Description:

A Government Entity's Office is looking for an attorney to serve in its Regional Services Division (https://www.atg.wa.gov/regional-services#Bellingham) in Bellingham, WA.

Bellingham, Washington is located between the bay and mountains halfway between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. Bellingham is home to Western Washington University, the third largest state university. Bellingham has a lively local arts community, and many features of a large city without the traffic or crowds. Outdoor recreation enthusiasts will find opportunities year rounds, including snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, kayaking and hiking.

Duties:
This attorney will work in a fast-paced litigation practice entailing frequent state court docket and trial appearances. The Bellingham location consists of 12 attorneys and 10 professional staff working in a variety of legal practice areas representing various state agencies and higher education institutions in Skagit, Whatcom, Island and San Juan Counties. Client agencies served by this division in this location include Department of Children Youth and Families, Department of Social and Health Services, Department of Labor and Industries, Department of Early Learning, Department of Licensing, Employment Security Department, Western Washington University, Skagit Valley College, Whatcom Community College and Bellingham Technical College, Educational Service District 189. All attorneys in this division are 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.

The attorney in this position is anticipated to primarily represent the Department of Labor and Industries in worker's compensation litigation. Worker's compensation litigation involves frequent depositions of medical and vocational experts, hearings before the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals and Superior Court jury trials and bench trials. The Attorney General's Office defends the orders and decisions of the Department of Labor and Industries regarding workers seeking benefits under the Industrial Insurance Act. The position will involve regular regional travel within Washington State.

For representation of the Department of Labor and Industries, the assigned AAG can expect to:

Analyze court files;
Evaluate cases for settlement possibilities;
Conduct discovery;
Consult witnesses;
Prepare witnesses and evidence for hearing or trial;
Review reports submitted to the court;
Prepare and respond to motions; and
Issue briefs and memoranda within a relatively short time-frame.

The attorney hired for this position will need to be flexible, adaptive, organized, and able to work well with technical staff. The attorney will also need to handle technically challenging subject matter involving medical and vocational experts. The Regional Services Division offers great mentors, a team atmosphere, and supports and encourages flexibility and creativity.

Qualifications:
In addition to meeting the requirements to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, the following qualifications are required:

An interest in handling worker's compensation cases on behalf the Department of Labor and Industries before administrative tribunals, superior courts, and in the appellate courts. Prior experience in worker's compensation is not required, but you must be interested in handling such cases;
An interest in civil litigation including engaging in discovery, drafting motions and briefs, negotiating with other parties and presenting oral arguments before various courts and tribunals;
Ability to travel to the assigned counties and throughout the state;
Ability to use electronic files and case management tools;
The ability to contribute positively to a team and interact successfully with interested groups and members of the public;
Outstanding oral and written communication skills;
Ability to multitask by managing an active caseload and meeting tight deadlines; and
Values working in an inclusive, creative and collaborative work environment.

At least 2 years of litigation experience is preferred.

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.