Team Leader - Social & Health Services Division, Seattle

State of Washington•King County - Seattle - Downtown Business, WA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Attorney General's Office's Social and Health Services (SHS) Division has an opening for an attorney Team Leader located in downtown Seattle, WA. This is a fast-paced, high-volume practice characterized by unpredictable schedules, highly emotional situations and emergent issues. The high-stakes, emergent nature of this work means that advice and representation often occur under significant pressure. This work is of critical importance and can be immensely satisfying. The staff of the division, all of whom are talented, dedicated, compassionate and highly collegial, serve an essential role in the protection of the state's most vulnerable people.

Requirements

Must meet the requirements to serve as a Managing Assistant Attorney General.
Solid understanding of child welfare law and practice, as well as the ability to stay current with frequent legislative, case law and policy changes.
Juvenile or related trial experience and excellent trial skills.
Exceptional communication skills, including approachability, active listening skills and outstanding writing and oral advocacy skills.
Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships within the division and with the court, client agencies and other stakeholders.
Ability to proactively identify problems, propose pragmatic solutions, and follow through on implementation.
Ability to multi-task and stay highly organized while managing an active caseload as well as supervisory responsibilities.
Ability to deal with an emotionally difficult subject matter, and to direct reports cope with stressful situations.
Patience, sensitivity and discretion to address performance and personnel issues.
Flexibility and ability to quickly adapt to changing situations.
Commitment to public interest law, ability to be a team player and ability to foster a positive and inclusive working environment.
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.
Applicants who meet the other stated qualifications and are actively pursuing admission by motion will also be considered.
Applicants must be committed to public service as demonstrated by an applicant's background, talents, attitude, and enthusiasm for public law practice.

Responsibilities

Carries a partial juvenile litigation caseload.
Supervises as many as five attorneys who also do juvenile litigation, appeals and other work.
Performs attorney-of-the-day coverage on juvenile court calendars.
Reviews referrals for legal sufficiency.
Reviews discovery.
Interviews witnesses and otherwise prepares for trial.
Writes and responds to motions.
Provides case-specific advice to client agency social workers.
May engage in additional activities such as licensing and other administrative cases, appellate work, training, and participation in practice improvement projects.
Trains, coaches, and mentors attorneys of varying experience levels.
Evaluates attorney performance.
Supports professional development.
Shares oversight responsibility for weekly case assignments, workload distribution, and coverage of 11-12 calendars per week.
Actively participates in division leadership, attending regular meetings, assisting with the development and implementation of operational processes, and monitoring progress in achieving divisional goals.
Meets regularly with client agencies to provide training, consult on case-related issues, and address operational issues.