Assistant Attorney General - Regional Services Division, Yakima

Overview

Be Part of Our Yakima Office and Make a Difference!

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?

The Yakima AGO office represents state agencies and higher education institutions in Yakima, Kittitas, and Klickitat County. Agencies include Department of Children Youth and Families (DCYF), Department of Social and Health Services, Department of Labor and Industries, Department of Licensing, Employment Security Department, and Yakima Valley College.

The primary emphasis for this position is on representing DCYF in child welfare cases to protect abused and neglected children in dependency, guardianship, and termination of parental rights cases. The work is rewarding, though challenging se cases influence the lives of children in the state. The position will involve regular regional travel within Washington State. In this role, you will:

• Evaluate evidence to determine legal sufficiency to support court intervention
• Apply the Indian Child Welfare Act and the Washington Indian Child Welfare Act to 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
• Take all other actions related to these matters

In addition to meeting the requirements to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, this position requires the ability to adapt quickly to a fast-paced litigation environment and to shift from one type of work to another during a given week or day. You should be able to communicate efficiently with a variety of client agency representatives as well as with attorney and non-attorney colleagues.

You will have opportunities to exercise independent judgment within a large law office serving client agencies across the state. Demonstrated ability to manage time, prioritize tasks, and maintain an organized practice under significant caseload demands is essential.

Applicants must have graduated from a law school accredited by the ABA or completed the WSBA Rule 6 Law Clerk Program and be licensed to practice law in Washington State. Applicants who meet the other qualifications and are actively pursuing admission will also be considered. The AGO values diversity and public service and seeks applicants who bring a range of backgrounds and experiences to the workplace.

The AGO offers competitive benefits intended to support work-life balance and a respectful, diverse workplace. Benefits include:

• Competitive salary within the range stated in the job posting
• Longevity pay after 5 years
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans; retirement plan; and Deferred Compensation
• Paid holidays and personal holidays
• Sick leave accrual and annual leave accrual (rates vary by years of service)
• Flex schedules and telecommuting options
• Employer payment of general bar dues for eligible hires
• Public Loan Forgiveness program eligibility
• Mentoring, training, and career development with CLE credits
• Health and wellness programs

A preferred candidate would start no lower than Step 4 at $88,932 if they graduated law school in 2024 or 2025. The exact amount is set in Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA. Supplemental information includes application requirements and questions to assess eligibility, location preferences, and background information. A writing sample (10 pages or less) is typically requested, along with a letter of interest and resume.

If you have questions about this…