WA: taking indigent defense in-house

Via e-mail from Public Defender Stuff, this article from the Daily News, down Longview - Kelso way:

County to hire public defenders after independent lawyer steps down

For the first time in its history, Cowlitz County will have a public defender's office by the end of the year, officials said last week. Historically, the county has contracted with independent attorneys to provide legal services to those who can't afford a lawyer...

Officials decided to bring the job in-house... "We feel this is going to be a better system," County Commissioner Jeff Rasmussen said. "These attorneys, their sole purpose is going to be meeting with their clients. They're not going to have to wonder whether their business is coming in the door..."

This could be a good thing. Cowlitz County put up a help-wanted ad earlier this month, and they might still be hiring; check the county website or call Personnel at (360) 577-3065.