HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgreements/Contracts - Public Defense—Overflow Hourly Attorneys -
Brooke Hagara, and Derek Reid
• During the month of September, the Grant County Prosecuting Attorney filed a Murder 2
and multiple Assault case in Grant County Superior Court. There are currently six (6) co -
Defendants. Three (3) defendants are charged in Juvenile Court, and (3) in Superior
Court.
• Because of conflicts and/or qualifications under the standards of public defense, we are
only currently able to cover three (3) of those cases.
• One (1) defendant has hired private counsel in time to not create an additional conflict.
After some work, I have been able to secure two (2) attorneys from Spokane who have
agreed to take the respective cases. The attorneys are Brooke Hagara and Derek Reid.
• The amount agreed to is what is being paid by Douglas County, and Chelan County (in
some cases). I believe the amounts to be paid are fair and reasonable considering the
expertise required.
• The attorneys are fully- qualified to handle the cases they have agreed to take.
• The County must provide independent counsel for each co-defendant as constitutionally
mandated in the landmark case, Gideon U. Wainwright, 372 US 335 (1963).
BUDGET:
• The budget as submitted for 2023 contemplates these extraordinary cases and the budget
for the Department of Public Defense should absorb the additional costs.
logo"''
My recommendation is that the board approve the attached Professional Services
Agreements for Brooke Hagara and Derek Reid.
V
K-23-240
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
FOR LEGAL REPRESENTATION OF INDIGENT INDIVIDUALS
IN GRANT COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT
(ADULT FELONY ONLY)
PART TIME CONTRACTOR
This Professional Services Agreement ("PSA") is entered into effective September 22,
2023, by and between Grant County, a political subdivision of the State of Washington (hereinafter
called the "County"), and the undersigned Public Defender (hereinafter called the "Public
Defender"), who is fully admitted to practice law in the State of Washington.
1. PARTIES AND TERMS-,
a. Grant County is a political subdivision of the State of Washington and agrees to contract
with the undersigned independent attorney to provide 'Indigent defense legal services in
the Superior Court of Grant County.
b. Derek Reid, WSBA #34186 (hereafter "Public Defender") is an attorney licensed to
practice law in the State of Washington and, as an independent contractor, agrees to
contract with the County to provide indigent defense services in accordance with the terms
of this Agreement.
The term of this Agreement shall commence on the 26th day of September, 2023 and
terminate on the 31st day of December, 2024 unless otherwise terminated pursuant to the
termination provisions of this Agreement. No notice is required to terminate this Agreement
at the end of the term.
2® DEFINITIONS. For the purposes of this Agreement, the following definitions shall
apply:
a. "Public defense system" means any system or program under which Grant County
provides, has provided, or is obligated to provide for the criminal defense of any
indigent person charged with a felony or other applicable matter in Grant County
Superior Court,
b. "Public defender" means any attorney who is hired by or contracts with Grant County
to represent indigent persons charged with felony crimes or other applicable matters in
Grant County Superior Court.
C. "Standards for Indigent Defense Services" means the standards approved and required
by the Washington State Supreme Court. Should the Court amend or update the
Standards of Indigent Defense Services, the parties agree adopt the most recent and
current version,
d. "Director of Public Defense" means the attorney who is hired to supervise or oversee
the system or program under which Grant County has provided, does provide, or is
obligated to provide for the criminal defense of any indigent person changed with a
felony or other applicable matter in Grant County Superior Court.
e. "Policy" and/or "Policies" are defined as a policy or policies as developed by the Grant
County Department of Public Defense.
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f "Good standing" (in relation to a Public Defender's membership status of the
Washington State Bar Association) is defined as the public defender being current in
his/her bar dues, continuing legal education credit hours, and has not had any bar
complaints that were resolved adversely in any manner against the Public Defender.
3, PROFESSIONAL SERVICES. Each Public Defender shall represent in a professional
manner all individuals charged with felonies or other applicable matters in the Grant
County Superior Court for whose representation he or she is appointed. Such representation
shall include, but is not limited to, attendance at first appearances and bail hearings,
preparation and appearance at all phases of court proceedings including arraignments,
pretrial hearings, motions, trials, sentencing, post -trial motions and restitution hearings.
The Public Defender's duties also shall include the preparation and filing of all pleadings
necessary to perfect an appeal beyond Superior Court when appropriate and representing
0
an appellant until new counsel is appointed to process the appeal.
The Public Defender shall maintain a telephone line to receive calls from clients which
shall be accessible to all clients including those being held in -custody pending further
proceedings.
The Public Defender represents and warrants that, throughout the entire term of this
Agreement, Public Defender will have adequate time in Public Defender's practice and
regular personal schedule and will have adequate office support staff services, office
resources, and office equipment to undertake and effectively perform all services required
under this Agreement. Public Defender further represents and warrants that Public
Defender's personal schedule will not unduly or unreasonably interfere with Public
Defender's ability to timely and efficiently perform such services including, without
limitation, Public Defender's ability to prepare for and attend regularly scheduled trials and
dockets or Public Defender's ability to schedule and conduct face-to-face meetings with
the indigent persons Public Defender is appointed to represent under this Agreement for
purposes of discussing, preparing, and pursuing the most viable defense(s) and/or
resolution available to the alleged criminal charge(s) and keeping such persons reasonably
apprised as to the status of their case.
The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to: the ability to do all
of the reading and writing necessary to file pleadings with the court; to attend court on a
daily basis for up to eight hours a day as needed; to meet with clients both in the jail and at
the Public Defender's own office; to travel as necessary to attend court hearings, interview
witnesses and otherwise prepare for court and trial; -to attend court during trial and to
complete all other attendant tasks associated with competent case and trial management,
4* QUALIFICATIONS OF PUBLIC DEFENDERS. All Public Defenders must satisfy
and meet The Standards for Indigent Defense Services and be guided by the Washington
State Bar Association Performance Guidelines for Criminal Defense Representation.
2023-2024 PSA -SC Hourly, Derek Re -id Page 2 of 14
5, COMPENSATION, The Public Defender shall be paid Ninety -Five and No/100 Dollars
($95.00) per hour for class B and C felonies and One Hundred Twenty (120.00) per
so
hour for Class A felonies, or each part thereof spent conducting professional activity
on each case.
It is recognized that Public Defender's office is in Spokane and billing may include travel
for court hearings, meetings with clients and any other legitimate public defense business.
The billing shall be made in 1/10 hours for work done in the customary legal fashion,
Public Defender will deliver an invoice for each case worked on to the Director of Public
Defense (or designee) at the end of each month specifying the case and detailing the activity
and the work done on each case. Each invoice should have an original invoice number.
Public Defender will bill travel time on a separate invoice if Public Defender is traveling
for more than one case at a time. Should other travel expenses need to be incurred, Public
Defender will seek prior approval from the Director of Public Defense.
The Public Defender is responsible for all costs and fees incurred in maintaining a law
office including, but not limited to, rent, phones, copying, faxes, secretarial support, and
all other costs and fees in maintaining a law office. Public Defender will be paid for
services within 30 days after invoices are submitted. The Director of Public Defense will
act within a reasonable time to reconcile any issue with invoices.
6. INVESTIGATORS. Grant County shall provide Investigators for use by the Public
Defender, at no cost to the Public Defender. Public Defenders shall use the Investigators
provided by the County, as reasonable and necessary, unless otherwise specifically
authorized by the Director of Public Defense. The Public Defender agrees to abide by the
Policy on Use of Investigator as currently required by the Director of Public Defense and
use the form prescribed for requesting the assignment or supplemental use of an
Investigator.
7. EXPERTS. Grant County shall pay reasonable compensation for Expert Witnesses
necessary for the defense of indigent defendants, 'Including investigation, preparation and
trial of a case, at no cost to the Public Defender. Public Defender shall obtain approval for
Expert Witness fees by an appropriate motion to the Grant County Superior Court. Public
Defenders shall be free to retain Experts of their choosing subject only to the limitations
set forth by the Superior Court's order approving the hiring of the Expert. Public
Defenders may redact billing entries (other than an indication of the hours spent and rate
charged) from Expert invoices for purposes of submitting them for pa'yment by the County.
The billing should include a cause number, the name of the defendant and the tax ID
number of the provider.
8, ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT. Public Defender shall employ secretarial/paralegal
support for a minimum 5 hours per week unless and until the Director of Public Defense
concludes that a given Public Defender does not require such administrative support and
notifies the Public Defender of that decision in writing. Each Public Defender shall
maintain appropriate documentation of that Public Defender's arrangements for staff
support and shall provide copies of that documentation to the Director of Public Defense.
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Whereas this agreement calls for and is anticipated for "conflict and overflow" cases to be
assigned, the Director of Public Defense does not require at this time such administrative
support. The Director will give notice should this requirement change,
9, INTERPRETER SERVICES. Grant County shall provide reasonable access to Certified
Interpreters to interpret for Public Defenders at the Grant County Jail and at other
reasonable times and places when Public Defenders need access to interpreter services.
10. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, The Public Defender shall implement and maintain a
conflicts -check system and procedure for monitoring potential conflicts of interest in
addition to any system and/or procedure used by the assigning entity. This conflict -check
system and procedure must be approved by the Director of Public Defense,
IL CASE APPOINTMENTS & LIMITATIONS, This agreement is entered into during a
time when Public Defender has agreed to take a particular case. Should the Public
Defender agree to take any other cases during the period of this agreement, the agreement
will be in effect for each case. Public defender is under no obligation to take any further
cases. Public Defender agrees to execute and file the Certification of Compliance as
required by CrR 3.1.
During the term of this Agreement, Public Defender agrees that if they accept
appointments, they shall accept court appointments to represent eligible indigent persons
regardless of their race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation,
handicap, or political or religious affiliation on any felony or other applicable matter in
Grant County Superior Court.
Provided, however, that the Public Defender shall not be required to accept an appointment
under this Agreement if the particular appointment would create a bona fide, actual legal,
ethical or professional conflict of interest for Public Defender. Public Defender shall
promptly screen each case appointment for potential conflicts of interest and shall
immediately inform the Director of Public Defense, in writing, of such actual or potential
conflict and the reason therefore, and request the appointment of a substitute Public
Defender. The Director of Public Defense will determine if an actual conflict exists. If the
Public Defender disagrees with the Director's decision the Public Defender may submit
the question to the Court for resolution, The Director of Public Defense will be ultimately
responsible for alternative assignment of cases conflicts.
12. CASE EQUIVALENTS. For purposes of this agreement., case equivalents are not
necessary as the Public Defender will bill hourly for each case.
13. REPORTS. The Public Defender shall submit a written monthly case assignment report
to the Director of Public Defense, detailing by defendant name, case number, case type and
case equivalency, the cases to which Public Defender was appointed pursuant to this
Agreement during the preceding month. The report shall be submitted by the third (3rd) day
of each month for assignments made during the preceding month.
2023-2024 PSA -SC Hourly, Derek Reid Page 4 of 14
In the alternative, the Public Defender may agree that the Director of Public Defense or
his/her designee shall provide a written monthly case assignment report to the Public
Defender detailing the defendant name, case number, case type and case count equivalency
the cases to which Public Defender was appointed pursuant to this agreement during the
preceding month. If the Public Defender does not respond with two (2) days of receipt of
the report with any changes or corrections, the report then shall be deemed final for all
purposes.
CONTINUING EDUCATION/REPORT: Each Public Defender is required to attend
training approved by the Washington State Office of Public Defense at least once per
calendar year. The Public Defender shall submit an annual report documenting his/her
having attended at least seven (7) hours of said training . The report shall be in a form and
due at such time as to enable the County to comply with any reporting as required in RCW
10.101,050.
NON-PUBLIC DEFENSE LEGAL SERVICES/REPORT: Each Public Defender shall
report to the County hours billed for non-public defense legal services, pro bong cases, and
private practice cases in the previous calendar year, including the number and types of
private cases. The report shall be submitted in a form and at such time that allows the
County to comply with the requirements of RCW 10.101,050. The jaart time, Public
Defender shall submit an annual report to the Director of Public Defense documenting
his/her Attorney Time Reporting Requirements (in accordance with RCW 10. 10 1.050)
on the extent of his/her private caseload only as deemed necessary by the Director of the
Department of Public Defense.
The Public Defender also, by his or her signature, represents and warrants to the County
that the Public Defender is a member of the Washington State Bar Association. in - good
standing, If there is any question regarding the good standing of the Public Defender the
County can require that the Public Defender provide it a Certificate of Good standing
issued by the Washington State Supreme Court.
14. CLIENT ELIGIBILITY. The Court, consistent with applicable laws, rules and
standards, shall be the sole determiner of the eligibility of any particular person for
representation by Public Defender under this Agreement. If Public Defender is appointed
to represent a person and subsequently discovers that such person may not be eligible to
receive such publicly -provided representation under the standards established by the Court,
Public Defender shall 'Immediately notify the Court of such possibility for purposes of the
Court making a re -determination as to eligibility, provided that the notification does not
violate any client privilege or create an ethical violation for the Public Defender. If the
Court then determines that such person is not eligible for publicly -provided representation,
the appointment of Public Defender to represent such person shall be rescinded and such
person shall be required to retain his/her own legal counsel. Public Defender shall not
thereafter represent such person in such matter on a retained -fee basis unless such person
applies for and receives the Court's permission allowing such representation,
15. CONTINUED RE PRESENTATION. In the event that a change of venue is granted to
a person for whom Public Defender has been appointed to represent under this Agreement,
2023-2024 PSA. -SC Hourly,E)=k- Reid Page 5 of 14
Public Defender shall continue to represent such person in the court to which venue is
transferred until the case can be transferred to an appropriate Public Defender in that county
if such transfer is deemed appropriate,
The Public Defender's obligations to provide representation, pursuant to this Agreement,
includes the obligation to timely and fully complete all cases or matters encompassed by
this Agreement. In that regard, Public Defender shall continue to provide representation
for those persons whom Public Defender was appointed to represent and whose case was
not concluded during the term of this Agreement or otherwise disposed of such as by
appointment to successor counsel, and Public Defender's obligation to fully complete all
cases or matters encompassed by this Agreement following its termination shall not in any
way entitle Public Defender to receive any additional compensation beyond the
compensation amount(s) specified in this Agreement.
In the event that this Agreement is terminated, the Public Defender shall be responsible for
continuing to represent clients on any pending cases until the case is completed. Provided,
that for good cause shown, the Director of Public Defense, in his/her sole discretion., may
transfer one or more pending cases to other attorneys in the Grant County Public Defense
system. Those cases will continue to be counted as full cases for the departing defender
and shall, at the Director of Public Defense's discretion, be counted as a full case credit for
the receiving attorney depending on the stage of the proceeding. If the transfer is done
prior to the omnibus hearing, the case will not count for the departing Public Defender and
will count as one full case count for the receiving Public Defender.
16, CONSULTATIONS. The Public Defender shall be available for reasonable consultations
with the client. The Director of Public Defense shall monitor client contacts to ensure that
the Public Defender is maintaining reasonable contact with the client, The Public Defender
shall have a telephone system that will accept messages from clients after normal business
hours or during times when the Public Defender is not in the office.
17, COOPERATION WITH FELONY DEFENSE PANEL PUBLIC DEFENDERS AND
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC DEFENSE. The Director of Public Defense shall assign case
appointments. The panel -Public Defenders agree to cooperate with the Director of Public
Defense in assigning case appointments, The Director of Public Defense shall serve as
spokesperson for all participating Public Defenders and as liaison with the courts, the
Prosecutor's Office and the Board of County Commissioners.
