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

State of Washington•Spokane, WA

42d•Onsite

About The Position

The Christine O. Gregoire Spokane Division has an immediate opening for an Assistant Attorney General in the Social and Health Services (SHS) Section. This position is based in Spokane, Washington. Spokane is a vibrant and beautiful city that enjoys four distinct seasons and provides residents and visitors with world class outdoor adventures, including: fishing and whitewater rafting in the Spokane River; biking the Centennial Trail; snow skiing at nearby Mt. Spokane, Lookout Pass, Silver Mountain, 49 Degrees North, or Schweitzer Mountain; and hiking, boating or fishing in a host of nearby lakes and nature preserves. Spokane also offers great indoor activities: theater, including Broadway shows; live music; multiple exhibits; and the opportunity to taste Washington's renowned grapes and hops at a number of local wineries and craft breweries. The Spokane SHS Section is comprised of 24 attorneys, 24 paralegals, 3 legal assistant and 2 legal office assistants. The attorney in this position will appear in court weekly and maintain a high volume, fast paced, active and sometimes contentious litigation caseload of juvenile welfare work, including dependency and termination of parental right cases, and foster care and childcare licensing cases. The child welfare cases generally arise based on allegations of child abuse or neglect by the parents or legal custodians. The immediate client is the Department of Children, Youth and Families typically appearing through social workers and/or supervisors. A typical day for an attorney in this section may involve litigating matters (review hearings, motions and trials) in juvenile court, meetings with the client, communicating with various parties via email and preparing for fact-finding and termination of parental rights trials. Attorneys in this section are also responsible for handling appellate litigation arising from trials. The attorney in this position may be required to travel to courts in counties outside of Spokane. Although the currently available assignment includes the type of work described above, the attorney in this position will be part of a team of attorneys with varied assignments that also include DSHS clients and work related to protecting other vulnerable populations in our community. All attorneys in this team are expected to assist their coworkers as needed to ensure that all client needs are met. The attorney in this position may have future opportunities to experience other areas of law or change assignments depending on the interest of the attorney and the needs of the team. The attorneys in this section are part of a cohesive group of litigators and legal professionals who serve the public daily in their work.

Requirements

An expressed interest in the practice of public sector law
Strong desire to litigate on a regular basis
Strong writing and oral advocacy skills
Exceptional communication skills
Excellent organizational skills
Desire to work in a fast paced environment
The ability to handle a heavy caseload through multi-tasking in cases involving often difficult subject matter
Experience communicating or working with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences
A willingness to practice independently in Eastern Washington counties outside of Spokane
Applicants must have graduated from a law school accredited by the ABA or completed the WSBA's Rule 6 Law Clerk Program
Be licensed to practice law in Washington State

Nice To Haves

Litigation experience or experience in juvenile law

Responsibilities

Litigating matters (review hearings, motions and trials) in juvenile court
Meetings with the client
Communicating with various parties via email
Preparing for fact-finding and termination of parental rights trials
Handling appellate litigation arising from trials
Negotiate contested matters
Interview witnesses
Review discovery
Provide effective client advice

Benefits

A competitive benefit package that includes affordable medical plan options, dental benefits and retirement plans
Vacation Leave, Sick Leave, Military and Civil Leave and Paid Holidays
Transparent salary schedule - AAG salaries are set between $82,212 and $153,996. The exact amount is set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA
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
Flex schedules and telecommuting options
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 is recognized for its excellence and efficacy by AGOs nationwide
A competitive state benefits package is also offered which includes a choice of medical/dental insurance plans, retirement, life and basic long-term disability insurance
In addition, there are non-financial benefits that include working in a collaborative and supportive work environment where professional development and work-life balance are highly valued