Assistant Attorney General - Regional Services Division, Bellingham

Overview

The Washington State Attorney General's Office is looking for an attorney to serve in its Regional Services Division in Bellingham, WA. Are you interested in public service while living in the Bellingham, Washington area? Are you a new law school graduate looking to develop your litigation and client advice skills in an agency that provides exceptional training and mentorship? Are you an experienced attorney looking to join a team committed to outstanding public service and work-life balance?

Do you want a diverse trial and appellate practice in a variety of courts representing clients that are committed to serving their local communities and the people of the State of Washington? If you answered yes, we invite you to join our Regional Services Division in the Bellingham office, where you will serve a critical role as an Attorney with our Juvenile Litigation team.

You will primarily be assigned to the Juvenile Litigation team, with opportunities to work with a wide variety of clients including state agencies and educational institutions.

This position is located in beautiful Bellingham, Washington, between the bay and mountains halfway between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. Bellingham is home to Western Washington University and offers a strong quality of life with access to outdoor recreation and a collaborative public service environment.

• Serve primarily in the Juvenile Litigation team within the Regional Services Division, with opportunities to expand experience with other clients including state agencies and educational institutions.
• Represent the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) in child welfare matters including dependency, guardianship, and termination of parental rights; advise on regulatory enforcement matters; advocate in contested matters before Administrative Hearings and related Superior Court proceedings.
• Travel regionally within Washington State to support client needs.
• Collaborate with other attorneys and guardians ad litem to resolve issues; consider settlement options.
• Engage in a wide variety of civil litigation tasks, including discovery, motions, briefs, and oral advocacy in state courts and other tribunals.
• Maintain a diverse caseload aligned with agency needs, professional development goals, and the division's service to clients.

All attorneys in the Regional Services 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.

• Active license to practice law in Washington State or admission to practice and pursuing admission (ABA-accredited law school or WSBA Rule 6 Law Clerk Program).
• Preferred: ability to adapt to a practice with large caseloads (60+ cases) and the capacity to shift among different types of work; interest in civil litigation, including discovery, motions, briefs, negotiations, and oral argument;
• Ability to travel to assigned counties and throughout the state;
• Ability to use electronic files and case management tools;
• Strong teamwork, communication skills (oral and written);
• Ability to multitask, manage an active caseload, and meet deadlines;
• Commitment to an inclusive, collaborative work environment.

Whether you're an experienced attorney or a new graduate? we encourage you to apply.

The AGO seeks applicants committed to public service and values diversity, equity and inclusion, recognizing a workforce with diverse backgrounds strengthens the organization and its service to the people of Washington.

• A competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and retirement options.
• Vacation leave, sick leave, military and civil leave, and paid holidays.
• Transparent salary range for Assistant Attorneys General (AAG): $82,212 to $153,996, with exact amounts set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA.
• AGO to pay general bar dues for those who begin their assignment on or before January 31st per the AWAAG CBA.
• Flex schedules and telecommuting options.
• Formal mentoring program and a health and wellness program.
• Training and career development programs recognized…