Staff Attorney Responsibilities
Participation in ACLU-WA’s race equity work. This may include utilizing ACLU-WA race equity tools, adopting ACLU-WA race equity practices, serving on the Race Equity Team or subcommittees, etc.
The staff attorney will be responsible for investigating, filing, and litigating through trial civil liberties and civil rights cases in both federal and state courts. This includes legal research, investigative work, identifying and signing up named plaintiffs, complaint drafting, discovery and motion practice, and handling trials and appeals, as well as participating in work on amicus briefs. The staff attorney will be responsible for maintaining an active docket of their own cases, typically with assistance from outside cooperating attorneys and a senior staff attorney, as well as helping to supervise interns and fellows in the department as applicable and needed.
The staff attorney will also engage in advocacy, coordinate with the various policy-focused attorneys and other staff in the office, provide legal analysis to advance other ACLU policy work, and conduct community outreach as needed. Along with other staff members, the staff attorney will represent the ACLU publicly, speaking to the media and others, as assigned. Travel, as well as some work on nights and weekends, may be necessary. Along with all employees, the staff attorney is expected to help maintain a positive, respectful, welcoming, and professional work environment for employees and volunteers. Senior Staff Attorney Responsibilities In addition to the above primary responsibilities, the senior staff attorney may also be asked to assist in the supervision and management of cases brought by other attorneys inside and outside the office, the drafting and review of internal and external department reports, and other non-litigation tasks essential for the smooth running of the Legal Department as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS Staff Attorney Qualifications At least five (5) years of strong litigation experience. Previous experience such as Plaintiffs’ side work, constitutional law litigation, previous trial experience, and experience litigating in Washington is a plus. Must have ability to build, file and litigate cases independently and collaboratively; excellent problem-solving skills; ability to juggle multiple on-going projects and exercise good judgment under stressful situations; and ability to affirmatively challenge civil rights violations. Page 4 of 5 Must also have superior writing, research and verbal skills in presenting both to lawyers and to the non-lawyer public; leadership and organizational skills in order to encourage volunteer lawyers and work cooperatively in coalitions on complicated cases; the ability to take initiative, think strategically, take responsibility and share credit. Must have an awareness of, and willingness to engage in, the difficult and transformative work of challenging systems of oppression, institutional and structural racism, and implicit bias. Must have ability to work with and have work driven or directed by communities impacted by systems of oppression; established relationships with Washington communities preferred. Must be a member of the Washington State Bar (or willing to take the next bar examination or be admitted by motion). Senior Staff Attorney Qualifications In addition to the staff attorney qualifications, the senior staff attorney position requires at least ten (10) years of significant civil litigation experience, with demonstrated ability to develop and litigate complex litigation and/or class actions through trial. Plaintiffs’ side work and/or previous experience in constitutional law litigation are strongly preferred, as is experience supervising.
WORK ENVIRONMENT The ACLU-WA’s staff of 40+ employees and numerous volunteers generally work in a standard office setting in downtown Seattle between the hours of 9am and 5pm. The physical demands and work environment described below represent those required and encountered by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. • Ability to type on a keyboard for long periods of time. • Ability to sit or stand for extended periods. • Ability to travel locally/regionally/across the state as needed. • Ability to work some evenings, weekends, and holidays. • Ability to periodically work long and extended hours. • Ability to view a computer screen for long periods of time. This job description provides a general but not comprehensive list of the essential responsibilities and qualifications required. It does not represent a contract of employment. The ACLU reserves the right to change the description and/or posting at any time without advance notice. This position is “exempt” under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS The ACLU of WA is dedicated to centering equity in all aspects of the organization and, as such, has adopted a salary scale for measuring how to best compensate its employees. The salary for the Staff Attorney position will be no less than $83,435. The Senior Staff Attorney salary will be no less than $99,000. The minimum salary indicates the intention to accommodate those with varying years of relevant experience, as determined by the salary scale. Benefits include three weeks of vacation, thirteen sick days, fifteen holidays, fully paid employee medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance, a generous retirement plan, and an ORCA card, the regional transportation pass. Please note there is only one available position: a Staff Attorney or a Senior Staff Attorney.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE To apply, email a cover letter, writing sample, and resume to “Hiring Team” at Jobs@acluwa.org and include in the subject line of the email: your last name and the position for which you would like to be considered, Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney. In your cover letter, please indicate where you learned of the posting. Applications will be accepted until May 27, 2021 at which time the job announcement will be removed from our website at www.acluwa.org/careers. The ACLU of Washington comprises two separate corporate entities, the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington, Inc. and the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington Foundation. The two corporations share the same overall mission, office space, and employees. This job posting refers collectively to the two organizations under the name “ACLU of Washington”.
