Assistant Attorney General - Regional Services Division - Washington Attorney General's Office
Agency Name: Washington Attorney General's Office
Position / Job Title : Assistant Attorney General - Regional Services Division
Location: Yakima
Category : Attorney
Job Description: The Washington State Attorney General's Office is looking for an attorney to serve in its Regional Services Division in Yakima, WA. This attorney will work in a high volume litigation practice entailing frequent state court docket and trial appearances. All attorneys in this division may be assigned to a wide variety of clients according to the needs of the client agencies and the office, as well as the skills, experiences, and professional development needs of attorneys.
Duties
The Yakima location consists of 10 attorneys and 9 professional staff working in a variety of legal practice areas representing various state agencies and a higher education institution in Yakima, Klickitat and Kittitas Counties. Client agencies served by this division in this location include Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), Department of Labor and Industries, Department of Social and Health Services, Department of Licensing, Employment Security Department, and, Yakima Valley College.
The attorney in this position may carry a mixed caseload, with a primary emphasis representing DCYF in child welfare cases to protect abused and neglected children in dependency, guardianship, and termination of parental rights cases. The subject matter can be difficult, but the work is remarkably rewarding. These cases directly influence the lives of children in our state, in a very meaningful way. Attorneys in this position will advise and represent DCYF in litigation in Superior Court and related appeals. The position may also include representation of DCYF in childcare, foster care, and group care licensing cases. These cases involve advising the client regarding regulatory enforcement matters, representing the agency in contested matters before the Office of Administrative Hearings, and related Superior Court judicial review proceedings under the Washington Administrative Procedures Act. The position will involve regular regional travel within Washington State.
For representation of the Department of Children Youth and Families, the assigned AAG can expect to:
-Evaluate evidence to determine legal sufficiency to support court intervention;
-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;
-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 issues related to underlying cases;
-Consider settlement options; and
-Take all other actions related to these matters.
Qualifications
In addition to meeting the qualifications to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, specific qualifications for this position include the ability to quickly adapt to a practice that involves assignment of 80 or more cases at a time, and the ability to shift from one type of work to another during a given week or day, and the ability to manage your workload in an electronic format.
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. The position offers an opportunity to quickly develop significant opportunities to exercise independent judgment within the context of a large law office striving to provide consistent representation to client agencies in locations throughout the state.
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 by motion 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.
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UPDATE! The AGO plans to re-open its offices for visitors and staff beginning April 4, 2022.
Per AGO Policy, as a condition of employment, existing employees and volunteers of the Washington State Attorney General's Office must be fully vaccinated. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. If you are selected to serve within the AGO as an employee or volunteer, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination before you are able to begin work. You may request an accommodation if you are unable to meet the requirement due to a medical or religious necessity. Currently all staff, whose duties permit, are teleworking.
Supplemental Information
This Assistant Attorney General position is represented by the Association of Assistant Attorneys General (AWAAG) / Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) AFSCME Council 28, AFL-CIO. AAG salaries start at $69,396. Ultimately, AAG salaries are set in accordance with the AWAAG CBA. A competitive state benefits package is also offered which includes a choice of medical/dental insurance plans, retirement, life and basic long-term disability insurance. In addition, there are non-financial benefits that include working in a collaborative and supportive work environment where professional development and work-life balance are highly valued. The health, safety and professional satisfaction of all AGO staff and volunteers is critical to fulfilling the mission of the AGO to provide exceptional legal services. Complementing and fostering this goal is a long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship, as evidenced in the AGO's environmental policies.
Interested applicants must apply by hitting the "apply" button above. In addition to the on-line application, one must upload, via the system, preferably as PDFs:
-A letter of interest;
-Resume;
-Law school transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable); and
-Writing sample.
If you have questions about this position and/or want to learn more about it before applying, we welcome and encourage you to contact Section Chief Kim Loranz at Kim.Loranz@atg.wa.gov. This position is open until filled, applications, however, will be reviewed and interviews scheduled throughout the duration of the recruitment thus you are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
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Honoring diversity, equity and inclusion means that as 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 race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation/gender identity, age, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, retaliation 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 Kalea Muigai at 360-586-7698. 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.
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