Assistant Attorney General - Regional Services Division, Vancouver

State of Washington•Clark County – Vancouver, WA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Attorney General's Office is seeking an attorney to join its Regional Services Division in Vancouver. This role involves working in a high-volume, fast-paced litigation practice with frequent court appearances and trial responsibilities. The Vancouver section, comprising 19 attorneys and 17 professional staff, represents a diverse range of clients across five counties in Southwest Washington. The position is situated in downtown Vancouver, a city offering a blend of urban amenities and access to outdoor activities. Attorneys in this division may be assigned to various clients based on office needs, client agency requirements, and attorney development goals. Client agencies include the Department of Children Youth and Families (DCYF), Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), Department of Labor and Industries (LNI), Employment Security Department (ESD), and several educational institutions. Specific duties for DCYF representation involve child welfare cases, including dependency, guardianship, and termination of parental rights, as well as advising on regulatory enforcement for childcare and foster care licensing. The role requires regular travel within Washington State and offers opportunities for independent judgment within a supportive, inclusive, and collegial office environment.

Requirements

Must have graduated from a law school accredited by the ABA or completed the WSBA's Rule 6 Law Clerk Program.
Must be licensed to practice law in Washington State (or actively pursuing admission).
Ability to quickly adapt to a practice involving assignment of 60 or more cases at a time.
Ability to shift from one type of work to another during a given week or day.
Ability to communicate with a variety of client agency representatives efficiently and effectively.
Ability to communicate with attorney and non-attorney colleagues within the office.
Demonstrated ability to independently manage time.
Demonstrated ability to identify and prioritize tasks necessary to complete.
Demonstrated ability to maintain a well-organized practice under significant caseload demands.
Commitment to public service as demonstrated by background, talents, attitude, and enthusiasm for public law practice.

Nice To Haves

Passion for child welfare.
Experience or a strong desire to litigate.

Responsibilities

Represent DCYF in child welfare cases, including dependency, guardianship, and termination of parental rights cases before trial and appellate courts.
Handle a fast-paced litigation workload with weekly court appearances on the juvenile calendar and frequent trials.
Represent DCYF in childcare, foster care, and group care licensing cases.
Advise clients regarding regulatory enforcement matters.
Represent 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.
Review relevant petitions and other documents.
Apply the Indian Child Welfare Act and the Washington Indian Child Welfare Act to juvenile cases.
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 case issues.
Consider settlement options.
Take all other actions related to these matters.