Page 24 - Pierce County Lawyer - July August 2024

ADDRESSING THE ATTORNEY SHORTAGE IN PIERCE COUNTY:
Opportunities for Service and Growth
By Cindy Wysocki
Pierce County is experiencing a notable shortage of attorneys across various public service positions. This gap presents both a challenge
and an opportunity for legal professionals, particularly those at the beginning of their careers. Here are some areas where the need is particularly pressing:
1. Court Appointed Attorneys in Minor Guardianship Cases
Pierce County Superior Court is seeking qualified local attorneys who are willing to accept appointment by the court to provide legal representation for minors or parents in minor guardianship actions under RCW 11.130. Information can be found here: Employment | Pierce County, WA - Official Website (piercecountywa.gov).
2. Court Appointed Attorneys in ADA Cases
Pierce County Superior Court is seeking qualified local attorneys who are willing to accept appointment by the court to represent civil litigants with eligible disabilities under GR- 33. Appointments under GR-33 are nearly always for disabled individuals who are eligible due to severe psychological or neurological impairments and have subsequently been found after an evaluation and review of healthcare records to qualify for court appointed counsel as an ADA accommodation. Information can be found here: Employment | Pierce County, WA - Official Website (piercecountywa.gov).
3. Public Defense:
Department of Assigned Counsel
Department of Assigned Counsel has immediate openings on its conflict panel for attorneys qualified to represent indigent defendants with misdemeanor charges in various Pierce County courts, including Tacoma Municipal Court and Pierce County District. This is a great opportunity to supplement your private practice while providing an invaluable service
to your community. Additional information, including how to apply, can be found here: PIERCE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF ASSIGNED COUNSEL (piercecountywa.gov)
4. Public Defense:
Washington State Office of Public Defense
Washington State Office of Public Defense has contract opportunities to provide legal services to individuals who may be eligible for Blake relief in county courts, indigent clients committed under Chapter 71.09 RCW, Ch. 10.77 RCW and offenses created under Second Engrossed Second Substitute
Senate Bill (2E2SSB) 5536. Information can be found here:
Employment and Contracting Opportunities | Office of Public Defense (wa.gov)
5. Legal Counsel for Youth and Children
Legal Counsel for Youth and Children (LCYC)
seeks a passionate, collaborative, and innovative attorney, committed to social justice and anti-racism, to provide direct representation, community outreach, and education to young people in Pierce County. Applicants must be licensed to practice law and in good standing in Washington State by September 2024. Information can be found here: Careers — Legal Counsel for Youth and Children (lcycwa.org)
6. Children’s Representation Program Counsel
The CRP is looking for an equity-minded, collaborative, and self-directed individual with a passion and commitment to justice for children and youth involved in the child welfare system to join our team as its newest Program Counsel Information can be found here: Children’s Representation Program Counsel — LBAW
> How to Get Involved
Pierce County needs dedicated legal professionals to step up and fill these essential roles. By doing so, you’ll not only advance your career but also play a vital part in strengthening our local community and the justice system.
Cindy Wysocki is a solo attorney based in Tacoma, WA, who focuses her practice on estate planning and collaborative law. She has served in various capacities including public defense, early case resolution for the Superior Court, and family law litigation. Over the course of her 19- year legal career, Cindy has found fulfillment in blending private and public practice to serve our community’s legal needs.
24 PIERCE COUNTY LAWYER | July/August 2024