The Office of Civil Legal Aid (OCLA) is an independent agency in the judicial branch of state government. Recognizing that “the provision of civil legal aid services to indigent persons is an important component of the state's responsibility to provide for the proper and effective administration of civil and criminal justice,” the Washington State Legislature established OCLA in 2005 to manage the then-small state investment in civil legal aid services to low-income people in Washington State. In the years since, the Legislature has greatly expanded the scope of OCLA’s responsibilities.
Consistent with The Washington State Supreme Court’s June 4, 2020 Statement to the Legal Community, OCLA acknowledges that it and its contracted civil legal aid providers operate in a law and justice system historically grounded in racism and that time and again has administered justice differentially depending on the racial identities of those involved. OCLA was an initial subscriber to the Washington Race Equity and Justice Acknowledgments and Commitments. As outlined in its own Race Equity and Justice Statement of Purpose, OCLA is committed to being an active partner in carrying out the Washington State judicial branch’s commitment to ensuring equity and justice for people and communities throughout our state.
OCLA’s Children’s Representation Program (CRP) underwrites and oversees the delivery of effective, standards-based and equity-informed representation for children and youth for whom attorneys are appointed under state law. The CRP is committed to fostering fundamental change in Washington State’s child welfare and juvenile court practices, which have historically and continue to cause disproportionate harm to BIPOC children and youth, as well as children and youth who have a range of learning and related disabilities; who suffer multiple and compounding traumas; who identify and/or present as gender or sex non-conforming; and who lack a legal voice in the process.
The CRP is currently seeking exceptional contract attorneys with a passion for equity and justice for children and youth involved in the child welfare system to accept appointments made under RCW 13.34.212(3) to provide legal representation for children 8-17 subject to dependency proceedings; 0-17 subject to both termination and dependency proceedings; and youth 18-21 participating in the extended foster care program in Thurston, Mason, Grays Harbor, Pacific, Skamania, Klickitat, Adams, and Yakima, Counties.
Application Procedure
Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. To apply, please email the following information to crp@ocla.wa.gov with the county or counties of interest in the subject line.
Complete applications include all of the following application materials:
o Each of your qualifications as per above;
o The nature of your current practice, including caseload capacity
o Experience, if any, representing children and youth in the child welfare system;
o History of demonstrated commitment to principles of equity and social justice and willingness to support the commitments outlined in OCLA’s Race Equity and Justice Statement of Purpose and The Washington State Supreme Court’s June 4, 2020 Statement to the Legal Community; and
o County or counties of interest
OCLA reserves the right to amend this Request for Qualifications and/or to refrain from contracting with any or all applicants. The request for qualifications does not obligate the State of Washington or OCLA to contract for the services specified.
Smith + Malek, PLLC is a mid-sized firm seeking attorneys for two positions: 1) Litigation - at least one year of active litigation experience, prior courtroom experience preferred, for our civil litigation practice focused on real estate and business law and based in our Coeur d’Alene, Idaho office and 2) Transactions - at least four years of experience for our real estate and business law transactional practice based out of our Spokane, Kennewick, Coeur d’Alene, or Boise office. For either position, strong research and writing skills, ability to work both within a team and independently, and attention to detail required, as well as a desire to support our mission to change the world for the better. The salary range is $110,000 to $180,000 per year depending on experience. Additionally, eligible attorneys can participate in profit sharing. Benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, short/long term disability, parental leave, paid time off, and 401K retirement plan with employer match. To apply, please email a cover letter, resume, references, writing sample, and law school transcript to contact@smithmalek.com.
Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) has several job openings in our Granger, Seattle, Tacoma, and Wenatchee, WA offices.
Please see NWIRP's jobs page. Applications can also be submitted through: https://secure3.entertimeonline.com/ta/90199.careers?CareersSearch
We seek bilingual applicants for our legal positions (additional languages are a plus). Please review each posting for its language requirements. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.
To learn more about working at NWIRP out of our Granger and Wenatchee offices, please see a recent Virtual Meet and Greet recording here:
https://vimeo.com/754362040.
STAFF ATTORNEY POSITIONS
Unaccompanied Children Program in Seattle and Tacoma, WA
Full-Time, Exempt
https://nwirp.org/join/jobs-internships/
You will need to upload a single file document including your cover letter, resume, and list of 3 references via our careers page: https://secure3.entertimeonline.com/ta/90199.careers?CareersSearch. For your cover letter, please indicate the position(s) and locations for which you would like to be considered, and describe 1) how your lived or work experience makes you a good fit for this role; and 2) what are some challenges you are aware of that pose barriers to providing legal advocacy to immigrant client populations. Full consideration will be given to those who apply by May 12, 2023, but applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.
This position will be part of Summit’s collaborative labor and employment team and will counsel clients on the full spectrum of employment law issues. The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of experience in employment litigation, including representing employers in federal and state courts, administrative proceedings, and arbitrations. This is a great opportunity for big-law or in-house attorneys looking to make partner, have an equal say in firm decisions, and join a nimble team of expert attorneys and staff. No portable book of business is required.
