Assistant Attorney General - Spokane Division's Social & Health Services Section

State of Washington • Multiple Locations Statewide, WA

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About The Position

The Washington State Attorney General’s Office has an opening in the Social and Health Services Section, managed by the Christine O. Gregoire Spokane Division. The attorney provides independent, ethical legal services to the State of Washington and represents the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) in matters concerning founded findings of child abuse or neglect under Title 26 RCW. The role primarily handles cases before the Office of Administrative Hearings and may also involve state and federal court litigation. The caseload includes allegations concerning parents or legal custodians, with DCYF as the client, typically represented by social workers or supervisors. Cases arise statewide, and travel is required for in-person hearings, including outside Spokane. The attorney may also handle appellate litigation and, as part of a team with varied assignments, may assist with dependency, termination, guardianship, DSHS, and other work involving vulnerable populations. Future assignments may vary with the attorney’s interests and the team’s needs.

The position involves a high-volume, fast-paced, and sometimes contentious litigation caseload, frequent court appearances, and regular collaboration with clients and colleagues. Hearings, motions, and status conferences may take place remotely or in person. A typical day may include hearings, reviewing case files, drafting and responding to motions, meeting and communicating with clients and other parties, and preparing for trial. The position is managed from Spokane, but the employee may work from a DCYF office in Olympia, Tacoma, Seattle, Bellingham, Everett, Kennewick, Port Angeles, Vancouver, Wenatchee, or Yakima.

The AGO describes its workplace as collegial, collaborative, supportive, inclusive, and committed to public service, professional development, and work-life balance. The Spokane SHS Section includes 24 attorneys, 24 paralegals, three legal assistants, and two legal office assistants. Applicants must have graduated from an ABA-accredited law school or completed the WSBA Rule 6 Law Clerk Program and be licensed to practice in Washington State; applicants actively pursuing admission may also be considered. Applicants must submit a letter of interest, resume, law school transcript, and writing sample of 10 pages or less.

Requirements

• Graduation from an ABA-accredited law school or completion of the WSBA Rule 6 Law Clerk Program.
• Licensed to practice law in Washington State; applicants actively pursuing admission may also be considered.
• Expressed interest in public-sector law and a strong desire to litigate regularly.
• Strong writing and oral advocacy skills, exceptional communication skills, and excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to manage a heavy caseload and multitask on cases involving difficult subject matter in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience communicating or working with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment and promote a positive workplace based on mutual respect and professionalism.
• Ability to successfully negotiate contested matters, interview witnesses, review discovery, and provide effective client advice.

Nice To Haves

• Interest in practicing independently in Eastern Washington counties outside Spokane is preferred.
• Familiarity with state and federal laws governing child welfare cases and with the Administrative Procedures Act.
• Litigation experience or experience in juvenile law; these are a plus but are not required.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and litigation representation to DCYF concerning founded findings of child abuse or neglect under Title 26 RCW.
• Manage a high-volume litigation caseload before the Office of Administrative Hearings and, as applicable, in state and federal courts.
• Appear frequently in hearings, conferences, and trials, which may be remote or in person.
• Review case files and discovery; draft and respond to motions; communicate with parties; meet with the client; and prepare for trial.
• Travel to courts outside Spokane when in-person hearings are required.
• Handle appellate litigation arising from trials when assigned.
• Assist colleagues with other team assignments as needed, potentially including dependency, termination, guardianship, DSHS, and matters involving other vulnerable populations.
• Provide effective client advice and negotiate contested matters; interview witnesses as needed.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package with medical and dental plan options and retirement plans.
• Vacation leave, sick leave, military and civil leave, and paid holidays.
• General bar dues paid for an eligible employee who begins the assignment on or before January 31, under the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
• Flexible schedules and telecommuting options.
• Formal AAG mentoring program.
• Health and wellness program.
• Training and career development program.
• 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