Assistant Attorney General - Regional Services Division, Bellingham

State of Washington • Whatcom County – Bellingham, WA

15d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Attorney General's Office is seeking an attorney to serve in its Regional Services Division in Bellingham, WA. This position offers extensive training, mentorship, and the opportunity to develop litigation and client advice skills. The successful candidate will join the Juvenile Litigation team and receive training from local subject matter experts, as well as participate in statewide training and mentorship programs. While primarily assigned to the Juvenile Litigation team, there will be opportunities to assist with a wide variety of clients and issues. The office is committed to serving the public, protecting the state and its people, and fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment. The Attorney General's Office (AGO) values a healthy work-life balance and a respectful, inclusive, and diverse workplace. Employees are encouraged to pursue individual professional development. The AGO offers a competitive benefits package, including affordable medical and dental insurance, retirement plans, vacation leave, sick leave, military and civil leave, and paid holidays. Salaries are transparent and set on a schedule between $83,856 and $157,080, in accordance with the AWAAG CBA. The AGO will pay general bar dues for those who begin their assignment by January 31st. Additional benefits include flexible schedules, telecommuting options, a formal AAG mentoring program, a health and wellness program, and a recognized training and career development program.

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).
• Commitment to public service as demonstrated by background, talents, attitude, and enthusiasm for public law practice.
• Ability to quickly adapt to a practice involving assignment of 60 or more cases at a time and shift from one type of work to another during a given week or day.
• Interest in civil litigation, including engaging in discovery, drafting motions and briefs, negotiating with other parties, and presenting oral arguments before various courts and tribunals.
• Ability to travel to assigned counties and throughout the state.
• Ability to use electronic files and case management tools.
• Ability to contribute positively to a team and interact successfully with interested groups and members of the public.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to multitask by managing an active caseload and meeting tight deadlines.
• Values working in an inclusive, creative, and collaborative work environment.

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

• Work in a fast-paced litigation environment with frequent state court docket and trial appearances.
• Represent various state agencies and higher education institutions in Skagit, Whatcom, Island, and San Juan Counties.
• Primarily represent the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) in child welfare cases, including dependency, guardianship, and termination of parental rights cases.
• Represent DCYF in childcare, foster care, and group care licensing cases, including advising on regulatory enforcement, representing the agency in contested matters before the Office of Administrative Hearings, and related Superior Court judicial review proceedings.
• 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.
• Consider settlement options.
• Perform all other actions related to these matters.
• Travel regularly within Washington State.

Benefits

• Affordable medical plan options
• Dental benefits
• Retirement plans
• Vacation Leave
• Sick Leave
• Military and Civil Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Transparent salary schedule
• Payment of general bar dues (for those who begin assignment on or before January 31st)
• Flex schedules
• Telecommuting options
• Formal AAG mentoring program
• Health and wellness program
• Training and career development program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level