The Public Defender agrees that, by entering into this Agreement, the Public Defender
consents to the full authority of the Director of Public Defense. In regard to file reviews,
the Public Defender specifically consents to permit the Director of Public Defense to
review any file subject to case assignment as long as the review is confidential and will not
waive any privilege. If the review by the Director of Public Defense will invade a privilege,
create a potential conflict, or violate any ethical requirement, then -the Public Defender
agrees to permit another designated attorney to review the file and to report to the Director
of Public Defense. The Director of Public Defense has the authority to assign or designate
I' Chair and 2nd Chair counsel in any case that he/she determines is appropriate. %1.1
2023-2024 PSA -SC Hourly, Derek Reid Pag
ze 6 of 14
The Public Defender agrees to abide by the specific terms, conditions and practice
requirements of Grant County Public Defense as they apply to the Public Defender's
practice including, but not limited to, caseload limitations; specific training requirements
(including, but not limited to,, attendance at Grant County Public Defense sponsored
Continuing Legal Education seminars); periodic mandatory meetings of counsel; and
completion of certain specific tasks including, but not limited to, managing initial client
appearances in a rotation; and other such tasks and/or practice standards or requirements
as may become necessary for the proper administration of Grant County Public Defense,
18. NON -ASSIGNMENT AND TEMPORARY SUBSTITUTIONS. Except as otherwise
provided within this Agreement, Public Defender shall not allow or arrange for any other
rov within 1
person to perform any of the services required by this Agreement, nor shall Public Defender
be entitled to assign, subcontract out, or otherwise delegate any of Public Defender's rights,
responsibilities, or and obligations under this Agreement.
ies,
Provided that, however, subject to the approval of the Director of Public Defense, Public
Defender and any of the other Felony Defense Panel Public Defenders may mutually agree
to make temporary, substitute appearances for each other on routine criminal docket
matters and routine court hearings on an as -needed basis provided that Public Defender is
actually and unavoidably unavailable and provided that such substitution is expressly
authorized on the court record by the Court and the particular person(s) being represented
by Public Defender who is/are affected by such temporary substitution of legal
counsel. Any compensation or consideration to be paid or given by Public Defender to the
other Felony Defense Panel Public Defenders for such substitution(s) shall be a matter of
direct negotiation and agreement between Public Defender and the other Felony Defense
Panel Public Defenders., and said other Public Defenders shall not be entitled to receive
any additional compensation from the County for such substitution(s).
Provided further that, however, in the event that Public Defender needs or desires to take
up to a maximum of two (2) consecutive weeks leave of absence from the practice of law
during the term of this Agreement and is unable to obtain the assistance of the other Felony
Defense Panel Public Defenders during such temporary absence, the Director of Public
Defense may seek and obtain the assistance of another qualified Attorney to make
temporary, substitute appearances for Public Defender during such absence on routine
criminal docket matters and routine court hearings on an as -needed basis provided that
Public Defender and such other qualified Attorney jointly prepare, sign and file a written
certification with the Court (with a copy to be provided to the County)in all such matters
and hearings that expressly certifies that such other qualified Attorney has reviewed this
Agreement and fully meets all applicable criteria, qualifications, and requirements under
this Agreement to render legal defense services to indigent persons and provided further
that such temporary substitution is expressly authorized on the court record by the Court
and the particular person(s) being represented by Public Defender who is/are affected by
such temporary substitution of legal counsel.
Any compensation or consideration to be paid or given by Public Defender to such other
non -panel Attorney for such substitution(s) shall be a matter of direct negotiation and
agreement between Public Defender and such other Attorney, and such other Attorney
2023-2024 PSA -SC Hourly, Mrek Reid Page 7 of 14
shall not be entitled to receive any compensation from the County for such
substitution(s). Public Defender acknowledges and agrees that Public Defender shall be
strictly responsible to ensure that such other Attorney fully complies with all terms and
conditions of this Agreement during such temporary absence period (including, without
limitation, the requirement to maintain the insurance coverage specified in this Agreement)
and that Public Defender shall be strictly liable for any and all damages or losses sustained
as a result of such other Attorney's non-compliance with the terms and conditions of this
Agreement.
19, TUDICIAL SERVICE. Public Defender shall not serve in any judicial capacity
(including judge pro tem or court commissioner) in or for any court located within the
County on any criminal, juvenile, or infraction matter, Further, Public Defender shall not
serve in any judicial capacity (including judge pro tem or court commissioner) in any case
in which the County is a party or in any case in which the state of Washington is a party
and is represented by the County's Prosecuting Attorney's Office or an appointed special
deputy of such office.
20. TERMINATION.
a. Involunta Termination. The County may terminate this Agreement immediately
if, in the sole determination of the Director of Public Defense, the Public Defender is
not providing adequate legal services or is in material non-compliance with the terms
of this Agreement. In the case of Involuntary Termination, the Director of Public
Defense may direct that some or all pending cases be assigned to other qualified Public
Defenders. In such circumstances, the Public Defender shall promptly, but in no event
later than three (3) days after notice of Involuntary Termination, identify to the Director
of Public Defense any pending cases in which specialcircumstances exist such as
imminent trial schedule, lengthy or complex course of litigation, special client
circumstances, or other client or case based interests that may professionally require
continued representation by the Public Defender. In the event that the Director of
Public Defense and Public Defender cannot agree on reassignment or retention of
particular cases, the matter shall be referred to the presiding judge for determination of
the issue of assignment of counsel. The Public Defender will be responsible for the
completion of all cases not reassigned.
b. Voluntaty Termination. Either party may terminate this Agreement upon One -
Hundred and Twenty (120) days' advance written notice for any reason. The parties may
mutually agree in writing to an earlier effective date. The terminating Public Defender
shall be responsible for completion of all cases assigned before the effective date and shall
not withdraw or transfer such cases to other counsel unless otherwise authorized or
directed by the Director of Public Defense.
21,.AUTOMATIC TERMINATION,, In the event that the Grant County Superior Court or
any other court of competent jurisdiction enters an order that precludes Public Defender
from receiving any further Court appointments hereunder, for any reason whatsoever, this
Agreement shall automatically terminate without further notice as of the date such order is
entered by the Court. In the event that the Court enters such an order because of unethical
2023-2024 PSA -SC Hourly, W- ek Reid Page 8 of 14
or unprofessional conduct by Public Defender and/or because of Public Defender's breach
of this .Agreement and the Court determines at that time that the circumstances justify or
require a substitution of appointed counsel for any person(s) whom Public Defender was
appointed to represent hereunder, Public Defender shall be fully liable to the County for
any additional costs or expenses incurred by the County relating to such substitute
appointment(s) in addition to any other damages sustained by the County arising out of
Public Defender's conduct and breach.
In the event the Public Defender's license to practice lave in the State of Washington is
revoked or otherwise limited or restricted, or in the event the Public Defender is disbarred
or suspended from the practice of law, or in the event the Public Defender receives a
recommendation from the Washington Mate Bar .Association for suspension or disbarment,
the Public Defender shall automatically be terminated without further notice as of the
effective date of the revocation, restriction, disbarment or suspension, or the Washington
State Bar Association recommendation.
22, INDEMNIFICATION .AND HOLD HARMLESS. Public Defender hereby agrees to
and shall fully indemnify the County and hold the County, its officers, employees, and
agents fully harmless for any and all losses, damages, costs, charges, claims, demands,
suits, or actions of whatsoever nature directly or indirectly arising out of or by reason of
Public Defender's (or any person, agent, contractor, or entity acting for or on behalf of
Public Defender or at Public Defender's request or direction) acts, defaults, errors and/or
omissions of whatsoever nature in the performance of legal services to any person under
the terms of this Agreement, In the event any suit or legal proceeding is brought against
the County or any of its officers, employees or agents at any time on account of or by
reason of any such acts, defaults, errors and/or omissions, Public Defender hereby
covenants and agrees to assume the defense thereof and to defend the same at Public
Defender's sole cost and expense and to pay any and all costs, charges, Public Defenders'
fees, and other expenses as well as any and all judgments or awards that may be incurred
by or entered against the County or any of its officers, employees or agents in such suits
or other legal proceedings. The indemnification and hold harmless provisions of this
paragraph shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
23. INSURANCE. Throughout the entire term of this Agreement and throughout any other
longer time period during which Public Defender is obligated to perform services or duties
hereunder, Public Defender shall obtain and continuously maintain, at Public Defender's
sole cost and expense, a policy of professional liability insurance in an amount not less
than rive Hundred Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($500,000.00) per claim nor less
than One Million and No/100 Dollars ($1,000,000.00) in the aggregate during the
policy term. Said policy shall include coverage as an additional insured for any other
Public Defender(s) acting for or on behalf of Public Defender in the performance of this
Agreement. Said policy shall provide professional liability insurance coverage for any
errors and/or omissions by Public Defender during the course of performing legal services
under this Agreement, and shall further require that the insurance company provide the
County with no less than thirty (3o) days' prior written notice in the event the policy is
cancelled or materially altered. Said policy shall also comply with all applicable state of
2,023-2024 PS.A-SC Hourly, Derek Reid 'age 9 of 14
Washington insurance requirements and shall be issued by an insurance company
authorized to conduct business and issue insurance in the state of
Washington. Contemporaneously with Public Defender's execution of this Agreement,
Public Defender shall provide the County and its designated Risk Manager with written
proof and confirmation that such insurance policy and coverage has been obtained within
fifteen (1 5} days of signature by the parties to this Agreement and Public Defender shall
provide the Risk Manager with annual written proof and confirmation that such insurance
policy and coverage continues to exist throughout the term of this Agreement on or before
said policy's term of expiration.
al
24, RELATIONSHIP OF THE PARTIES. The parties understand, acknowledge, and agree
that Public Defender is not an employee of the County and that Public Defender, as of the
date of this Agreement and throughout its entire term, is and will be acting and operating
as a fully independent contractor. In that regard, except as otherwise specified in this
Agreement, the County shall have no authority or duty whatsoever to control or supervise
the performance of Public Defender's duties and services hereunder, which control or
supervisory capacity is fully vested within the inherent power and discretion of the Court(s)
and/or the Washington State Bar Association.
This Contract is for the personal professional services of the Public Defender. The Public
Defender shall not assign or subcontract this Agreement in whole or in part.
This Agreement does not create an employer/employee relationship between the parties. It
is the parties 'Intent that each panel -Public Defender will be an independent contractor and
not a County employee for all purposes, including, but not limited to, the application of the
Fair Labor Standards Act minimum wage and overtime payments, the Federal Insurance
Contribution Act, the Social Security Act, the Federal Unemployment Tax Act, the
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, the Washington Industrial Insurance Act (Title
51 RCW), Washington wage and hour laws, and the Washington Employment Security
Act (Title 50 RCW). The Public Defender is retained solely to represent indigent persons
and is not acting in any administrative capacity on behalf of the County. The panel Public
Defender will retain sole and absolute discretion in the judgment, manner and means of
providing his or her legal representation under this Agreement subject to the rights of the
Director of Public Defense to supervise and discipline each panel -Public Defender. The
parties agree this Agreement shall not be construed as creating any joint employment
relationship between the Public Defender and/or any of the Public Defender's officers,
employees, agents or subcontractors and the County, and that the County will not be liable
for any obligation incurred by the Public Defender including, but not limited to, unpaid
minimum wages and/or overtime premiums. The parties further agree that the County is
not responsible for providing any financial or other support for equipment, training,
administrative costs or research tools for the Public Defender unless specifically agreed to
by the Director of Public Defense.
25, NON-DISCRIMINATION. The Public Defender agrees that he or she and any of the
Public Defender's officers, employees, and agents will comply with Titles VI and VII of
the 1964 Civil Rights Act as amended in 1972; Executive Order 11246 as amended by
2023-2024 PSA -SC Hourly, Derek Reid Page 10 of 14
Executive Order 11375; Sections 503 ) and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1975; the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Vietnam Era Veteran Readjustment
Assistance Act; the Washington State Laws Against Discrimination, Chapter 49.06 RCW;
and any other applicable law or regulation prohibiting discrimination.
26. PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT. The Public Defender shall execute this Agreement
independent of any governmental control, except as provided in this Agreement. The
Public Defender shall represent clients, preserve client confidences, and discharge his/her
duties hereunder in accordance with the Rules of Professional Conduct pertaining to Public
Defenders licensed to practice law in the State of Washington and any applicable Court
rules,
Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to impair or inhibit the exercise of
independent professional judgment by the Public Defender with respect to any client
wherein a Public Defender -client privilege has been established pursuant to the terms of
this Agreement.
Nothing in this Agreement shall require or authorize any Public Defender to perform any
acts in any manner proscribed by, or neglect to perform any duties required by the Rules
of Professional Conduct promulgated by the Supreme Court of the State of Washington
and adopted in RCW 2,48,230 as now or hereafter amended, or required or proscribed by
applicable case law, court rules, regulations or statute. This Agreement shall neither require
nor authorize any Public Defender to engage in any conduct deemed improper or unethical
in opinions of the Washington State Bar Association.
The Public Defender and/or support staff employed by the Public Defender shall not solicit
or accept compensation from any client appointed under this Agreement.
27, RECORDS AND CLIENT FILES. Records of all matters covered by this Agreement
(with the exception of client files which are not subject to the Public Records Act), shall
be established and maintained by the Public Defender in accordance with requirements set
forth in the Washington State Archives' Local Records Retention Schedule? at
www,sos.waj,,Yov. Any question as to what does or does not constitute a public record
should be directed the County's Public Records Officer in the Commissioners' office at
(509) 754-2011 ext. 2938.
The Public Defender shall be responsible for maintaining a client's files. The Public
Defender shall retain and/or release client files in accordance with appropriate ethical and
legal requirements. The Public Defender shall return client files to the Director of Public
Defense, at no expense to the County, when the client's file needs to be transferred to
another Public Defender who is a member of the County's Public Defense Panel.
28. SUPPLEMENTAL GENERAL CONDITIONS,
a. Integrated Document: This Agreement embodies the entirety of the agreement
between the County and the Public Defender, and its applicable terms and conditions
2023-2024 PSA -SC Hourly, Derek- Reid Page 11 of 14
and supersedes any and all other agreements, contracts and understandings, written or
oral " (including, without limitation, any previous agreement executed by the
parties). No verbal agreements, conversations, understandings, or writings with any
officer, official, agent, or employee of the County prior to the execution of this
Agreement shall affect or modify any of the terms, conditions, or obligations contained
in any documents comprising this - Agreement. Any such verbal agreements,
conversations, understandings, or writings shall be considered as unofficial and in no
way binding upon the County.
b. When Rights and Remedies Are Not Waived: In no event shall any payment by the
County or acceptance of payment by the Public Defender constitute or be construed to
be a waiver by such party of any breach of contract, covenant, or default which may
then exist on the part of the other. The making or acceptance of any such payment while
any such breach or default shall exist shall in no way impair or prejudice any right or
remedy available with respect to such breach or default.
c. Severability Of Provisions: if any term, covenant, condition, or provision of this
Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction, arbitrator or other reviewing
body with jurisdiction to be void, invalid, or unenforceable, the remainder of the
Agreement shall not be affected thereby and remain in full force and effect, if such
remainder would then continue to conform to the terms and requirements of applicable
law, and shall continue in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired
or invalidated thereby.
d. Disputes — Arbitration: Disputes or claims arising under this Agreement between the
County and the Public Defender shall initially be resolved by consultation between the
Public Defender and the Grant County Board of Commissioners and are to be resolved
in reference to and in accordance with the Laws of the State of Washington.. If
resolution of such dispute or claim is not obtained within fifteen (15) days of such
consultation, the proposal then shall be submitted to final, binding arbitration in
accordance with the rules of Arbitration of the American Arbitration Association. All
Arbitration decisions are final and binding on all parties. The parties may mutually
agree to different rules for the resolution of the arbitration, as long as the agreement is
in writing and signed by an authorized party representative.
e. Modifications.- Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to preclude any
party from seeking modification of any term contained herein should an unforeseen
0
and material change in circumstances arise.
Any agreement, contract understanding,
or modification made between the parties subsequent to this Agreement, including any
formal addenda or other modification. to the terms and conditions of this Agreement
must be executed with identical formality as this Agreement; otherwise the same shall
not be enforceable.
Assignability.- The Public Defender may not assign his/her rights or obligations under
this Agreement to a third party,
2023-2024 PSA -SC Hourly, Mrok- Reid Page 12 of 14
g. No Waiver: No failure of the County or the Public Defender to insist on the strictest
performance of any term of this Agreement shall constitute a waiver of any such term
or an abandonment of this Agreement.
h. Governing Law: This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of
Washington. Should this Agreement be subject to scrutiny by a court of law, arbitrator
or other reviewing body with jurisdiction, it shall be interpreted as if drafted by the
County.
SIGNED this S day of. nc-Anbuv- 2023,
Attest:
B, "I ra J. Vasquez. r of oard
r
Agreement NOTE: 7
Agreement must be signed in the
presence of a Notary. Notary block- is on
the folloAking page.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
GRANT COUNTY, WASHINGTON
---- - - ------
Danny Stoe, Member
PUBLIC
Derek Reid, WSBA. #34186
Address-, 421 W. Riverside Ave Ste 812
Spokane, W.A. 99201-0403
Phone: (5 09) 356-0374
E-mail: dreid@reidlegatoffice.com
Tax ID #:
2023-2024 PSA -SC Hourly, Derek Reid Page 13 of 14
State of Washington
)ss.