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.
1. NJP seeks applications from qualified attorneys committed to supporting our mission through the work of our Omak office serving Okanogan County and the Colville Tribal Court in North Central Washington.
For more details and information about how to apply, please see the link below.
Staff Attorney – Omak
For more details and information about how to apply, please see the link below
Bilingual Staff Attorney- Labor Trafficking
Dorsey is seeking a litigation associate with two to three years of experience to join the Trial Department in our Seattle office. This associate will have the opportunity to work in all phases of litigation, from pleading and discovery through trial and appeal, for individual and entity clients in a variety of industries. This position will have exposure to the full breadth of our trial practice, and will principally support the Commercial Litigation Securities & Financial Institutions Litigation, and Intellectual Property Litigation practice groups. This associate will take significant responsibility over pending cases.
The following qualifications are required:
- JD degree from an ABA-accredited law school or the ability to be admitted to the Washington State bar
- Two to three years of commercial litigation experience
- Excellent research and writing skills
- Strong academic performance
Washington state bar admission preferred.
Dorsey offers opportunities for advancement within a collaborative and dynamic environment, competitive salary, and excellent benefits. Our benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance; domestic partner benefits (for same-sex and opposite-sex domestic partners); Dorsey & Whitney 401(K) Retirement and Savings Plan; 15 weeks of paid parental leave, plus an additional 6-8 weeks of paid short-term disability for lawyers who give birth; adoption assistance; back-up child care program; education and college advising programs; well-being programs and activities; a 24/7 employee assistance program with confidential counseling; and more!
Dorsey values the strength that comes from a diverse and inclusive work environment. It contributes to the success of our people and our clients and enriches our experience. We believe that everyone should feel at home and part of our community.
You will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, affectional preference, disability, age, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, military or veteran status, or any other legally-protected status.
Dorsey participates in E-Verify.
About Dorsey
Clients have relied on the international law firm of Dorsey & Whitney LLP since 1912 as a trusted legal advisor and valued business partner. With locations across the United States as well as Canada, Europe and Asia, Dorsey provides an integrated, dedicated approach to its clients' legal and business needs. Dorsey’s diverse client base includes more than one-third of Fortune 100 companies.
Our lawyers apply superb legal knowledge and skills with practical wisdom and a deep understanding of business and industry. We serve clients in nearly all industries, but focus on six key industries in which we have excellent depth and a history of achieving client success:
- Banking and Financial Institutions
- Development and Infrastructure
- Energy & Natural Resources
- Food, Beverage & Agribusiness
- Healthcare
- Technology
Dorsey’s distinguished alumni include U.S. Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmun, noted law professor and scholar William Prosser and former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale. Recognized for our dedication to community, Dorsey has met the ABA Law Firm Pro Bono Challenge every year since the Challenge began in 1993 by devoting more than 3% of billable hours to pro bono work.
One of our greatest strengths is a friendly, cooperative culture that values and appreciates each individual. Dorsey has received external recognition for our welcoming workplace, including:
- Mansfield Certification Plus (Diversity Lab)
- Best Law Firms for Women (National Association of Female Executives and Flex-Time Lawyers)
- 100% rating on the Corporate Equality Index (Human Rights Campaign)
- Gold Standard Certification (Women in Law Empowerment Forum)
- Adoption Advocate (Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption)
How to Apply
Dorsey accepts online applications at http://www.dorsey.com/attorneyjobs. We do not accept application materials by mail or email except as a reasonable accommodation for qualified disabled applicants. Individuals who are unable to use our online process due to a disability should call 612-492-5149.
Legislative Analyst
Open & Closing Dates: 03/22/2021 to 04/22/2021
Salary: $87,198 to $113,362 per year
The Congressional Research Service (CRS) Office of Legislative Information Services (LIS) is seeking two legislative analysts to join its Legislative Analysis and Services Section (LASS). These legislative analysts will contribute to the Office of Legislative Information Services’ mandate to produce legislative information for the United States Congress.
