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

State of Washington; Spokane (WA); Presencial; USD 88 000 - 157 000; Tempo integral

Vantagens oferecidas por esta oferta de emprego

Health and dental benefits

Retirement plans

Flexible schedules

Telecommuting options

Mentoring program

Wellness program

Training and career development

Resumo da oferta

Washington State Office of the Attorney General is seeking an attorney to handle a high-volume juvenile welfare litigation caseload, including dependency and termination of parental rights, foster care, and childcare licensing matters. The role involves frequent court appearances, coordination with social workers and supervisors, and potential travel to courts outside Spokane.

Applicants must be licensed to practice law in Washington and have graduated from an ABA-accredited law school.

Qualificações

• Interest in public sector law and litigation.
• Strong writing and oral advocacy skills.
• Excellent communication and organizational abilities.
• Ability to manage a heavy caseload in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with diverse populations and backgrounds.

Responsabilidades

• Appear in court weekly and manage a high-volume juvenile welfare caseload.
• Litigate matters in juvenile court, including dependency and termination cases and licensing.
• Handle appellate litigation arising from trials and coordinate with social workers/supervisors.
• Travel to courts outside Spokane as needed.

Conhecimentos

Litigation

Public sector law

Oral advocacy

Legal research

Communication

Formação académica

JD or equivalent

Descrição da oferta de emprego

Description

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. For more information about the AGO, we encourage you to review the Office's Annual Report which can be found HERE.

Benefits

• A competitive benefit package that includes affordable medical plan options, dental benefits and retirement plans
• Vacation Leave, Sick Leave, Military and Civil Leave and Paid Holidays
• Transparent salary schedule - AAG salaries are set between $83,856 and $157,080. The exact amount is set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA
• 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
• Flex schedules and telecommuting options
• 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 is recognized for its excellence and efficacy by AGOs nationwide

Duties

The attorney in this position will appear in court weekly and maintain a high volume, fast paced, active and sometimes contentious litigation caseload of juvenile welfare work, including dependency and termination of parental right cases, and foster care and childcare licensing cases. The child welfare cases generally arise based on allegations of child abuse or neglect by the parents or legal custodians. The immediate client is the Department of Children, Youth and Families typically appearing through social workers and/or supervisors. A typical day for an attorney in this section may involve litigating matters (review hearings, motions and trials) in juvenile court, meetings with the client, communicating with various parties via email and preparing for fact‑finding and termination of parental rights trials. Attorneys in this section are also responsible for handling appellate litigation arising from trials. The attorney in this position may be required to travel to courts in counties outside of Spokane.

Qualifications

• An expressed interest in the practice of public sector law
• Strong desire to litigate on a regular basis
• Strong writing and oral advocacy skills
• Exceptional communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Desire to work in a fast paced environment
• The ability to handle a heavy caseload through multi‑tasking in cases involving often difficult subject matter
• Experience communicating or working with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences
• A candidate who is interested in practicing independently in Eastern Washington counties outside of Spokane is preferred

Other skills that attorneys in these positions use on a daily basis include the ability to successfully negotiate contested matters, interview witnesses, review discovery, and provide effective client advice. This position has familiarity not only with state and federal laws governing child welfare cases, but also with the Administrative Procedures Act. While litigation experience or experience in juvenile law is a plus, they are not required. The candidate selected will also need to have the ability to work in a fast‑paced team environment and the desire to promote a positive work environment based upon mutual respect and professionalism.

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.) The AGO seeks applicants who are committed to public service as demonstrated by an applicant's background, talents, attitude, and enthusiasm for public law practice.

The AGO greatly encourages, celebrates and values diversity, appreciating that a workforce composed of those from different backgrounds and experiences creates an inclusive environment, strengthens positive relationships with the local community and brings new perspectives and approaches to fulfill its mission of providing excellent, independent and ethical legal services to the State of Washington and protecting the rights of its people.

Honoring diversity, equity and inclusion means that an agency, and as individuals, we are committed to ensuring that all employees and volunteers enjoy a respectful, safe and supportive working environment. Only by fostering the inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures and attributes, can AGO employees and volunteers achieve their fullest potential and best advance the goals and mission of the AGO.

The AGO is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.

Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at [e-mail]. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com.

The Washington State Office of the Attorney General does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.