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

The Christine O. Gregoire Spokane Division has an immediate opening for an Assistant Attorney General in the Social and Health Services (SHS) Section. The SHS Section is comprised of 22 attorneys, 16 paralegals, 2 legal assistants and 2 legal office assistants.The attorney in this position will maintain a very active caseload of juvenile welfare work, including dependency and termination of parental right cases, and foster care and child care 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 appearances in juvenile court, meetings with the client, 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.Although the currently available assignment includes the type of work described above, the attorney in this position will be part of a team of 22 attorneys with varied assignments that also include DSHS clients and work related to protecting other vulnerable populations in our community. All attorneys in this team are expected to assist their coworkers as needed to ensure that all client needs are met. The attorney in this position may have future opportunities to experience other areas of law or change assignments depending on the interest of the attorney and the needs of the team.In addition to meeting the requirements to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, the successful candidate will have:An expressed interest in the practice of public sector law;Strong writing and oral advocacy skills;Excellent organizational skills;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; andA willingness to practice independently in Eastern Washington counties outside of Spokane either sporadically or on a consistent basis.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.This Assistant Attorney General position is represented by the Association of Washington Assistant Attorneys General (AWAAG) / Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) AFSCME Council 28, AFL-CIO. AAG salaries are set between

$76,752 and $149,508 . The exact amount is set in accordance with Appendix B of 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.Interested applicants must apply by hitting the "apply" button above. In addition to the on-line application, one must upload, via the system and

preferably as PDFs :A letter of interest;Resume;Law school transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable); andWriting sample.If you have questions about this position and/or wish to learn more about it before applying, we encourage and welcome you to contact SHS Section Chief Katie Christopherson at

Katie.Christopherson@atg.wa.gov

or (509) 456-3123. This position is open until filled with a first review date of July 22, 2024. Interviews will be scheduled throughout the duration of the recruitment thus you are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

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