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/c42929dd68fb4d2e95ded8394a7b51b8
Full-Time and Exempt Employee
Reports to the Directors of Community Inclusion and Services Program and Treatment Facilities Program
Disability Rights Washington (DRW) seeks to fill an attorney position in our Legal Advocacy program.
DRW understands the importance and contribution of candidates with lived experience. People with disabilities, African American, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), and LGBTQ+ people are particularly encouraged to apply. Disabilities include, but are not limited to, mental health conditions, physical and sensory disabilities, learning and intellectual disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, and chronic health conditions.
Candidates must be dedicated to participating in DRW’s daily attempts to apply Disability Justice and race equity principles to our work. Information about Disability Justice can be found here: https://www.sinsinvalid.org/blog/10-principles-of-disability-justice. DRW is committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and expects employees to participate in DEI-related work and trainings. Information about DRW and DEI can be found here: https://www.disabilityrightswa.org/diversity-equity-inclusion/.
This position will be based in either our Seattle or Spokane office, fulltime remote work is typical for much of the workweek.
https://www.disabilityrightswa.org/impact-litigation-attorney/
Northwest Justice Project (NJP) is a not-for-profit statewide law firm with a mission of Combatting Injustice • Strengthening Communities • Protecting Human Dignity. NJP secures justice for people in or near poverty through high quality legal advocacy that promotes the long-term well-being of low-income individuals, families, and communities through legal representation, community partnerships, education, and other advocacy.
Details about current opportunities for attorneys are at the links below:
Our Wenatchee office is looking for a new Managing Attorney.
This position not only leads the Wenatchee office, but also oversees two satellite offices, one a long term office in Omak and one newer office in Quincy.
Wenatchee is located in one of the most beautiful parts of the state, has incredible access to outdoor activities, and is still close enough to Seattle and Spokane to remain connected to larger hub communities.
Wenatchee Office Managing Attorney
Assistant Managing Attorney – Eviction Prevention Unit – Eastern WA
Assistant Managing Attorney - Eviction Prevention Unit – NW WA
Bilingual (Spanish/English) Staff Attorney – Kennewick, WA
Staff Attorney – Eviction Prevention Unit - Tri-Cities, WA
Link to Apply: https://stoelselfapply.viglobalcloud.com/viRecruitSelfApply/ReDefault.aspx?FilterREID=2&FilterJobCategoryID=15&FilterJobID=350
Bankruptcy Associate
About Stoel Rives and the Corporate Team Our Corporate team consists of over 70 lawyers who focus on all areas of corporate law representing both public and private entities at all stages of formation and growth. Our clients are engaged in energy production and distribution, agribusiness, healthcare, computer technology, life sciences solutions, aerospace technology, timber and forest products, mining, retail and manufacturing. We develop a deep understanding of the strategic objectives of these businesses to enhance our ability to plan and execute transactions for our clients. The variety of industries reflects the diversity of public and private companies launching, growing and operating across our footprint.
If you are interested in working with a group of collaborative, hard-working, and dedicated lawyers and staff, this is the place for you.
Like all of the firm’s practice groups, the Corporate team at Stoel Rives greatly values diversity. In 2022, fifty-five percent of Corporate attorneys identify as diverse (women, racial/ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ lawyers and lawyers with disabilities). Sixty-seven percent of new attorney hires and seventy-five percent of the newly promoted CORP partners identify as diverse. We recognize that we need to continue to improve our diversity through listening, learning and being open to change.
Role Overview The Corporate group of Stoel Rives LLP is seeking an associate attorney with 1-5 years of experience to join its nationally-recognized business bankruptcy and restructuring law practice. Although many members of the Bankruptcy group sit in our Seattle office, we will also consider applicants to sit in our Portland office. The ideal candidate will have law firm experience representing clients in chapter 11 bankruptcies and state court receiverships. The Bankruptcy Associate will have the opportunity to work on sophisticated legal matters, including representing financial and trade creditors and other significant stakeholders across a wide range of industries in bankruptcy cases in the Pacific Northwest and throughout the U.S. The Bankruptcy Associate will also assist commercial parties with formulating creative solutions to resolve significant commercial disputes using the Bankruptcy Code and or applicable state law. Members of our team can expect to benefit from working with clients on mid-market and larger bankruptcy and creditor-debtor matters. Attorneys in this role often interface with colleagues across offices and practice groups. The Bankruptcy Associate will produce polished documents and work collaboratively with other members of the Bankruptcy group in advising clients on bankruptcy, insolvency, and restructuring matters. Skills Needed to Be Effective in This Role We pride ourselves in forming diverse teams with a wide array of interpersonal and professional attributes. We don’t expect one human to embody all of these skills, but if you have many of these skills, and are enthusiastic to learn, we encourage you to apply.
Experience with, or interest in, bankruptcy and creditor-debtor matters, including a basic knowledge of the Bankruptcy Code, key bankruptcy documents, and Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code;
Excellent analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills, including exceptional legal research and writing skills;
Strong intellectual curiosity and a desire to understand how to develop a representation strategy that advances client goals;
A commitment to client service and team success; and
A JD from an accredited university.
