RFQ - Blake Vacate Attorney - Municipal

Blake Vacate Attorney - Municipal RFQ 27002 The State v. Blake decision invalidated 50 years of criminal convictions for simple drug possession. Consequently, thousands of people across the state need: their simple drug possession conviction vacated, a refund of legal financial obligations, and if eligible, felony cases to be resentenced. OPD has provided representation for individuals impacted by the Blake decision since 2022. There remains a strong demand for legal representation from individuals needing assistance with vacating their unconstitutional convictions and obtaining their lawfully owed refunds. OPD will enter into a contract with solo practice attorneys and/or multi-attorney organizations who will provide legal services to individuals eligible for a Blake vacate of a Simple Drug Possession conviction and refunds of paid LFOs and third-party costs in any municipal court located on the I-5 corridor including King County, Snohomish County, Pierce County, Thurston County, Lewis County, Cowlitz County, and Clark County. This contract does not include work related to resentencing or motions to vacate in superior court. Such services will include client representation for motions to vacate under State v. Blake in municipal courts located in Western Washington along the I-5 corridor, litigating statutes or local ordinances under State v. Blake, assisting clients with obtaining Blake refunds, litigating refund request for third party costs (i.e., attorney's fees), and working with clients in DOC and/or outside Washington State. Contractor(s) will not be guaranteed a minimum number of hours each month under this contract; hours available under this contract will vary month-to-month depending on local factors. This RFQ is open to solo practice attorneys or multi-attorney offices. OPD is seeking attorneys with the following qualifications: Licensed member in good standing with the Washington State Bar; Carries malpractice insurance; Qualified for misdemeanor representation under the WSBA Public Defense Standards and Washington State Court Standards for Indigent Defense CrR 3.1/CrRLJ 3.1; Knowledge of Washington State criminal law, including vacates and legal financial obligations; Ability to travel to municipal courts around Western Washington; Experience working with clients in carceral settings and marginalized communities. In addition, the following qualifications are preferred: Prior Blake litigation experience, including filing motions to vacate and third party LFO requests; Prior recent criminal law experience (within the last 2 years) working in municipal or superior court in Washington State; Experience practicing law as a public defense attorney, civil legal aid attorney, and/or prosecuting attorney; Experience litigating CrR 7.8 motions. Each contract attorney will be compensated $135.00 hourly. Paralegals or legal assistants working under attorneys and providing support for contract attorneys' Blake work will be compensated $70.00 hourly. Questions regarding applications and completed applications can be sent to blake@opd.wa.gov. Please include the following information: • Cover Letter describing how you meet the required qualifications listed above, and the preferred qualifications if applicable. • Your Resume or Resumes of Attorneys who would participate in delivery of these services. • Two (2) Professional References • Answers to following questions: • What is your experience working on State v. Blake. If you don't have prior this legal experience, please share your background working with incarcerated clients and clients from marginalized communities. • Please describe your current workload/practice, and how this contract will fit into your existing workload. • Please describe your familiarity with local criminal practice and courtroom procedure in a municipal or superior court. Questions regarding this RFQ can also be sent to blake@opd.wa.gov. OPD reserves the right to amend this Request for Qualifications and reserves the right to refrain from contracting with any and all applicants. This Request for Qualifications does not obligate the state of Washington or OPD to contract for the services specified here. The Washington State Office of Public Defense vigorously pursues diversity in the work force. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ, persons with disabilities, formerly incarcerated individuals, and military veterans are encouraged to apply.