The legislative analyst applies specialized knowledge in multiple subject areas (e.g., criminal law, environmental law and regulation, international law, etc.) and comprehensive knowledge of the operations, rules, procedures, and organization of the United States Congress to the analysis of Federal legislation. Using these analytical skills, the legislative analyst will write authoritative summaries of Federal legislation in assigned areas. These summaries are mandated by statute and are utilized as authoritative resources by lawmakers, policymakers, academics, and members of the public who are seeking accurate, objective descriptions of both new and amended Federal legislation. Given the variable nature of workloads and congressional focus, successful legislative analysts are able to apply their critical skills to unfamiliar subject areas as needed.
The legislative analyst must use his or her knowledge of federal law, regulations, legal principles, and specific subject areas to analyze federal legislation in order to determine the legislation's meaning, intent, and impact on existing law. The analyst must perform necessary research on novel issues to inform his or her analysis, as well as to develop the necessary subject matter expertise to improve the quality and timeliness of the summaries. The analyst must draft summaries explaining the changes to current law proposed by legislation in a way that is useful and accessible to both expert and general audiences. This work requires careful attention to specific language in the legislative text to ensure that the summaries are drafted with accuracy, precision, and discernment, as well as with regard for subtle differences in language and meaning. The legislative analyst must also communicate and collaborate with other legislative analysts—and, as needed, with the CRS research community—to continually improve the quality of the work product.
CRS works exclusively for the United States Congress, providing policy and legal analysis to committees and Members of both the House and Senate, regardless of party affiliation. As a legislative branch agency within the Library of Congress, CRS has been a valued and respected resource on Capitol Hill for more than a century. CRS is well known for analysis that is authoritative, confidential, objective, and nonpartisan. Its highest priority is to ensure that Congress has immediate access to the nation’s best thinking on public policy issues of interest to its Members and Committees.
CRS is fully committed to workforce diversity. Interested applicants must apply online at USAJOBS https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/595821000.
Miller Nash and its leadership strongly believe we have a responsibility for the professionals at our firm to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. If you are interested in helping shape our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, we are adding a senior management team member to lead us in our DEI efforts both internally and as we partner with our clients. We are looking for someone with experience helping organizations.
For more information about this opportunity and to apply, please visit our Job Board.
The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Washington (FPD) is accepting applications for a full-time, Assistant Federal Defender in our Tacoma office. The AFD will provide legal representation for our clients charged with criminal offenses or involved in post-conviction proceedings in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
OUR ROLE AND MISSION: The FPD is a law office that provides legal representation to persons charged with committing federal crimes who cannot afford to hire an attorney. We are appointed to represent accused persons precharge, upon arrest, and through completion of all appeals and federal habeas corpus review. The FPD operates under the authority of the Criminal Justice Act and by appointment from the Court. We aspire to create an environment of mutual respect and collaboration, and to cultivate a culture of openness and connectedness that honors the diverse backgrounds of the people we represent. We work together to uphold every person’s right to be presumed innocent and to receive a fair sentence if convicted. We provide a vigorous defense at trial and, if our client is convicted, at sentencing and on appeal. We advocate for humane sentences by developing mitigation evidence and presenting judges with fully developed views of our clients and their lives, not merely their charges.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION: We value diversity and a commitment to equity and inclusion, and we believe better representation occurs when members of the defense team have diverse backgrounds and experiences. We seek a lawyer who shares our office’s commitment to providing the best possible representation to our clients. We embrace the unique contributions that you can bring to the FPD because of your background, social identity(s), and lived experiences. The FPD encourages applications from all qualified individuals and seeks a diverse pool of applicants in terms of race, ethnicity, nation of origin, culture, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual identity, education, opinions, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, disability, religion, and socio-economic circumstance. We are interested in your talent, intelligence, dedication, persistence, and desire to see all people treated fairly and respectfully, no matter the allegation or circumstance. We especially encourage applications from Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), people who have been affected by mass incarceration, and people from other underrepresented and historically marginalized groups.
SELECTION CRITERIA: The candidate selected will have a demonstrated commitment toward quality representation and will have recent, substantial criminal defense experience. A proven reputation for integrity, teamwork and effective organizational and prioritization skills are important considerations. Spanish fluency is a plus. Essential for this position are the abilities to manage a substantial caseload, travel, and work flexible hours.
RESPONSIBILITIES: The AFD will immediately assume an active caseload and represent clients in criminal cases in the United States District and Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The criminal cases will range from very serious complex felonies to a number of misdemeanor prosecutions. This will require managing cases at various stages of litigation; preparing pleadings, briefs and motions; appearing on behalf of the client in court hearings and at other related proceedings; developing litigation strategies; meeting with clients, experts, witnesses, family members, and other duties as assigned. This position requires some travel throughout the Western District of Washington and on occasion outside of this district. Lawyers assigned to the Tacoma office may also be assigned to cases filed in the Seattle courthouse.
REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must be licensed attorneys in good standing with a federal and state bar, have criminal defense trial and sentencing experience, and significant writing experience. Attorneys not licensed in the state of Washington must seek admission to the Washington state bar within one year. Full time telework is not available for this position. Applicants should be available to start no later than July 15, 2021.
SALARY: This position has a starting salary range of $70,821-166,173. Salary will be based on professional attorney experience with a minimum of two years of such experience. Compensation includes generous federal government benefits, paid vacation, sick leave and holidays. Salary is paid biweekly and only by direct deposit.
QUALIFICATIONS: To qualify, an applicant must meet US citizenship or immigration status requirements.
See https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/search-judiciary-jobs/citizenship-requirementsemployment-judiciary.
APPLICATIONS: Qualified persons may apply by submitting a letter of interest, resume, and two work references (including their names, addresses and telephone numbers). Preference will be given to applications received by April 15, 2021. Submit applications by email only to:
Michael Filipovic Federal Public Defender Attn. Human Resource wawpersonnel@fd.org
Application Deadline: May 27, 2021 The American Civil Liberties Union of Washington (ACLU-WA) is seeking an experienced attorney for a staff attorney or senior staff attorney position to build, file, and litigate through trial complex civil actions in state and federal courts to protect and advance civil liberties for all Washingtonians—work that is important now more than ever. The ACLU-WA has increased its level of operations during the previous federal administration to fight broad attacks on civil liberties while continuing to vigorously move forward the work of our existing projects. While we will continue to hold the new administration accountable, we are also excited to move ahead on our agenda to protect the rights of immigrants; implement policing and criminal justice changes; end the school to prison pipeline; fight technological invasions of privacy; protect free speech and promote race equity; and expand and protect the civil and human rights of all. This attorney position will give us the capacity to push forward our affirmative agenda as well as engage in fast-moving, defensive battles against attacks on civil liberties. *Please note: the ACLU-WA is closely following the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and continues to carefully monitor public health pronouncements and recommendations. Currently, our office is closed and staff are working remotely until further notice.
As an organization, we value working together and look forward to when we return to our office. Until then, we provide laptops and technology support to do our best work even from our homes. You will need an effective WiFi connection and a way to reach you by phone. This position is eligible for either a work phone or phone stipend, as well as an additional $100 stipend each month to help cover any additional costs of working from home.
QUALIFICATIONS Staff Attorney Qualifications
At least five (5) years of strong litigation experience. Previous experience such as Plaintiffs’ side work, constitutional law litigation, previous trial experience, and experience litigating in Washington is a plus.
Must have ability to build, file and litigate cases independently and collaboratively; excellent problem-solving skills; ability to juggle multiple on-going projects and exercise good judgment under stressful situations; and ability to affirmatively challenge civil rights violations.
Must also have superior writing, research and verbal skills in presenting both to lawyers and to the non-lawyer public; leadership and organizational skills in order to encourage volunteer lawyers and work cooperatively in coalitions on complicated cases; the ability to take initiative, think strategically, take responsibility and share credit.
Must have an awareness of, and willingness to engage in, the difficult and transformative work of challenging systems of oppression, institutional and structural racism, and implicit bias.
Must have ability to work with and have work driven or directed by communities impacted by systems of oppression; established relationships with Washington communities preferred. Must be a member of the Washington State Bar (or willing to take the next bar examination or be admitted by motion).
Senior Staff Attorney Qualifications
In addition to the staff attorney qualifications, the senior staff attorney position requires at least ten (10) years of significant civil litigation experience, with demonstrated ability to develop and litigate complex litigation and/or class actions through trial.
Plaintiffs’ side work and/or previous experience in constitutional law litigation are strongly preferred, as is experience supervising.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The ACLU-WA’s staff of 40+ employees and numerous volunteers generally work in a standard office setting in downtown Seattle between the hours of 9am and 5pm. The physical demands and work environment described below represent those required and encountered by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Ability to type on a keyboard for long periods of time.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Ability to travel locally/regionally/across the state as needed.
• Ability to work some evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to periodically work long and extended hours.
• Ability to view a computer screen for long periods of time.
This job description provides a general but not comprehensive list of the essential responsibilities and qualifications required. It does not represent a contract of employment. The ACLU reserves the right to change the description and/or posting at any time without advance notice. This position is “exempt” under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
5 COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The ACLU of WA is dedicated to centering equity in all aspects of the organization and, as such, has adopted a salary scale for measuring how to best compensate its employees. The salary for the Staff Attorney position will be no less than $83,435. The Senior Staff Attorney salary will be no less than $99,000. The minimum salary indicates the intention to accommodate those with varying years of relevant experience, as determined by the salary scale. Benefits include three weeks of vacation, thirteen sick days, fifteen holidays, fully paid employee medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance, a generous retirement plan, and an ORCA card, the regional transportation pass. Please note there is only one available position: a Staff Attorney or a Senior Staff Attorney.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE To apply, email a cover letter, writing sample, and resume to “Hiring Team” at Jobs@acluwa.org and include in the subject line of the email: your last name and the position for which you would like to be considered, Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney. In your cover letter, please indicate where you learned of the posting.
Applications will be accepted until May 27, 2021 at which time the job announcement will be removed from our website at www.acluwa.org/careers.
The ACLU of Washington comprises two separate corporate entities, the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington, Inc. and the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington Foundation. The two corporations share the same overall mission, office space, and employees. This job posting refers collectively to the two organizations under the name “ACLU of Washington”.
Dorsey is seeking an experienced Corporate Attorney to provide support to our Emerging Companies Practice. This position could be based in Palo Alto, Denver, Salt Lake City or Seattle. The attorney will have the opportunity to work on a wide variety of transactions for emerging companies, including mergers and acquisitions, public offerings and venture capital financings. Dorsey offers opportunities for advancement within a collegial and dynamic environment, competitive salary, and excellent benefits. Qualified candidates will have: - Two to six years of experience with venture capital financing transactions;
- Additional experience in any of the following areas: mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, partnerships/LLCs, commercial transactions; - Strong quantitative and communication skills; and - Top academic credentials.
For Denver applicants only (as required by the Colorado Equal Pay Act): The starting salary for associate positions in our Denver office is $150,000. Pay is determined based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, depth of experience in the practice area. Associates are eligible to participate in Dorsey’s associate bonus program, subject to the program’s conditions and restrictions.
Foley & Mansfield is a national law firm with more than 140 attorneys in offices from coast to coast. We provide legal expertise, creative solutions and extensive trial experience for large corporations, small businesses and individuals.
We are seeking an attorney with 2+ years of general insurance defense litigation experience to join our Seattle team. Toxic tort experience a plus. Must be admitted to practice in Washington.
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes flexible benefits for healthcare and dental, life, long and short term disability, 401(k), profit sharing, professional learning and development, balance of life/work environment, and more.
Please submit your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements for consideration.
As an equal opportunity employer, Foley & Mansfield PLLP unites the talents and contributions of all. We encourage qualified minorities, women, people with disabilities and military veterans to apply.
Foley & Mansfield PLLP participates in the federal government's E-Verify program. We provide the Social Security Administration and, if applicable, the US Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
Details Here
Summary
The Public Defender Association (PDA) is looking for a Staff Attorney to provide legal services to Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) clients and advocate for criminal legal system reform through the Racial Disparity Project (RDP). PDA seeks an attorney motivated to help those most frequently disadvantaged by existing criminal legal and social service systems, including those with disabilities and people of color.
The Staff Attorney will assist LEAD clients in a widely-varied legal practice, ranging from criminal and eviction defense to family law. Although broad legal experience is preferred, the most important characteristics applicants can possess are the ability to independently and efficiently learn new legal practice areas and strong legal research and writing skills. Through RDP, the Staff Attorney will assist with impact and appellate litigation, policy advocacy, and King County inquest representation. Qualified candidates will enjoy developing creative legal and policy approaches to address the harms created by conventional responses to crime and public order issues.
Organization Description
PDA advocates for criminal legal system reform and develops alternatives that shift from a punishment paradigm to a system that supports individual and community health. Grounding reform in a public health and safety framework, PDA develops new strategies and implements models that improve on conventional responses to crime and public order issues. In collaboration with community and government partners, PDA uses policy advocacy, organizing, litigation, and public education to achieve its goals.
Job Description
The Staff Attorney will offer trauma-informed legal services to clients in the LEAD. The attorney will offer representation across the wide range of LEAD participants’ legal needs (family law, criminal defense, housing, etc.). LEAD clients face a variety of challenges, including homelessness, mental illness, and substance use, that can complicate their ability to engage with legal services. Legal services will be provided through the principles of harm-reduction—meeting clients where they are, in a way that is responsive to their specific needs. The attorney will work closely with client case managers at Evergreen Treatment Services to ensure that the legal representation plan closely aligns with the client’s broader social service goals.
The Staff Attorney will be expected to advance criminal legal system reform through the Racial Disparity Project. Current legal & policy focus areas include police accountability, drug user health, criminal sentencing reform, and ending criminal-legal monetary sanctions. Advocacy will utilize a variety of tactics, including direct representation, appellate advocacy, community organizing, and lobbying.
The Staff Attorney will work with a team of five attorneys and one paralegal.
Location
PDA’s office is located in Seattle, WA. Although the office remains open for necessary in-person work, staff currently work largely remote due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In-person work may be required if necessary to provide legal services. If in-person work is required, PDA will provide all appropriate personal protective equipment. Travel within Washington may be required.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, PDA may return to in-person work, adopt a hybrid model, or remain primarily work-from-home.
Qualifications
· Member, in good-standing, of the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA); or ability to quickly obtain APR 8(c) admission, with full WSBA admission by Summer 2021.
· The ability to independently and efficiently learn new legal practice areas and offer representation with a high level of competence.
· Strong legal research and writing skills are required and will be critical to the attorney’s success in this position.
· Although no applicant will have experience in all expected areas of practice, greater experience with the following areas will be preferred: family law, landlord-tenant, criminal (warrants, criminal defense, sex offender registration relief, record vacation/sealing), legal financial obligations, employment, and immigration.
· Trial advocacy experience is strongly preferred.
· Experience and skill working with individuals with mental illness, substance use disorder, and other disabilities is required. The successful applicant will excel in providing legal services to individuals who have difficulty consistently engaging in their own representation.
· Ability to balance the needs of multiple clients with time-sensitive legal needs, while also maintaining strong communication with clients with less pressing needs is required.
· Strong ability to work collaboratively, both with colleagues and with client case managers is required. The successful applicant will have strong conflict management skills and be able to tactfully engage with external partners.
· Policy advocacy and organizing skills are preferred, including the ability to review and digest core aspects of legislation, organize community in relation to PDA policy priorities, and identify policy advocacy opportunities for PDA.
· Appellate advocacy skills and experience are preferred.
· Familiarity and strong relationships with local policymakers, community leaders, and marginalized communities are preferred.
Compensation
Salary range is $69,576-$117,546, depending on experience. Within the position salary range, salary increases 6% annually, although PDA has paused step increases due to the COVID-19 emergency. An additional annual cost of living increase is provided at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Benefits include:
· 401k match of up to 4% of salary, beginning after six months of employment;
· Annual, 2% of salary, profit sharing contribution to 401k, provided in most years;
· Generous medical and dental benefits for employees and family members;
· 15 days vacation, accrued annually, increasing to 24 days vacation, accrued annually;
· 12 personal days, accrued annually;
· Unlimited ORCA card; and
· Monthly $50 employer cell phone contribution.
This is a Fair Labor Standards Act exempt, at-will position; continuation in the position depends on both performance and funding.
Equal Opportunity Employer
PDA is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and fosters an environment free of barriers and discriminatory practices. PDA actively promotes mutual respect, acceptance, teamwork and productivity. PDA is committed to maintaining an organization whose staff, Board and clients are diverse in background, experience, race, color, national origin, gender, age, religious affiliation, marital status, sexual identity, sensory, mental or physical abilities, veteran status, and other qualities that strengthen the program while reinforcing its commitment to basic fairness. People of color, those directly impacted by the criminal legal system, people who identify as queer, trans, lesbian, gay, or bisexual, and those with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals needing a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process should contact Corey Guilmette at corey.guilmette@defender.org or (206) 641-5334.
The position will remain open until filled. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Please submit the following to Zahra Al-Najaf (she/her pronouns) at zahra.al-najaf@defender.org:
· Letter of interest.
· Resumé.
· Two short legal writing samples, unedited by others.
· Names and contact information for three references.