County of Grant
I hereby certify that 1 know or have satisfactoiy evidence that Derek Reid signed this instrument and
acknowledged it to be her free and voluntary act for the uses and purposes mentioned in the instrument,
,4
DATED:
If
PI ii;j-
V
wf,
%
Nota,Vor Washington tat
residing in
My Commission expires:
2023-2024 PSA -SC Hourly, Derek, Reid Page 14 of 14
K23-241
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
FOR LEGAL REPRESENTATION OF INDIGENT INDIVIDUALS
IN GRANT COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT
(ADULT FELONY ONLY)
PART TIME CONTRACTOR
This Professional Services Agreement ("PSA") is entered into effective September 22,
2023, by and between Grant County, a political subdivision of the State of Washington (hereinafter
called the "County"), and the undersigned Public Defender (hereinafter called the "Public
Defender"), who is fully admitted to practice law in the State of Washington.
1. PARTIES AND TERMS:
a. Grant County is a political subdivision of the State of Washington and agrees to contract
with the undersigned independent attorney to provide indigent defense legal services in
the Superior Court of Grant County.
b. Brooke Hagara, WSBA #35566 (hereafter "Public Defender") is an attorney licensed to
practice law in. the State of Washington and, as an independent contractor, agrees to
contract with the County to provide indigent defense services in accordance with the terms
of this Agreement.
The term of this Agreement shall commence on the 26th day of September, 2023 and
terminate on the 31st day of December, 2024 unless otherwise terminated pursuant to the
11
termination provisions of this Agreement. No notice is required to terminate this Agreement
at the end of the term.
2. DEFINITIONS. For the purposes of this Agreement, the following definitions shall
apply:
a. "Public defense system" means any system or program under which Grant County
provides, has provided, or is obligated to provide for the criminal defense of any
rovi
indigent person charged with a felony or other applicable matter in Grant County
Superior Court.
b. "Public defender" means any attorney who is hired by or contracts with Grant County
to represent indigent persons charged with felony crimes or other applicable matters in
Grant County Superior Court.
C. "Standards for Indigent Defense Services" means the standards approved and required
by the Washington State Supreme Court. Should the Court amend or -update the
Standards of Indigent Defense Services, the parties agree adopt the most recent and
current version.
d. "Director of Public Defense" means the attorney who is hired to supervise or oversee
the system or program under which Grant County has provided, does provide, or is
obligated to provide for the criminal defense of any indigent person changed with a
felony or other applicable matter in Grant County Superior Court.
C. "Policy" and/or `Policies" are defined as a policy or policies as developed by the Grant
County Department of Public Defense.
2023-2024 PSA -SC Hourly, Brooke Hagar a Page 1 of 14
f "Good standing" (in relation to a Public Defender's membership status of the
Washington State Bar Association) is defined as the public defender being current in
his/her bar dues, continuing legal education credit hours, and has not had any bar
complaints that were resolved adversely in any manner against the Public Defender.,
3. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES. Each Public Defender shall represent in a professional
manner all individuals charged with felonies or other applicable matters in the Grant
County Superior Court for whose representation he or she is appointed. Such representation
Shall include, but is not limited to, attendance at first appearances and ball hearings,
preparation and appearance at all phases of court proceedings including arraignments,
pretrial hearings, motions, trials, sentencing, post -trial motions and restitution hearings.
The Public Defender's duties also shall include the preparation and filing of all pleadings
necessary to perfect an appeal beyond Superior Court when appropriate and representing
an appellant until new counsel is appointed to process the appeal.
The Public Defender shall maintain a telephone line to receive calls from clients which
Shall be accessible to all clients including those being held in -custody pending further
proceedings.
The Public Defender represents and warrants that,, throughout the entire term of this
Agreement, Public Defender will have adequate time in Public Defender'spractice and
regular personal schedule and will have adequate office support staff services, office
resources, and office equipment to undertake and effectively perforin all services required
under this Agreement. Public Defender further represents and warrants that Public
Defender's personal schedule will not unduly or unreasonably interfere with Public
Defender's ability to timely and efficiently perform such services including, without
limitation, Public Defender's ability to prepare for and attend regularly scheduled trials and
dockets or Public Defender's ability to schedule and conduct face-to-face meetings with
the indigent persons Public Defender is appointed to represent under this Agreement for
purposes of discussing, preparing, and pursuing the most viable defense s) and/or
resolution available to the alleged criminal charge(s) and keeping such persons reasonably
apprised as to the status of their case.
The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to: the ability to do all
of the reading and writing necessary to file pleadings with the court; to attend court on a
daily basis for up to eight hours a day as needed; to meet with clients both in the jail and at
the Public Defender's own office; to travel as necessary to attend court hearings, interview
witnesses and otherwise prepare for court and trial; to attend court during trial and to
complete all other attendant tasks associated with competent case and trial management.
4, QUALIFICATIONS OF PUBLIC DEFENDERS, All Public Defenders must satisfy
and meet The Standards for Indigent Defense Services and be guided by the Washington
State Bar Association Performance Guidelines for Criminal Defense Representation.
2023-2024 PSA -SC Hourly, B'rooke Hagara Page 2 of 14
5. COMPENSATION. The Public Defender shall be paid Ninety -Five and No/100
Dollars ($95.00) per hour for class B and C felonies and One Hundred Twenty
(1.20.00) per hour for Class A felonies, or each part thereof spent conducting
professional activity on each case. The billing shall be made in 1/10 hours for work done
in the customary legal fashion. Public Defender will deliver an invoice for each case
worked on to the Director of Public Defense (or designee) at the end of each month
specifying the case and detailing the activity and the work done on each case. Each invoice
should have an original invoice number.
Public Defender shall be paid for travel time in the amount of Two Hundred Fifty and
No/100 Dollars for each round trip from Public Defender's office to Ephrata or Wenatchee
(where juvenile clients are held), round trip, for court hearings, meetings with clients and
any other legitimate public defense business. Public Defender will bill Grant County in a
separate monthly invoice for this travel if travel is for more than one case.
The Public Defender is responsible for all costs and fees incurred in maintaining a law
office including, but not limited to, rent, phones, copying, faxes, secretarial support, and
all other costs and fees in maintaining a law office. Public Defender will be paid for
services within, 30 days after invoices are submitted. The Director of Public Defense will
act within a reasonable time to reconcile any issue with invoices.
6. INVESTIGATORS. Grant County shall provide Investigators for use by the Public
Defender, at no cost to the Public Defender. Public Defenders shall use the Investigators
provided by the County, as reasonable and necessary, unless otherwise specifically
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authorized by the Director of Public Defense. The Public Defender agrees to abide by the
Policy on Use of Investigator as currently required by the Director of Public Defense and
use the form prescribed for requesting the assignment or supplemental use of an
Investigator.
7. EXPERTS. Grant County shall pay reasonable compensation for Expert Witnesses
necessary for the defense of 'indigent defendants, including investigation., preparation and
trial of a case, at no cost to the Public Defender. Public Defender shall obtain approval for
Expert Witness fees by an appropriate motion to the Grant County Superior Court. Public
Defenders shall be free to retain Experts of their choosing subject only to the limitations
set forth by the Superior Court's order approving the hiring of the Expert. Public
Defenders may redact billing entries (other than an indication of the hours spent and rate
charged) from Expert invoices for purposes of submitting them for payment by the County.
The billing should include a cause number, the name of the defendant and the tax ID
number of the provider.
8. ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT. Public Defender shall employ secretarial/paralegal
support for a minimum 5 hours per week unless and until the Director of Public Defense
concludes that a given Public Defender does not require such administrative support and
notifies the Public Defender of that decision in writing. Each Public Defender shall
maintain appropriate documentation of that Public Defender's arrangements for staff
support and shall provide copies of that documentation to the Director of Public Defense.
2023-2024 PSA -SC Hourly, Brooke, Hagam Page 3 of 14
Whereas this agreement calls for and is anticipated for "conflict and overflow" cases to be
assigned, the Director of Public Defense does not require at this time such administrative
support. The Director will give notice should this requirement change.
