Helping Build a Stronger, More Sustainable Public Defense System in Washington
Why This Program Matters
Washington State is experiencing a serious shortage of public defenders, especially in rural and underserved areas. In response, the Office of Public Defense (OPD) launched the Recruitment and Retention Program in late 2024, following the passage of House Bill 5780.
This program focuses on:
- Supporting and retaining current public defenders
- Creating opportunities for young people to learn about careers in public defense
Rural Public Defense Fellowship (RPDF)
Real-World Experience. Meaningful Impact.
The Rural Public Defense Fellowship is a new summer opportunity for:
- Law students
- Recent graduates
- Law clerks
Fellows will:
- Work in Rule 9 internships in rural or underserved communities across Washington
- Be mentored by experienced public defense attorneys
- Represent real clients and participate in courtroom litigation
- Attend weekly trainings focused on legal skills, client representation, and well-being
The goal is to inspire fellows to consider long-term careers in public defense.
Making Public Defense Careers More Sustainable
The Recruitment and Retention Team is also working to make public defense a career people can stay in—and thrive in. We are:
- Providing training and wellness workshops for public defenders
- Partnering with local offices to improve work environments
- Advocating for long-term policy changes to support defender well-being
- Reaching out to schools and communities to share information about public defense careers—not just for lawyers, but for social workers, investigators, and other roles
On-Campus Interviews
Washington: Gonzaga University, Seattle University, University of Washington
Oregon: Willamette's School of Law, Lewis and Clark Law School, University of Oregon
Virtual Hiring Event
STAR Council 2025 Fall Virtual Hiring Event
Resources:
Public Defense Attorney Recruitment and Retention: Ideas for Smaller and Rural Jurisdictions
Explore Life in Rural Washington Map
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the goal of the Recruitment and Retention Program?
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To help public defenders stay in the field and to introduce new people—especially students—to careers in public defense.
- Who can apply for the RPDF?
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Law students, recent law graduates, and law clerks are eligible to apply for the fellowship.
- What kind of work do fellows do?
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Fellows work on actual criminal cases, represent clients in court under supervision, and take part in weekly training sessions.
- Where are fellows placed?
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In rural and underserved counties throughout Washington State.
- Is training provided?
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Yes. Fellows receive mentorship, orientation, skills training, and workshops focused on public defense and personal well-being.
- Are there public defense careers for non-attorneys?
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Yes! Careers in public defense also include roles such as investigators, social workers, administrative staff, and more.