Stoel Rives: Part of Our Team A broader question you may have is, “How will this position enhance my legal skills and career trajectory?” At Stoel Rives, we offer a unique lateral integration program and core competency model that are designed to provide a roadmap of the practical skills, abilities, and client service techniques our lawyers need to succeed and progress at the firm. We also established a New Lawyer Integration Program that has deepened our relationships and connections with our new lawyers, while providing them with the mentoring, resources, and information necessary for success. How You Will Live Life Well at Stoel Rives: Compensation, Benefits, and More! The pay range for this position in the State of Washington is $165,000 – $235,000; however, the base compensation presented to a candidate may vary based on skills and overall experience. This information is provided per Washington’s Equal Pay and Opportunities Act. This salary range is based on market location. In addition to base compensation, Stoel Rives has a total rewards program that includes an annual discretionary bonus and rich benefits offerings. For example, our benefits offerings include paid family & medical leave (and an on/off-ramp program for expecting parents), unlimited PTO, a flexible schedule program, remote work options, and a sabbatical program for eligible attorneys. We also offer competitive and robust medical, dental, vision, life, long-term disability, AD&D, EAP, FSA, and Voluntary Life, ADD, and LTC options. We also provide a generous firm-contributed health savings account and a pre-tax transportation/parking plan. To help meet billable hour expectations, we also allow up to 50 hours of billable credit for diversity, equity, and inclusion-related activities, as well as an additional up to 50 hours for pro bono activities. We are also proud participants of the ABA Well-Being Pledge, strongly believing that the well-being of our employees is paramount to the success of the firm. In addition, the firm’s Culture Committee supports the firm’s mission, vision, and values in bringing together spectacular client service and job satisfaction.
To learn more about the benefits of working as an attorney at Stoel Rives, click here.
What We Are Doing to Ensure A Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Environment Stoel Rives places a high priority on attracting and retaining lawyers with different backgrounds and life experiences. This makes us better and happier as people, as an organization, and as legal advisers. We are proud to offer many engagement opportunities including a firmwide DE&I Committee, Associates Committee, Pro Bono Committee, Affinity Groups, and Parenting Circle. We proudly partner with Diversity Lab to implement innovative programs to advance Stoel Rives’ DE&I goals, including the aggressive metrics-based goals we’ve adopted as one of five founding Move the Needle Fund firms. Our efforts with Diversity Lab include certification under the Mansfield Rule, to boost the representation of diverse lawyers in our firm’s leadership by broadening the pool of candidates considered for opportunities, along with participation in the OnRamp Fellowship for legal returners and the OnTrack Sponsorship program. Additional information on these programs, can be found here.
We're hiring a Review Judge to join DSHS's Board of Appeals, part of the Office of Justice and Civil Rights within the Office of the Secretary (OOS). A hybrid telework schedule is available for this job. Reporting to the Chief Review Judge for the Board of Appeals, this job opportunity gives you the chance to grow your knowledge in specialized areas of the law, at a sustainable salary, with great benefits. If you consider yourself able to work independently and you enjoy analysis, research, writing, and decision making, join us in Transforming Lives and be part of our hard-working team of legal professionals who provide services to WA state citizens. As the Review Judge, you will review initial decisions and issue final decisions where statute or rule requires a formal adjudicative proceeding be held according to the provisions of the state's Administrative Procedure Act, Chapter 34.05 RCW, or federal law. When a Petition for Review is filed contesting a hearing decision, you will review the written record of the adjudicative proceedings and render the Department's final administrative decision.
Applications close on 4/12/2023 at 11:59 PM (PDT)
To apply you must use the following link, where you will also find the complete job description, including salary range, benefits, and job qualifications: DSHS OOS Review Judge . If the link does not work, please visit careers.wa.gov where you will find the ad.
Are you passionate about civil rights work? Do you thrive on the opportunity to be a change agent toward equity? If that is you, then bring your drive, innovation, and expertise to work every day to play a critical role in advocating for justice and equity for our workplace and for those served by DSHS.
The Office of Justice and Civil Rights (OJCR) within the Office of the Secretary is seeking team member knowledgeable of federal and state civil rights laws to guide, consult and support DSHS and the community on civil rights activities and functions. This is an exciting opportunity for a meaningful career where your knowledge, innovation, experience, competence, and passion around for civil rights work will help and support our mission to Transform Lives.
In this role, you will assist in providing strategic and innovative leadership for the OJCR Investigations Unit supporting the effective operations of the Investigations Unit. You will provide statewide strategic direction, consultation, plan, manage, conduct, and coordinate all aspects of employee allegations of misconduct. You will report to the Chief Investigator and assist in developing and presenting training and prevention work for internal and external customers and may be called upon to testify before an arbitrator, Personnel Resources Board, civil trial, or other related tribunals. You will use your expert knowledge of civil rights laws to triage incoming allegations and assess whether a further investigation by the OJCR is appropriate. You will be challenged to think outside the box and improve upon existing processes and procedures in conducting meaningful investigations. You will follow and may develop best practices to create an influential program supportive of the agency’s mission and culture.
