Assistant Attorney General - Regional Services Division, Multiple Locations

State of Washington•Multiple Locations Statewide, WA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The WA State Attorney General’s Office’s Regional Services Division (RSD) is offering a unique opportunity to serve as a litigator focused on child welfare cases in counties throughout the State of Washington. Location preference is for the Tri-Cities (Kennewick, Pasco and Richland) or surrounding areas; however, an alternative worksite may be possible at any of the offices of the RSD. RSD offices are located in Bellingham, Everett, Port Angeles, Vancouver, Kennewick, Yakima and Wenatchee. The position is part of our supportive and collaborative litigation teams based in the Kennewick Office. For an attorney located outside of the Kennewick area, the trial preparation and motion practice can be handled remotely, while the trials will require travel and in-person appearance in court. The attorney will enjoy a fast-paced litigation practice with the support and collaboration from other AAGs throughout the state. While the position will be primarily responsible for dependency, termination of parental rights, and guardianship trials; there will also be an opportunity to gain additional experience with the wide variety of clients RSD serves with new and varying issues. All employees and volunteers of the Washington State Attorney General's Office serve a crucial role in the protection of the state, its people and resources, thereby providing an incomparable degree of job satisfaction. The AGO is composed of diverse, collegial and supremely talented legal professionals who are resolute in their commitment to public service and share the common goal of advancing the public interest.

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.
At least two years of experience practicing as a licensed attorney; or one year of experience practicing as a juvenile litigation attorney.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
Excellent legal judgment.
The ability to work independently, ensuring deadlines are met, AGO and client policies are followed and cases are well-prepared for trials.
Demonstrated ability to independently manage time, to identify and prioritize tasks necessary to complete, and to maintain a well-organized practice under significant case load demands are essential.
Applicants must have graduated from a law school accredited by the ABA or completed the WSBA's Rule 6 Law Clerk Program and; be licensed to practice law in Washington State.
Applicants who meet the other stated qualifications and are actively pursuing admission will also be considered.

Nice To Haves

Progressive legal experience, including a strong foundation in litigation.
Advising and preparing a client for trial.
Handling an active, civil motions practice.
Working with expert witnesses.
Trying cases in state court.
Interacting with client representatives.
Working with people with diverse backgrounds, experience, and communication styles.
The ability to communicate with a variety of client agency representatives efficiently and effectively, as well as with attorney and non-attorney colleagues within the office, is critical to success in the position.

Responsibilities

Representing DCYF in child welfare cases to protect abused and neglected children and achieve permanency through guardianship, and termination of parental rights.
Evaluate evidence to determine legal sufficiency to support court intervention.
Apply the Indian Child Welfare Act and the Washington Indian Child Welfare Act to the 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.
Consider settlement options.
Take all other actions related to these matters.

Benefits

Competitive salary - the salary for this position is set between $88,932 and $153,996.
Longevity pay of 5% premium on top of base wages after 5 years with the Attorney General’s Office.
Affordable medical plan options, including vision benefits.
Dental benefits covered 100%.
Retirement plan (employee/employer contribution).
Deferred Compensation Plan.
11 paid holidays and 1 personal holiday.
8 hours sick leave accrual per month.
9.33 hours to start, then up to 16.67 hours of annual leave accrual per month (based on years of state service).
Flex schedules and telecommuting options.
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.
Qualifying Employer for Public Loan Forgiveness Program.
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 provides CLE credits and is recognized for its excellence and efficacy by AGOs nationwide.
Choice of medical/dental insurance plans, retirement, life and basic long-term disability insurance.
Non-financial benefits that include working in a collaborative and supportive work environment where professional development and work-life balance are highly valued.