Description:
Law Offices of Jean Schiedler-Brown and Associates, P.S.Job Description: Associate Attorney
Job Identification
Position Title: Associate Attorney
Position Level: Entry Level
FLSA Designation: Exempt
EEO Code: 2
Reports To: Supervising Attorney
Annual Salary Range and Benefits: $90,000-$110,000; PTO, Paid Holidays, Flex-schedule and hybrid-remote work options, Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance, 401K+Matching, Paid Travel, Work-Life Balance.
General Summary:
The Associate Attorney will provide professional legal services to vulnerable populations in the areas of Civil Rights, Human Rights, Prison and Prisoner's Rights Law. They will facilitate access to the courts and provide legal analysis and advice for individuals incarcerated in contracted Washington State Prisons. Case types may include, for example: offender score verification/correction, liberty interests and due process, conditions of confinement, medical neglect, use of force, disciplinary procedures, and resolution processes.
Those who enjoy practicing in varied and evolving areas of the law will be a good fit for this position. The caseload volume in this firm is stable and well-controlled due to our rigorous focus on identifying meritorious post-conviction issues to advance. This firm is sensitive to the need for staff to maintain work-life balance, while also serving a vulnerable population from whom a high volume of requests is received.
Bilingual applicants, particularly Spanish language speakers, are encouraged to apply. Early career professionals are also encouraged to apply as this firm engages in ongoing training on case-planning and post-conviction matters. Strongest candidates will have experience calculating Offender Sentencing Scores and excellent legal research and writing skills. Experienced professionals interested in this position may also choose to apply for the Associate Supervisor position (range: $110,000-$140,000); please indicate interest in the cover letter.
Applicant Instructions
To apply, please send resume, cover letter and a sample of what you consider to be your best writing. The writing sample may be a brief, or part of a brief, preferably authored in the name of the applicant. If applying for the Supervising Associate Position, brief must be authored in the applicant's name and include case/cause no.
Examples of Essential Job Functions:
- Review requests for legal services from incarcerated individuals confined at contracted Washington State Prisons.
- Interview and advise incarcerated individuals by phone and in writing.
- Travel to prison facilities to interview and advise incarcerated individuals.
- Perform legal research on issues impacting eligible incarcerated persons and provide legal analysis and representation in accordance with state contract guidelines.
- Build an expertise in Prison and Prisoner's Rights Law, which includes a broad range of issues, some examples of which are domestic relations, immigration, prison management, facility conditions, sentencing, conviction appeals, disciplinary matters, classification and transfers, and constitutional rights issues such as the right to medical and mental health care.
- Assist with the preparation and presentation of seminars on legal research, legal process, legislative updates, and other topics that facilitate court access for incarcerated individuals.
- Update case files, records of time spent, and other related records to document effective evaluation and completion of case assignments.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics:
- Ability to identify, learn and apply applicable laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders and agency rules.
- Knowledge of Washington State Rules of Professional Conduct for Lawyers and Washington Professional Responsibility Duties.
- Knowledge of legal research methods, principles and practices.
- Knowledge of time and case management principles.
- Knowledge of contemporary office practices and procedures, including the use of standard computer software such as Microsoft Office.
- Skill in researching, understanding, interpreting, and explaining constitutional provisions, statutes, laws, codes, regulations, and legal decisions.
- Skill in legal and professional writing and advocacy.
- Skill in obtaining information through interviewing, listening, and verbal feedback.
- Ability to develop expertise in the area of prison and prisoner's rights law, civil and human rights, and representation needs of incarcerated individuals.
- Ability to communicate complex legal issues to a diverse population.
- Ability to analyze documents, interviews, facts and evidence, and apply case and statutory law to make conclusions and recommendations, and provide legal advice.
- Access to own vehicle or other reliable means of transportation.
Education and Experience:
- Completion of a Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school or equivalent.
- Must be an active member, in good standing, of the Washington State Bar Association, or have the ability to meet this requirement soon after hire.
- Experience preferred, but not required, as the Associate will receive training.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to travel by automobile and airplane to Washington State prison facilities approximately once per week.
- Sufficient mobility necessary to navigate office environments, including one flight of stairs, and prison facility environments.
- Ability to operate standard office equipment, including laptop computers.
- Must have access to reliable transportation and live within driving distance to main office in Seattle, WA.
Working Conditions:
Working conditions include a law office and correctional facility environment, with opportunities to work from home, based on the business needs of the firm. Must live within driving distance to main office in Seattle, WA.
This is an equal opportunity employer.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $90,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Are you willing to work with incarcerated populations, including visits to WA state prison facilities?
License/Certification:
- WSBA license or ability to obtain quickly after hire (Required)
- Driver's License (Required)