%-I
9, INTERPRETER SERVICES. Grant County shall provide reasonable access to Certified
Interpreters to interpret for Public Defenders at the Grant County Jail and at other
reasonable times and places when Public Defenders need access to interpreter services.
10. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST. The Public Defender shall implement and maintain a
conflicts -check system and procedure for monitoring potential conflicts of interest in
addition to any system and/or procedure used by the assigning entity. This conflict -check
system and procedure must be approved by the Director of Public Defense.
11. CASE APPOINTMENTS & LIMITATIONS. This agreement is entered into during a
time when Public Defender has agreed to take a particular case. Should the Public
Defender agree to take any other cases during the period of this agreement, the agreement
well be in effect for each case, Public defender is under no obligation to take any further
I
cases. Public Defender agrees to execute and file the Certification of Compliance as
required by Cry.. 3. 1.
During the term of this Agreement, Public Defender agrees that if they accept
appointments, they shall accept court appointments to represent eligible indigent persons
%.1
regardless of their race,, color,, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation,,
handicap, or political or religious affiliation on any felony or other applicable matter in
Grant County Superior Court.
Provided, however, that the Public Defender shall not be required to accept an appointment
under this Agreement if the particular appointment would create a bona fide, actual legal,
ethical or professional conflict of interest for Public Defender. Public Defender shall
promptly screen each case appointment for potential conflicts of interest and shall
immediately inform the Director of Public Defense, in writing, of such actual or potential
conflict and the reason therefore, and request the appointment of a substitute Public
Defender. The Director of Public Defense will determine if an actual conflict exists. If the
Public Defender disagrees with the Director's decision the Public Defender may submit
the question to the Court for resolution. The Director of Public Defense will be ultimately
responsible for alternative assignment of cases conflicts.
12. CASE EQUIVALENTS. For purposes of this agreement, case equivalents are not
-necessary as the Public Defender will bill hourly for each case.
13. REPORTS. The Public Defender shall submit a written monthly case assignment report
to the Director of Public Defense, detailing by defendant name, case number, case type and
case equivalency, the cases to which Public Defender was appointed pursuant to this
Agreement during the preceding month. The report shall be submitted by the third (3 d ) day
of each month for assignments made during the preceding month.
2023-2024 PSA -SC Hourly, Brooke Hagara Page 4 of 14
In the alternative, the Public Defender may agree that the Director of Public Defense or
his/her designee shall provide a written monthly case assignment report to the Public
Defender detailing the defendant name, case number, case type and case count equivalency
the cases to which Public Defender was appointed pursuant to this agreement during the
preceding month. If the Public Defender does not respond with two (2) days of receipt of
the report with any changes or corrections, the report then shall be deemed final for all
purposes.
CONTINUING EDUCATION/ SPORT. Each Public Defender is required to attend
training approved by the Washington State Office of Public Defense at least once per
calendar year. The Public Defender shall submit an annual report documenting his/her
having attended at least seven (7) hours of said training. The report shall be in a form and
due at such time as to enable the County to comply with any reporting as required in RCW
10. 10 1.0so.
NON-PUBLIC DEFENSE LEGAL SERVICES/REPORT: Each Public Defender shall
report to the County hours billed for non-public defense legal services, pro bond cases, and
private practice cases in the previous calendar year, including the number and types of
private cases. The report shall be submitted in a form. and at such time that allows the
County to comply with the requirements of RCW 10.101.050. The part time Public
Defender shall submit an annual report to the Director of Public Defense documenting
his/her Attorney Time Reporting Requirements (in accordance with RCW 10. 10 1.050)
on the extent of his/her private caseload only as deemed ne+cessar by the Director of the
Department of Public Defense.
The Public Defender also, by his or her signature, represents and warrants to the County,
that the Public Defender is a member of the Washington State Bar Association, in good
standing. If there is any question regarding the good standing of the Public Defender the
County can require that the Public Defender provide it a Certificate of Good standing
issued by the Washington State Supreme Court.
14. CLIENT ELIGIBILITY. The Court, consistent with applicable laws, rules and
standards, shall be the sole determiner of the eligibility of any particular person for
representation by Public Defender under this Agreement. If Public Defender is appointed
to represent a person and, subsequently discovers that such person may not be eligible to
receive such publicly -provided representation under the standards established by the Court,
Public Defender shall immediately notify the Court of such possibility for purposes of the
Court making a re -determination as to eligibility, ,provided that the notification does not
violate any client privilege or create an ethical violation for the Public Defender. If the
Court then determines that such person is not eligible for publicly -provided representation,
the appointment of Public Defender to represent such person shall be rescinded and such
person shall be required to retain his/her own legal counsel. Public Defender shall not
thereafter represent such person in such matter on a retained -fee basis unless suchperson
applies for and receives the Court's permission allowina, such representation.
I A�
15. CONTINUED REPRESENTATION. In the event that a change of venue is granted to
a person for whom Public Defender has been appointed to represent under this Agreement,
2023-2024 PSA -SC Hourly, Brooke Hagara Page 5 of 14
Public Defender shall continue to represent such person in the court to which venue is
transferred until, the case can be transferred to an appropriate Public Defender in that county
if such transfer is deemed appropriate.
The Public Defender's obligations to provide representation, pursuant to this Agreement,
includes the obligation to timely and fully complete all cases or matters encompassed by
this Agreement. In that regard, Public Defender shall continue to provide representation
for those persons whom Public Defender was appointed to represent and whose case was
not concluded during the term of this Agreement or otherwise disposed of such as by
appointment to successor counsel, and Public Defender's obligation to fully complete all
cases or matters encompassed by this Agreement following its termination shall not in any
way entitle Public Defender to receive any additional compensation beyond the
compensation amount(s) specified in this Agreement.
In the event that this Agreement is terminated, the Public Defender shall be responsible for
continuing to represent clients on any pending cases until the case is completed. Provided,
that for good cause shown, the Director of Public Defense, in his/her sole discretion, may
transfer one or more pending cases to other attorneys in the Grant County Public Defense
system. Those cases will continue to be counted as full cases for the departing defender
and shall, at the Director of Public Defense's discretion, be counted as a full case credit for
the receiving attorney depending on the stage of the proceeding. If the transfer is done
prior to the omnibus hearing, the case will not count for the departing Public Defender and
will count as one full case count for the receiving Public Defender.
16. CONSULTATIONS. The Public Defender shall be available for reasonable consultations
with the client. The Director of Public Defense shall monitor client contacts to ensure that
the Public Defender is maintaining reasonable contact with the client. The Public Defender
shall have a telephone system that will accept messages from clients after nonnal business
hours or during times when the Public Defender is not in the office.
17. COOPERATION WITH FELONY DEFENSE PANE L PUBLIC DEFENDERS AND
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC DEFENSE. The Director of Public Defense shall assign case
appointments. The panel -Public Defenders agree to cooperate with the Director of Public
Defense in assigning case appointments. The Director of Public Defense shall serve as
spokesperson for all participating Public Defenders and as liaison with the courts, the
Prosecutor's Office and the Board of County Commissioners.
The Public Defender agrees that, by entering into this Agreement, the Public Defender
consents to the full authority of the Director of Public Defense. In regard to file reviews,,
the Public Defender specifically consents to pen -nit the Director of Public Defense to
review any file subject to case assignment as long as the review is confidential and will not
waive any privilege. If the review by the Director of Public Defense will invade aprivilege,
create a potential conflict, or violate any ethical requirement, then the Public Defender
agrees to permit another designated attorney to review the file and to report to the Director
of Public Defense. The Director of Public Defense has the authority to assign or designate
I" Chair and 2nd Chair counsel in any case that he/she determines is appropriate.
2023-2024 PSA -SC Hourly, Brooke Hagara Page 6 of 14
The Public Defender agrees to abide by the specific terms, conditions and practice
requirements of Grant County Public Defense as they apply to the Public Defender's
practice including, but not limited to, caseload. limitations; specific training requirements
(including, but not limited to, attendance at Grant County Public Defense sponsored
Continuing Legal Education seminars); periodic mandatory meetings of counsel; and
completion o f certain specific tasks including, but not limited to, managing
iinitial client
appearances n a rotation; and other such tasks and/or practice standards or requirements
as may become necessary for the proper administration of Grant County Public Defense.
