Description:

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

These positions are located in Yakima, Washington. Yakima offers a variety of attractions as a place to live and work. Situated in the Yakima Valley, the city has a population of about 92,000. Located on the east side of the Cascade Mountain range, Yakima has a climate with 300 sunny days in most years. Recreation opportunities range from skiing, hiking and backpacking to touring the wine region. The area is a leading agricultural producer with a wide variety of fresh vegetables and fruit trees.

Duties:
The Yakima location consists of 11 attorneys and 10 professional staff working in a variety of legal practice areas representing various state agencies and higher education institutions in Yakima, Klickitat and Kittitas County. 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, 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. The position will also likely 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;
Apply the Indian Child Welfare Act and the Washington Indian Child Welfare Act to the juvenile cases;
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.

The attorney hired for these positions 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 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 cases in a fast paced litigation environment, and the ability to shift from one type of work to another during a given week or day.

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.