Assistant Attorney General - Regional Services Division, Kennewick

State of Washington • Benton County – Kennewick, WA

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Attorney General’s Office is seeking a motivated Assistant Attorney General to join their Juvenile Litigation team in the Kennewick Office. This role is ideal for recent law school graduates looking for extensive training, mentorship, and opportunities to develop litigation and client advice skills. The successful candidate will receive training from local subject matter experts and participate in statewide training and mentorship programs. While primarily assigned to Juvenile Litigation, there will be opportunities to assist with a variety of clients and new issues. The Kennewick office serves state agencies and higher education institutions in Benton, Franklin, Columbia, Garfield, and Walla Walla counties, including agencies like the Department of Children Youth and Families (DCYF), Department of Social and Health Services, and others. The primary focus will be representing DCYF in child welfare cases, including dependency, guardianship, and termination of parental rights cases, which directly impact children's lives. The position also involves advising clients on regulatory enforcement matters and requires regular regional travel within Washington State.

Requirements

• Graduated from a law school accredited by the ABA or completed the WSBA's Rule 6 Law Clerk Program.
• Licensed to practice law in Washington State (Applicants actively pursuing admission will also be considered).
• Ability to quickly adapt to a practice involving assignment of cases in a fast-paced litigation environment.
• Ability to shift from one type of work to another during a given week or day.
• Ability to communicate with a variety of client agency representatives efficiently and effectively.
• Ability to communicate with attorney and non-attorney colleagues within the office.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage time.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and prioritize tasks necessary to complete.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a well-organized practice under significant case load demands.
• Commitment to public service as demonstrated by background, talents, attitude, and enthusiasm for public law practice.

Nice To Haves

• Recent law school graduate looking for an attorney position that offers extensive training, mentorship, and the opportunity to develop litigation and client advice skills.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate evidence to determine legal sufficiency to support court intervention.
• Apply the Indian Child Welfare Act and the Washington Indian Child Welfare Act to juvenile cases.
• Review relevant petitions and other documents.
• Consult with social workers and other agency employees.
• Submit and respond to discovery.
• Prepare witnesses and evidence for hearing or trial.
• Review reports submitted to the court.
• Perform research and analysis.
• Submit relevant briefing to the court.
• Communicate frequently with other attorneys and guardians ad litem to resolve issues related to underlying cases.
• Consider settlement options.
• Take all other actions related to these matters.
• Represent state agencies and higher education institutions in Benton, Franklin, Columbia, Garfield, and Walla Walla counties.
• Advise clients regarding regulatory enforcement matters.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, which may be negotiable within the given salary range, beginning July 1 ($90,708 and $157,080).
• Longevity pay of 5% premium on top of base wages after 5 years with the Attorney General’s Office.
• Affordable medical plan options, including vision benefits.
• Dental benefits covered 100%.
• Retirement plan (employee/employer contribution).
• Deferred Compensation Plan.
• 11 paid holidays and 1 personal holiday.
• 8 hours sick leave accrual per month.
• 9.33 hours to start, then up to 16.67 hours of annual leave accrual per month (based on years of state service).
• Flex schedules and telecommuting options.
• The AGO will pay the general bar dues of someone who begins their assignment on or before January 31st per Article 10.8 of the AWAAG CBA.
• Qualifying Employer for Public Loan Forgiveness Program.
• A formal AAG mentoring program that complements the AGO's inherently collegial and supportive environment.
• Health and wellness program.
• Training and career development program that provides CLE credits and is recognized for its excellence and efficacy by AGOs nationwide.
• Choice of medical/dental insurance plans.
• Retirement.
• Life and basic long-term disability insurance.
• Working in a collaborative and supportive work environment where professional development and work-life balance are highly valued.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed