Description:

A Government Entity is looking for an attorney to serve in its Regional Services Division (https://www.atg.wa.gov/regional-services#Kennewick) in Kennewick, WA. This attorney will work in a high volume litigation practice entailing frequent state court docket and trial appearances.

Kennewick is one of the Tri-Cities in southeast Washington composing the cities of Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco, which when combined make the Tri-Cities the fourth largest city in the state and second largest in eastern Washington. With over 300 days of sunshine, the Tri-Cities offers affordable living, outdoor recreational opportunities adjacent to the Yakima, Snake and Columbia Rivers in a four-season climate and is located in the heart of Washington's wine country. For more information about the Tri-Cities, visit the official website. (https://www.atg.wa.gov/regional-services#Kennewick)

Duties:
The 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. Client agencies served by this division in this location include the Department of Children Youth and Families in juvenile dependency and termination of parental rights litigation as well as licensing of daycare, and foster care facilities; the Department of Labor and Industries in workers compensation matters; the Department of Social and Health Services in residential care facilities, adult boarding homes and in Adult Protective Services matters; the Department of Employment Security in unemployment compensation appeals; the Department of Licensing in driver's license revocation and suspension matters; as well as Columbia Basin College; Walla Walla Community College; and Educational Service District 123. The preferred candidate for this position should understand that he/she might be assigned to any of these client agencies depending on the needs of the office.

Based upon this combination of client agencies, work for Assistant Attorneys General (AAGs) in the Kennewick section can vary widely. Primary caseloads for this position will involve representation of the Department Children, Youth and Families (DCYF).

For representation of DCYF, the assigned AAG can expect to:
  • Evaluate evidence to determine legal sufficiency to support court intervention;
  • Review relevant petitions and other documents;
  • Apply the Indian Child Welfare Act and the Washington Indian Child Welfare Act to the juvenile cases;
  • 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.

The attorney hired for this position will join a division composed of talented and dedicated colleagues, all of whom are determined to provide the best legal services for the clients and people they serve. At the same time, the Regional Services Division, like the whole of the Attorney General's Office, is committed to creating and maintaining an atmosphere, which is supportive, inclusive and collegial for its employees, with the shared goal of achieving a high level of personal and professional satisfaction.

Qualifications:
In addition to meeting the requirements to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, the successful candidate in this position will have the following qualifications:
  • Experience litigating cases in Superior Court and administrative forums;
  • Experience presenting and defending motions;
  • Experience interviewing and presenting witnesses;
  • Experience providing client advice;
  • Familiarity with the Washington Civil Rules and Washington Rules of Evidence, and the Administrative Procedures Act; and
  • A demonstrated ability to foster teamwork and collaboration and promote a positive work environment that recognizes and respects all employees.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently manage time, to identify and prioritize tasks necessary to complete, and to maintain a well-organized practice under significant caseload demands are essential.

To serve as an Assistant Attorney General, one 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.