Executive Director

Washington Eastern Federal Defenders
Spokane, WA

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Job Details

14 days ago

Qualifications

Legal advocacy
Presentations for conferences or internal meetings
Criminal defense law
Managing legal teams
Criminal case experience
Public affairs policy advocacy
Experience working with individuals from underserved communities
Bar
Stakeholder relationship building
Senior leadership

Full Job Description

Job Details for Executive Director

Court Name/Organization

Washington Eastern Federal Defenders

Overview of the Position

The Executive Director should be a skilled criminal defense attorney and a skilled manager who has held a leadership position within the legal profession, especially within a public defense organization, and is passionate about representing indigent criminal defendants. The Executive should have a proven track record of collaborating with lawyers, investigators, and support staff in a team setting, and a proven ability and aptitude to support, nurture, and manage a diverse staff. The Executive must ensure the sound fiscal and operational management of the organization. The Executive should be skilled at raising awareness of federal defense work within the greater community, and in partnership with the Board, stewarding the work of the organization into the future. The Board is committed to hiring an Executive Director who is especially skilled and experienced in management and administration. The Executive should carry a caseload to keep current, but much of the responsibility is related to management and administration.

Location

Spokane, WA

Opening and Closing Dates

06/22/2026 - 07/11/2026

Appointment Type

Permanent

Salary

Not specified

Position Description

Strategic leadership
Serving as a mentor, and exemplary practitioner of federal criminal defense practice
Collaborating with the Board to develop plans for advancing the work and mission of FDEWI
Maintaining consistent communication with the Board regarding critical issues
Working in a transparent, respectful and collaborative way with FDEWI staff on the creation of policies, procedures, and strategies for advancing the work of the office
Ensuring a high level of staff productivity and work-product quality throughout the organization while creating and maintaining a work culture that supports and sustains the wellness of individuals and the office as a whole
Inspiring, supervising, and evaluating attorneys and staff
Advocating for the interests of the federal defense system at the national level through individual advocacy and service on committees and advisory groups that inform policy
Representing the organization before the Courts regarding administrative issues
Representing the organization in the media, by participating in training conferences, and at other public events
Developing strategic relationships which assist FDEWI with contract and other business negotiations
Handling day-to-day personnel issues including conflict resolution, disciplinary action, and termination processes
Monitoring regulatory compliance and communicating compliance requirements to others throughout FDEWI
Developing and minoring budgets and financial plans
Working with Defender Services of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts

Qualifications

10+ years of experience as a criminal defense lawyer
Proficient federal criminal defense practitioner
Licensed to practice law in at least one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia
Solid familiarity with the federal defense organization regulatory environment
Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills
Experience with and the ability to work well with people with diverse life experiences
High-level management experience within a public defender organization or its equivalent
Proven track record of advocacy, national public speaking or its equivalent, and media relations
Experience and aptitude supervising attorneys and support staff to create an effective work environment

Application Info

Complete the attached application with resume. All electronic applications are to be submitted to Jodi Dineen at [email protected] no later than July 11, 2026.

Or posted to:

Jodi Dineen Etter
McMahon, Lamberson, Van Wert & Oreskovich, P.C.
618 W. Riverside Avenue, Suite 210
Spokane, WA 99201

Also, please include a resume with four references. Include contact information for references. Completed applications must be received by end of business on for full consideration.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

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Job Details for Executive Director

Position Description

Qualifications

Application Info

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