Assistant Attorney General - Regional Services Division, Kennewick

Be Part of Our Kennewick Office and Make a Difference!Do you want to be a legal advocate on behalf of the lives of Washington’s most vulnerable population?Do you want to be in a role where you can make a difference in the Kennewick community?We are excited to offer an opportunity to join our supportive and collaborative Kennewick Office where you will serve a critical role as an Attorney with our Juvenile Litigation team. This attorney will enjoy a fast-paced litigation practice with many opportunities to appear at trial. While you be primarily assigned to the Juvenile litigation team, you will have the opportunity to expand your experience by also assisting with a wide variety of clients with new and varying issues.More Information About the Attorney General’s OfficeAll 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, thereby providing an incomparable degree of job satisfaction. The AGO is composed of diverse, collegial and supremely talented legal professionals who are resolute in their commitment to public service and share the common goal of advancing the public interest.Benefit and Compensation DetailsThe Office appreciates the benefits of a healthy life-work balance as well as a respectful, inclusive and diverse workplace. Successful candidates will join an Office in which every person is committed to providing exceptional legal services and where individual professional development is encouraged and supported. The exceptional benefits of joining the AGO include : Competitive annual salaries are set between $76,752 and 149,508 in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA.Longevity pay of 5% premium on top of base wages after 5 years with the Attorney General’s Office.A competitive benefit package that includes : Affordable medical plan optionsDental benefits covered 100%Retirement plan (employee / employer contribution)Deferred Compensation Plan11 paid holidays and 1 personal holiday8 hours sick leave accrual per month9.33 hours to start, then up to 16.67 hours of annual leave accrual per month (based on years of state service)Flex schedules and telecommuting optionsQualifying Employer for Public Loan Forgiveness ProgramA formal AAG mentoring program that complements the AGO's inherently collegial and supportive environmentHealth and wellness programTraining and career development program that is recognized for its excellence and efficacy by AGOs nationwideMore About Responsibilities at the Wenatchee OfficeThe Kennewick AGO office represents state agencies and higher education institutions in Benton, Franklin, Columbia, Garfield, and Walla Walla counties. Agencies include Department of Children Youth and Families, Department of Social and Health Services, Department of Labor and Industries, Department of Licensing, Employment Security Department, Educational Service District #123, Columbia Basin College and Walla Walla Community 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 remarkably rewarding, while difficult at times. These cases directly influence the lives of children in our state, in a very meaningful way. Cases also involve advising the client regarding regulatory enforcement matters. The position will involve regular regional travel within Washington State.In your role, representing the Department of Children Youth and Families, you will get 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; andTake all other actions related to these matters.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.To serve as an Assistant Attorney General, one 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.)This Assistant Attorney General position is represented by the Association of Washington Assistant Attorneys General (AWAAG) / Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) AFSCME Council 28, AFL-CIO. AAG salaries are set between $76,752 and $149,508 . The exact amount is set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA.Interested applicants must apply by hitting the "apply" button above. In addition to the online application, one must upload, via the system, preferably as PDFs : A letter of interest;Resume;Law school transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable); andWriting sample.If you have questions about this position and / or want to learn more about it before applying, we welcome and encourage you to contact Section Chief Bryan Ovens at Bryan.Ovens@atg.wa.gov . This position is open until filled and interviews will be scheduled throughout the duration of the recruitment thus you are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible.#J-18808-Ljbffr

Salary : $76,752 - $149,508