Applications & Information for Assigned Counsel

OPD uses assigned counsel attorneys for cases where there is a conflict with all four of the contract defense agencies. Approximately 10% of the total King County public defense caseload goes to the assigned counsel panel. There are assigned counsel attorneys to handle all of the case types OPD manages. Cases are assigned on an individual basis. A copy of the current policy for assigned counsel attorneys is below.

The Office of the Public Defender is currently accepting applications from qualified attorneys to join the assigned counsel panel. If you are interested in joining the panel, please print out a copy of the application below, fill it out and return it with proof of insurance to:

Legal Administrative Specialist
King County Office of the Public Defender
123 3rd Ave. S, Fourth Floor
Seattle, WA 98104

If you have questions about the panel, please call 206-296-7662.

• Assigned Counsel Policies (Word .doc 146 kb)
• Assigned Counsel Application Form (Word .doc 125 kb)

• Effective October 1, 2007, OPD increased the hourly rate for assigned counsel attorneys. See details on the new rates, the cases eligible, and how the rate increase will go into effect.