Request for Qualifications for Attorney Services

Spokane County is seeking qualifications from attorneys to provide indigent defense services for felony and misdemeanor cases.

Spokane County

General

Status:Open

Solicitation Identifier:26-10381

Due Date:Sep 30, 2026 07:00 AM

Posted Date:Jun 16, 2026 06:59 PM

Contract Period:1 year 3 months

Type:Request for Quote/Qualifications (RFQ)

Level:Local

Original Solicitation Links

[

26-10381

]

request for qualifications for attorney services

Contact

Name:Brenda McClarty

Email:bmcclarty@spokanecounty.org

Phone:+15094772307

Address:1211 West Gardner Avenue, Spokane, WA, USA

Description

Spokane County, through its Law and Justice Office, is soliciting statements of qualifications from interested Applicants/Firms to provide Indigent Defense services. This includes representation for Felony and/or Misdemeanor cases originating through Spokane County District and Superior Courts, Criminal Conflict of Interest cases, criminal capacity constraints, and other cases where Spokane County has a legal obligation to provide indigent representation, such as Child In Need of Services (CHINS) and Minor Guardianship cases. Mandatory requirements for contractors include being a member of the Washington State Bar Association in good standing, having no bar sanctions within the past three years, and not having been found by a court to have rendered ineffective assistance more than twice in the past five years. Contractors must meet minimum public defense standards set by the Washington State Supreme Court and the Spokane County Board of County Commissioners. They must also be able to meet with clients regularly in the Spokane area, including incarcerated clients at the Spokane County Jail, either in person or via video visitation. All awarded contractors will be responsible for filing quarterly public defense certifications and must qualify as independent contractors under federal and state rules, including having a Washington Department of Revenue tax account and applicable local business licenses. Technology requirements include videoconferencing capabilities, use of a caseload management system, digital means of caseload reporting, and digital filing for compensation claims. Contractors must possess basic technology literacy and equipment, including a computer and high-speed internet connection, and agree to use applicable technology tools. Insurance requirements include Commercial General Liability of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million general aggregate, Professional Liability Insurance of $1 million, and Workers Compensation Industrial Injury Insurance coverage if the contractor has employees. Contractors are also required to establish a reliable means for clients to reach them during business hours, including voicemail or reception services, and have access to confidential meeting facilities for client consultations. A minimum of 7 hours of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) training per year in public defense topics is required, with at least one session approved by the State Office of Public Defense (OPD).