Litigation Attorney - Civil Division
Agency Name: King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
Position / Job Title : Litigation Attorney - Civil Division
Location: Seattle, WA
Category : Attorney
Job Description: The Civil Division is in search of two enthusiastic and analytical attorneys to join our team in the Litigation Section, to work on tort matters. Attorneys in the Litigation Section also have opportunities to work with attorneys across the Civil Division on complex, non-tort litigation involving issues of state and federal constitutional law, statutory interpretation, and developing common law, as well as employment law.
The Civil Division provides comprehensive legal services to King County government, including all County elected and appointed officials, department heads, and with the managers of numerous county agencies and departments. Serving in its role as an in-house law firm for the County, the Civil Division works closely with its clients in solving a wide range of legal problems by providing legal advice and representing King County and its employees in lawsuits filed in state or federal courts. The Civil Division is composed of about 65 lawyers organized into eight specialized sections: (1) Contracts, (2) County Services, (3) Transportation & Real Property, (4) Employment, (5) Involuntary Treatment Act, (6) Land Use, (7) Natural Resources, and (8) Litigation.
We value diversity and strive to hire a workforce that reflects the community that we serve. It is essential to our mission that we create and maintain an office that is diverse and inclusive. All PAO employees are expected to participate in PAO equity work and attend equity trainings and discussions. PAO employees are expected to comply with equity and social justice principles, and to work with PAO colleagues and management to identify opportunities for improvement.
JOB DUTIES
Attorneys in the Litigation Section litigate cases in both federal and state court, including appeals. The Litigation Section defends King County and King County employees and officials in lawsuits brought by current and former employees and members of the public who claim personal injury or civil rights violations under 42 USC. Many of our lawsuits involve King County Metro, the Department of Adult & Juvenile Detention, and the Sheriff's Office. We also give legal advice to these and other County departments. Applicants must have a commitment to equity and social justice work, including ongoing cultural competence development.
Attorneys in the Litigation Section also litigate matters that focus on the county’s business and policy objectives in areas where the law is developing. Because this work often focuses on areas where the case law is uncertain, the attorneys work to develop multi-layered strategies using the tools of negotiation, policy, legislation, litigation, and/or appellate practice. With an emphasis on motions practice and appeals, attorneys handling these matters work closely with clients providing strategic advice, and regularly address issues of state and federal constitutional law, statutory interpretation, and developing common law.
The Litigation Section makes significant investments in its members by providing robust onboarding, training, resources, and support. Successful applicants will be expected to work in the Litigation Section for at least two years before seeking a position in another section.
EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS
- Enthusiasm, initiative, and an ability to successfully lead a team on complex matters.
- Outstanding analytical abilities.
- Excellent legal research and writing skills are critical.
- Demonstrable commitment to equity and social justice, including continued development of personal cultural humility/competence.
- Desire to litigate in state and federal courts.
- 3-5 years of tort litigation experience.
- Municipal litigation experience preferred.
- Appellate experience is a plus.
Special Requirements:
- Member in good standing with the Washington State Bar.
- Must submit to a criminal history check.
- U.S. Citizenship or a lawful permanent resident (per RCW 36.27 and 29A.04 and Article VI of the WA Constitution).
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Location: The Civil Division is located in the Columbia Center in downtown Seattle. Attorneys enjoy a hybrid work schedule that allows telecommuting three days one week, two days the next, with in-office work required on Wednesdays. If a successful candidate is new to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, they may be required to work in-office three days every week for six months.
Salary: $118,237 - $174,107 commensurate with 3~20 years of experience.
For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact:
Jessica Kozma
Section Head
(206) 477-9536
This position is open both internally and externally. This would be a lateral transfer for internal candidates.
Application & Interview Process:
1. Attach cover letter & resume
2. Attach writing sample
3. Answer supplemental questions
Link to Application: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/kingcounty/jobs/4758139/litigation-attorney-civil-division
Application Deadline: January 20, 2025