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

State of Washington • Spokane County – Spokane, WA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Christine O. Gregoire Spokane Division of the Washington State Attorney General’s Office has an immediate opening in its Social and Health Services (SHS) Section. The position is located in Spokane County, with caseloads that may also be in Adams, Asotin, Ferry, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, and Whitman Counties. Attorneys residing in these counties are encouraged to apply. An attorney living in a remote county and carrying a caseload there may be able to work from that location for part of the week, with flexible scheduling options.

The attorney will handle a high-volume, fast-paced, active, and sometimes contentious juvenile-welfare litigation caseload. Work primarily involves dependency and termination-of-parental-rights cases, as well as foster-care and childcare-licensing matters. The immediate client is typically the Department of Children, Youth and Families, represented through social workers and/or supervisors. The attorney will appear in court weekly and may litigate review hearings, motions, and trials; meet with clients; communicate with parties; prepare for fact-finding and termination trials; and handle appellate litigation arising from trials. Travel to courts outside Spokane may be required.

The attorney joins a team whose assignments also include Department of Social and Health Services clients and legal work to protect other vulnerable populations. Team members are expected to assist coworkers as needed. Future opportunities to work in other areas of law or change assignments may be available based on the attorney’s interests and team needs. The section is a collaborative group of litigators and legal professionals serving the public.

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 who meet the other qualifications may also be considered. The role is represented by the Association of Washington Assistant Attorneys General / Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) AFSCME Council 28, AFL-CIO. The salary range is $83,856 to $157,080, with the exact amount determined under Appendix B of the AWAAG collective bargaining agreement.

The AGO describes its workplace as collegial, inclusive, and supportive, with an emphasis on public service, professional development, and work-life balance. The position offers flexible schedules and telecommuting options, subject to the needs of the assignment. Applicants must submit a letter of interest, resume, law school transcript (an unofficial copy is acceptable) showing the degree-conferral date, and a writing sample of 10 pages or less.

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 if they meet the other qualifications.
• 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 through multitasking, including cases involving difficult subject matter.
• 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 grounded in mutual respect and professionalism.
• Commitment to public service and public-law practice.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Appear in court weekly and manage a high-volume juvenile-welfare litigation caseload, including dependency, termination-of-parental-rights, foster-care, and childcare-licensing matters.
• Litigate juvenile-court review hearings, motions, and trials.
• Meet and communicate with the client, typically the Department of Children, Youth and Families through social workers and/or supervisors.
• Communicate with parties, prepare for fact-finding and termination-of-parental-rights trials, and handle case-related matters.
• Handle appellate litigation arising from trials.
• Travel to courts in counties outside Spokane when required.
• Assist coworkers as needed to ensure client needs are met.
• Provide effective client advice, negotiate contested matters, interview witnesses, and review discovery as needed.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package with a choice of medical plans, dental benefits, retirement plans, life insurance, and basic long-term disability insurance.
• Vacation leave, sick leave, military and civil leave, and paid holidays.
• Flexible schedules and telecommuting options.
• Formal AAG mentoring program.
• Health and wellness program.
• Training and career development program.
• General bar dues paid for someone who begins their assignment on or before January 31, under the AWAAG CBA.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment that values professional development and work-life balance.

What This Job Offers

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