must meet County criteria

At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.

Whatcom County offers at no cost toemployees, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees AND their family
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and 12 paid holidays annually. Prior related public service considered for setting accrual rate. Accrue up to 330 hours of PTO annually. Cash-out up to 40 hours over 330 maximum annually.

Employment YearAccrual - MonthAccrual - Year1st - 4th year18.00 hours5.4 Weeks5th - 9th year21.33 hours6.4 Weeks10th + year24.67 hours7.4 Weeks

• Lifetime pension through the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), with joint contributions required from the employee and the County
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation Retirement with County match
• $50,000 Life Insurance coverage for employees
• Voluntary Term Life Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available for health care and/or dependent care expenses
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Additional

Subject to satisfactory performance this position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated (apx. 3.8%), in addition to any approved Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).