18, NON -ASSIGNMENT AND TEMPORARY SUBSTITUTIONS. Except as otherwise
provided within thi's Agreement, Public Defender shall not allow or arrange for any other
person to perform any of the services required by this Agreement, nor shall Public Defender
be entitled to assign, subcontract out, or otherwise delegate any of Public Defender's rights,
responsibilities, or and obligations under this Agreement.
Provided that, however, subject to the approval of the Director of Public Defense, Public
'Defender and any of the other Felony Defense Panel Public Defenders may mutually agree
to make temporary, substitute appearances for each other on routine criminal docket
matters and routine court hearings on an as -needed basis provided that Public Defender is
actually and unavoidably unavailable and provided that such substitution is expressly
authorized on the court record by the Court and the particular person(s) being represented
by Public Defender who is/are affected by such temporary substitution of legal
counsel. Any compensation or consideration to be paid or given by Public Defender to the
other Felony Defense Panel Public Defenders for such substitution(s) shall be a matter of
direct negotiation and agreement between Public Defender and the other Felony Defense
Panel Public Defenders, and said other Public Defenders shall not be entitled to receive
any additional compensation from the County for such substitution s).
Provided further that, however, in the event that Public Defender needs or desires to take
up to a maximum of two (2) consecutive weeks leave of absence from. thepractice of law
during the terin of this Agreement and is unable to obtain the assistance of the other Felony
Defense Panel Public Defenders during such temporary absence, the Director of Public
Defense may seek and obtain the assistance of another qualified Attorney to make
temporary, substitute appearances for Public Defender during such absence on routine
criminal docket matters and routine court hearings on an as -needed basisprovided that
Public Defender and such other qualified Attorney jointly prepare, sign and file a written
certification with the Court (with a copy to be provided to the County) in all such matters
and hearings that expressly certifies that such other qualified Attorney has reviewed thi's
Agreement and fully meets all applicable criteria, qualifications, and requirements under
this Agreement to render legal defense services to indigent persons and provided further
that such temporary substitution is expressly authorized on the court record by the Court
and the particular person(s) being represented by Public Defender who is/are affected by
such temporary substitution of legal counsel.
Any compensation or consideration to be paid or given by Public Defender to such other
non -panel Attorney for such substitution(s) shall be a matter of direct negotiation and
agreement between Public Defender and such other Attorney, and such other Attorney
2023-2024 PSA -SC Hourly, Brooke Hagara Page 7 of 14
shall not be entitled to receive any compensation from the County for such
substitution(s). Public Defender acknowledges and agrees that Public Defender Shall be
strictly responsible to ensure that such other Attorney fully complies with all terms and
conditions of this Agreement during such temporary absence period (including, without
limitation, the requirement to maintain the insurance coverage specified in this Agreement)
and that Public Defender shall be strictly liable for any and all damages or losses sustained
as a result of such other Attorney's non-compliance with the terms and conditions of this
Agreement.
19. JUDICIAL SERVICE. Public Defender shall not serve in any judicial capacity
(including judge pro tem or court commissioner) in or for any court located within the
County on any criminal, juvenile, or infraction matter. Further, Public Defender shall not
serve in any judicial capacity (including judge pro ten.or court commissioner) in any case
in which the County is a party or in any case in which the state of Washington is a party
and is represented by the County's Prosecuting Attorney's Of or an appointed special
deputy of such office.
20. TERMINATION.
a. Involuntary Termination. The County may terminate this Agreement immediately
if, in the sole determination. of the Director of Public Defense, the Public Defender is
not providing adequate legal services or is in material non-compliance with the terms
of this Agreement. In the case of Involuntary Termination, the Director of Public
Defense may direct that some or all pending cases be assigned to other qualified Public
Defenders. In such circumstances, the Public Defender shall promptly, but in no event
later than three (3) days after notice of Involuntary Ter m-ination, identify to the Director
of Public Defense any pending cases in which. special circumstances exist, such as
imminent trial schedule, lengthy or complex course of litigation, special client
circumstances, or other client or case based interests that may professionally require
continued representation by the Public Defender. In the event that the Director of
Public Defense and Public Defender cannot agree on reassignment or retention of
particular cases, the matter shall be referred to the presiding judge for determination of
the issue of assignment of counsel. The Public Defender will be responsible for the
completion of all cases not reassigned.
b. Voluntary Termination. Either party may terminate this Agreement upon One -
Hundred and Twenty (l o) days' advance written notice for any reason. The parties may
mutually agree in writing to an earlier effective date. The terminating Public Defender
shall be responsible for completion of all cases assigned before the effective date and shall
not withdraw or transfer such cases to other counsel unless otherwise authon*zed or
directed by the Director of Public Defense.
21. AUTOMATIC TERMINATION. In the event that the Grant County Superior Court or
any other court of competent jurisdiction enters an order that precludes Public Defender
from receiving any further Court appointments hereunder, for any reason whatsoever, this
Agreement shall automatically terminate without farther notice as of the date such order is
entered by the Court. In the event that the Court enters such an order because of unethical
2023-2024 PSA -SC Hourly, Brooke Haryara
C) Page 8 of 14
or unprofessional conduct by Public Defender and/or because of Public Defender's breach
of this Agreement and the Court determines at that time that the circumstances justify or
require a substitution of appointed counsel for any person(s) whom Public Defender was
appointed to represent hereunder, Public Defender shall be fully liable to the County for
any additional costs or expenses incurred by the County relating to such substitute
appointment(s) in addition to any other damages sustained by the County arising out of
Public Defender's conduct and breach.
In the event the Public Defender's license to practice law in the State of Washington is
revoked or otherwise limited or restricted, or in the event the Public Defender is disbarred
or suspended from the practice of law, or in the event the Public Defender receives ives a
recommendation from the Washington State Bar Association for suspension or disbarment,
the Public Defender shall automatically be terminated without further notice as of the
effective date of the revocation, restriction, disbarment or suspension, or the Washington
State Bar Association recommendation.
22. INDEMNIFICATION AND HOLD HARMLESS. Public Defender hereby agrees to
and shall fully indemnify the County and. hold the County, its officers, employees, and
agents fully harmless for any and all losses, damages, costs, charges, claims, demands,
suits, or actions of whatsoever nature directly or indirectly arising out of or by reason of
Public Defender's (or any person, agent, contractor,, or entity acting for or on behalf of
Public Defender or at Public Defender's request or direction) acts, defaults, errors and/or
omissions of whatsoever nature in the performance of legal services to any person under
the terms of this Agreement. In the event any suit or legal proceeding is brought against
the County or any of its officers, employees or agents at any time on account of or by
reason of any such acts, defaults, errors and/or omissions, Public Defender hereby
covenants and agrees to assume the defense thereof and to defend the same at Public
Defender's sole cost and expense and to pay any and all costs, charges, Public Defenders'
fees, and other expenses as well as any and all judgments or awards that may be incurred
by or entered against the County or any of its officers, employees or agents in such suits
or other legal proceedings. The indemnification and hold harmless provisions of this
paragraph shall survive the termination of this .Agreement.
23. INSURANCE. Throughout the entire term of this Agreement and throughout any other
longer time period during which Public Defender is obligated to perform services or duties
hereunder, Public Defender shall obtain and continuously maintain, at Public Defender's
sole cost and expense, a policy of professional liability insurance in an amount not less
than Five Hundred Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($500,000.00) per claim nor less
than One Million and No/100 Dollars ($1,000,000.00) in the aggregate during the
policy term. Said policy shall include coverage as an additional insured for any other
Public Defender(s) acting for or on behalf of Public Defender in the performance of this
Agreement. Said policy shall provide professional liability insurance coverage for any
errors and/or omissions by Public Defender during the course of performing legal services
under this Agreement, and shall farther require that the *insurance company provide the
County with no less than thirty (3 o) days' prior written notice in the event the policy is
cancelled or materially altered. Said policy shall also comply with all applicable state of
2023-2024 PSA -SC Hourly, Brooke Hagara
Z::Page 9 of 14
Washington insurance requirements and shall be issued by an insurance company
authorized to conduct business and issue 'insurance in the state of
Washington. Contemporaneously with Public Defender's execution of this Agreement,
Public Defender shall provide the County and its designated Risk Manager with written
proof and confirmation that such insurance policy and coverage has been obtained within
fifteen (15) days of signature by the parties to this Agreement and Public Defender shall
provide the Risk Manager with annual written proof and confirmation that such insurance
policy and coverage continues to exist throughout the term of this Agreement on or before
said policy's term of expiration.
