Supreme Court Commissioner's Officer - Staff Attorney

Administrative Office of the Courts•Olympia, WA

About The Position

The Staff Attorney works in the Washington State Supreme Court Commissioner’s Office in Olympia, Washington, under the direction of the Supreme Court Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner. The attorney conducts sophisticated legal research and analyzes complex appellate matters, preparing legal memoranda to assist Justices in deciding which cases warrant review by the state’s highest court. Matters include petitions for review, motions, and other issues presenting significant legal questions and developments in constitutional, criminal, and civil law. The attorney reviews trial records, lower court decisions, legal arguments, and developing legal trends, and provides objective, well-reasoned recommendations. The work supports judicial decision-making and contributes to the development of Washington law and the statewide administration of justice. The position also involves drafting opinions, orders, and rulings; preparing internal summaries of proposed opinions and public issue statements for cases to be heard; assisting with recommendations on court rules and internal procedures; serving as a resource and mentor to judicial law clerks and law student externs; and helping develop and present continuing legal education programs. The workweek may fluctuate depending on workload or agency needs, and overnight travel may be required based on business needs. The office may require remote work.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree from an accredited school of law.
Member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association; attorneys licensed in other states may be considered if committed to timely licensure in Washington.
Four years of attorney experience working in an appellate court or equivalent experience.
Excellent legal research and writing skills.
Ability to learn and help implement new technology.
Willingness to work remotely as required by the office.
Strong organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize work, manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and consistently deliver high-quality results.
Skills for building and maintaining a positive team environment.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including an understanding of and commitment to ending systemic racism as expressed in the Washington Supreme Court’s open letter to the public dated June 4, 2020.

Responsibilities

Prepare legal memoranda recommending whether the Court should grant, deny, or take other appropriate action on petitions for review and motions.
Recommend whether appeals filed directly in the Court should be retained or transferred to the Court of Appeals for decision in the first instance.
Prepare draft opinions and orders for the Court and draft rulings for the Commissioner as requested.
Prepare internal summaries of proposed opinions circulating among the Supreme Court Justices.
Prepare issue statements for cases to be heard by the Court for posting on the Court’s website.
Assist the Commissioner’s Office in recommending changes to court rules and internal procedures.
Serve as a resource for judicial law clerks and law student externs on legal and procedural questions.
Assist with the orientation, training, and mentoring of law clerks and externs.
Assist in developing and presenting continuing legal education programs sponsored by the Commissioner’s Office.
Perform other duties as assigned.