Lawyer pay getting a look

As Office of Public Defense (OPD) director, I just learned that some contracted attorneys are unhappy about case distribution and payment methods for appeals on behalf of indigent clients (“Attorney fees draw criticism,” June 15). Monday, I asked all appellate contractors for input on ways to stabilize pay.

Although OPD has absorbed state budget cuts without reducing contractor pay rates, the number of indigent appeals is down statewide, so attorneys are receiving fewer cases. Also, many attorneys choose not to accept child-welfare and sex-offense cases, among the most time-intensive appeals.

In contrast, the two King County firms, consisting of 23 attorneys, accept a large volume of all case types. Business costs in Seattle are significantly higher than Spokane. This has continued to be true during the recession. For years, OPD has paid a business operations fee, which was advertised statewide by request for proposal for Division I cases. It totals 9.5 percent of the firms’ annual fees.

The right to counsel is a fundamental individual right under the U.S. and Washington constitutions. OPD takes this obligation seriously.

Every attorney providing indigent appellate representation meets strict quality standards. I value their work and am committed to addressing their concerns.

Joanne Moore

Director, Office of Public Defense

Olympia