24. RELATIONSHIP OF THE PARTIES. The parties understand, acknowledge, and agree
that Public Defender is not an employee of the County and that Public Defender, as of the
date of this Agreement and throughout its entire term, is and will be acting and operating
as a fully independent contractor. In that regard, except as otherwise specified in this
Agreement, the County shall have no authority or duty whatsoever to control or supervise
the performance of Public Defender's duties and services hereunder, which control or
supervisory capacity is fully vested within the inherent power and discretion of the Court(s)
and/or the Washington State Bar Association.
This Contract is for the personal professional services of the Public Defender. The Public
Defender shall not assign or subcontract this Agreement in whole or in part.
This Agreement does not create an employer/employee relationship between the parties. It
is the parties intent that each panel -Public Defender will be an independent contractor and
not a County employee for all purposes, including, but not limited to, the application of the
Fair Labor Standards Act minimum wage and overtime payments, the Federal Insurance
Contribution Act, the Social Security Act, the Federal Unemployment Tax Act, the
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, the Washington Industrial Insurance Act (Title
51 RCW), Washington wage and hour laws, and the Washington Employment Security
Act (Title 50 RCW). The Public Defender is retained solely to represent indigent persons
and is not acting in any administrative capacity on behalf of the County. The panel Public
Defender will retain sole and absolute discretion in the judgment, manner and means of
providing his or her legal representation under this Agreement subject to the rights of the
Director of Public Defense to supervise and discipline eachpanel-Public Defender. The
parties agree this Agreement shall not be construed as creating any joint employment
relationship between the Public Defender and/or any of the Public Defender's officers,
employees, agents or subcontractors and the County, and that the County will not be liable
for any obligation incurred by the Public Defender including, but not limited to, unpaid
minimum wages and/or overtime premiums. The parties further agree that the County is
not responsible for providing any financial or other support for equipment, training,
administrative costs or research tools for the Public Defender unless specifically agreed to
by the Director of Public Defense.
25. NON-DISCRIMINATION. The Public Defender agrees that he or she and any of the
Public Defender's officers, employees, and agents will comply with Titles VI and "VII of
the 1964 Civil Rights Act as amended in 1972; Executive Order 11.246 as amended by
2023-2024 PSA -SC Hourly, Brooke Hagara Page 10 of 14
Executive Order 11375; Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1 975; the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act of t967; the Vietnam Era Veteran Readjustment
Assistance Act; the Washington State Laws Against Discrimination, Chapter 49.06 RCC;
and any other applicable law or regulation prohibiting discrimination.
26. PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT. The Public Defender shall execute this Agreement
independent of any governmental control, except as provided in this Agreement. The
Public Defender shall represent clients, preserve client confidences, and discharge his/her
duties hereunder in accordance with the Rules of Professional Conduct pertaining to Public
Defenders licensed to practice law in. the State of Washington and any applicable Court
rules.
Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to impair or 'inhibit the exercise of
independent professional judgment by the Public Defender with respect to any client
wherein a Public Defender -client privilege has been established pursuant to the terns of
this Agreement.
Nothing in this Agreementshall require or authorize any Public Defender to perform any
acts in any manner proscribed by, or neglect to perform any duties required by the Rules
of Professional Conduct promulgated by the Supreme Court of the State of Washington
and adopted in R 2.48.230 as now or hereafter amended, or required or pro scribedby
applicable case law, court rules, regulations or statute. This Agreement shall neither require
nor authorize any Public Defender to engage in any conduct deemed improper or unethical
in opinions of the Washington State Bar Association.
The Public Defender andJor support staff employed by the Public Defender shall not solicit
or accept compensation from any client appointed under this Agreement.
27. RECORDS AND CLIENT FILES. Records of all matters covered by this Agreement
(with the exception of client files which are not subject to the Public Records Act), shall
be established and maintained by the Public Defender in accordance with requirements set
forth in the Washington State Archives' Local Records Retention Schedule, at
www.sos.wa Any question as to what does or does not constitute apublic record
should be directed the County's Public Records Officer in the Commissioners' office at
(509) 754-2011 ext. 2938.
The Public Defender shall be responsible for maintaining a client's files. The Public
Defender shall retain and/or release client files in accordance with appropriate ethical and
legal requiremen . ts. The Public Defender shall return client files to the Director of Public
Defense, at no expense to the County, when the client's file needs to be transferred to
another Public Defender who is a member of the County's Public Defense Panel.
28. SUPPLEMENTAL GEINERAL CONDITIONS,
a. Integrated Document,* This Agreement embodies the entirety of the agreement
between the County and the Public Defender, and its applicable terms and conditions
2023-2024 PSA -SC Hourly, Brooke Flagara Page 11 of 14
and supersedes any and all other agreements, contracts and understandings, written or
oral (including, without limitation, any previous agreement executed by the
parties). No verbal agreements, conversations, understandings, or writings with any
officer, official, agent, or employee of the County prior to the execution of this
Agreement shall affect or modify any of the terms, conditions, or obligations contained
in any documents comprising this Agreement. Any such verbal agreements,
conversations, understandings, or writings shall be considered as unofficial and in no
way binding upon the County.
b. When Rights and Remedies Are Not Waived-, In no event shall any payment by the
County or acceptance of payment by the Public Defender constitute or be construed to
be a waiver by such party of any breach of contract, covenant, or default which may
then exist on the part of the other. The making or acceptance of any such payment while
any such breach or default shall exist shall in no way impair or prejudice any right or
remedy available with respect to such breach or default.
c. Severability Of Provisions: If any term, covenant, condition, or provision of this
Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction, arbitrator or other reviewing
body with jurisdiction to be void, invalid, or unenforceable, the remainder of the
Agreement shall not be affected thereby and remain in full force and effect, if such
remainder would then continue to conform to the terms and requirements of applicable
law, and shall continue in -full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired
or invalidated thereby.
d. Disputes — Arbitration: Disputes or claims arising under this Agreement between the
County and the Public Defender shall initially be resolved by consultation between the
Public Defender and the Grant County Board of Commissioners and are to be resolved
in reference to and in accordance with the Laws of the State of Washington. If
resolution of such dispute or claim is not obtained within fifteen (15) days of such
consultation, the proposal then shall be submitted to final, binding arbitration in
accordance with the rules of Arbitration of the American Arbitration Association. All
Arbitration decisions are final and binding on all parties. The parties may mutually
agree to different rules for the resolution of the arbitration, as long as the agreement is
in writing and signed by an authorized party representative.
e. Modifications: Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to preclude any
party from seeking modification of any term contained herein should an unforeseen
and material change in circumstances arise. Any agreement, contract, understanding,
or modification made between the parties subsequent to this Agreement, including any
formal addenda or other modification to the terms and conditions of this Agreement
must be executed with identical formality as this Agreement-, otherwise the same shall
not be enforceable.
f. Assignability.- The Public Defender may not assign his/her rights or obligations under
this Agreement to a third party.
2023-2024 PSA -SC Hourly, Brooke Hagara Page 12 of 14
g. No Waiver: No failure of the County or the Public Defender to insist on the strictest
performance of any term of this Agreement shall constitute a waiver of any such term
or an abandonment of this Agreement.
h. Governing Law: This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of
Washington. Should this Agreement be subject to scrutiny by a court of law, arbitrator
or other reviewing body with jurisdiction, it shall be interpreted as if drafted by the
County..
SIGNED this � day of (jam-}t�bmi 2023.
NOTE:
Agreement must be signed in the
presence of a Notary. Notary block is on
the following page.
2023-2024 PSA -SC Hourly, Brooke Hagara
any StToe, Member
PUBLIC D DER
Brooke D. Hagara, BA #3
Address: 1410 N. Mullan Rd. e 207
Spokane, WA 99206-4046
Phone: (509) 230-0220
E-mail,: brook@hagaralaw.com
Tax ID #:
Page 13 of 14
Mate of Washington
ss.
County of u ,thy, �
I hereby certify that i know or have satisfactory evidence that Brooke Hagara signed this instrument and
acknowledged it to be her free and voluntary act for the uses and purposes mentioned in the instrument.
Notary Pubic for vVashin�to ate
residing in oun
My Commission expires: Oct
2023-2024 PSA -SG Hourly, Brooke Hagara Page 14 of 14