Assistant Attorney General - Regional Services Division, Kennewick or Yakima

State of Washington • Multiple Locations - Eastern Washington, WA

11d • Onsite

About The Position

The Washington State Attorney General’s Office is hiring an Assistant Attorney General for its Regional Services Division, primarily assigned to the Juvenile Litigation team. The position may be based in either the Yakima or Kennewick office and primarily represents the Department of Children, Youth and Families in Benton, Franklin, Columbia, Garfield, and Walla Walla counties. The attorney may also assist other agency and higher-education clients with a variety of legal issues. The work includes child welfare litigation involving dependency, guardianship, and termination of parental rights cases, as well as advising clients on regulatory enforcement matters. Regular travel within Washington State is required. The role offers training, mentorship, professional development, and a collaborative environment that values public service and work-life balance.

Requirements

• Graduate from an ABA-accredited law school or complete the WSBA Rule 6 Law Clerk Program.
• Be licensed to practice law in Washington State; applicants actively pursuing admission may also be considered.
• Ability to adapt quickly to fast-paced litigation and shift between different types of work.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively with client agency representatives and attorney and non-attorney colleagues.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to independently manage time, identify and prioritize tasks, and maintain an organized practice under significant caseload demands.
• Commitment to public service and public law practice.

Responsibilities

• Represent the Department of Children, Youth and Families in child welfare cases, including dependency, guardianship, and termination of parental rights cases.
• Evaluate evidence to determine whether it is legally sufficient 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, and review reports submitted to the court.
• Consult with social workers and other agency employees.
• Submit and respond to discovery.
• Prepare witnesses and evidence for hearings or trials.
• Conduct legal research and analysis and submit relevant briefing to the court.
• Communicate with attorneys and guardians ad litem to resolve issues related to cases.
• Consider settlement options and take other actions related to assigned matters.
• Advise clients regarding regulatory enforcement matters.

Benefits

• Competitive salary within the stated range.
• Longevity pay of a 5% premium on base wages after five years with the Attorney General’s Office.
• Deferred Compensation Plan.
• 11 paid holidays and one personal holiday.
• Eight hours of sick leave accrual per month.
• Annual leave accrual starting at 9.33 hours per month, increasing up to 16.67 hours per month based on years of state service.
• Flexible schedules and telecommuting options.
• Payment of general bar dues for someone who begins their assignment on or before January 31, subject to the AWAAG CBA.
• Qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Formal Assistant Attorney General mentoring program.
• Health and wellness program.
• Training and career development program providing CLE credits.
• Choice of medical and dental insurance plans.
• Retirement benefits.
• Life and basic long-term disability insurance.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment that values professional development and work-life balance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree