Assistant Attorney General - Regional Services Division, Bellingham

Description

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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" to any of these questions, we are excited to offer an opportunity to join our supportive and collaborative Regional Services Division in the Bellingham office, where you will serve a critical role as an Attorney with our Juvenile Litigation team. While you will be primarily assigned to the Juvenile Litigation team, you will also have the unique opportunity to expand your experience with additional opportunities to work with a wide variety of clients including state agencies and educational institutions.

About the Office

All employees and volunteers of the Washington State Attorney General's Office serve a crucial role in the protection of the state, its people and resources. The AGO is composed of diverse, collegial and talented legal professionals who are committed to public service and advancing the public interest. For more information about the AGO, review the Office's Annual Report which can be found HERE.

The Office values a healthy life-work balance, a respectful, inclusive and diverse workplace, and encourages professional development. The AGO offers a competitive benefits package and a range of professional development opportunities, including:

• A competitive benefit package with medical, dental and retirement plans
• Vacation Leave, Sick Leave, Military and Civil Leave and Paid Holidays
• Transparent salary schedule – AAG salaries are set between $82,212 and $153,996
• General bar dues paid for new assignments by January 31st per the AWAAG CBA
• Flex schedules and telecommuting options
• Formal mentoring program
• Health and wellness program
• Training and career development

The attorney will work in a fast-paced litigation environment with frequent state court appearances. The Bellingham location includes 14 attorneys and 11 professional staff serving clients across Skagit, Whatcom, Island and San Juan Counties, including DCYF, DSHS, L&I, and local colleges. Attorneys are assigned to a variety of clients based on needs, skills, and development goals.

The position is anticipated to be primarily assigned to the representation of DCYF in child welfare cases (dependency, guardianship, termination of parental rights) and may include childcare, foster care, and group care licensing matters. Responsibilities include advising the client, representing the agency in contested matters before the Office of Administrative Hearings and in Superior Court proceedings, and regular travel within Washington State.

For representation of DCYF, the assigned AAG can expect to:

• Evaluate evidence to determine legal sufficiency for court intervention
• Apply the Indian Child Welfare Act and the Washington Indian Child Welfare Act
• Review petitions and documents
• Consult with social workers and agency staff
• 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 with other attorneys and guardians ad litem
• Consider settlement options
• Take other actions related to these matters

All attorneys in the Regional Services Division may be assigned to a wide variety of clients according to needs and development goals. The attorney hired…