Staff Attorney/Legal Services Principal Analyst

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Company: State of Washington

Location: Olympia, WA 98507

Description:

Salary: $105,612.00 - $138,540.00 Annually

Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type: Exempt

Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number: 2024-55

Department: Administrative Office of the Courts

Opening Date: 07/15/2024

Closing Date: Continuous

Description

The Administrative Office of the Courts is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual to take on the dynamic role as our Blake Project Legal Services Principal Analyst. This is an expert level job that works independently with minimal guidance and supervision on the most complex legal issues, research and projects. This person will be working with the trial courts in Washington State to continue effort to vacate convictions invalidated by the decision in State v. Blake, 197 Wn.2d 170 (2021). The Blake Project Legal Services Principal Analyst exercises broad decision-making authority within the area of responsibility and expertise defined and directed by the Legal Services and Appellate Court Support Manager (Manager). Interacts regularly with AOC staff, judicial officers, judicial committees, and Legislature and court system personnel. Reviews and assigns work to Legal Analysts and administrative support staff as directed.

Provides services directly to judicial officers in their official capacity or as leaders of court associations or committees under the general direction of the Manager. Provides expert legal research and advice. Performs such other duties as assigned by the Manager.

Washington Courts Employment Opportunity

Administrative Office of the Courts

Staff Attorney/Legal Services Principal Analyst

Office of Legal Services & Appellate Court Support

Our Mission: Advance the efficient and effective operation of the Washington Judicial System.

The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) is looking for top-performing employees who embody its core values integrity, inclusion, accountability, and teamwork. It is committed to both employee growth and work-life balance.

Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace.

POSITION DETAILS

Job #: 2024-55

Status: PROJECT, Funded - Full-Time*

Location: Olympia, Washington

Salary: Range 78: $105,612- $138,540 per year (DOQ).

Opens: July 11, 2024

Closes: Open until filled. First review of applications will be Monday, August 5, 2024. AOC reserves the right to close the recruitment at any time.

*Duration: This is a Blake Implementation project position that is currently funded through June 30, 2025. It is anticipated that further funding may be approved to extend the duration of this position.

WASHINGTON STATE RESIDENCY AND TELEWORK INFORMATION

AOC requires employees to reside in Washington State. Any exceptions must be approved. If you are invited to interview and currently reside outside of Washington State, seek more information about residency requirements from the AOC hiring manager of this recruitment.

Position may be eligible for hybrid working; a combination of telework and working in-office.

Duties

Some of the duties you will perform are:
  • Provides direct legal and other support services to judges and judicial committees; meets with committees and subcommittees to develop materials; records minutes, prepares draft materials for committee approval, and handles certain administrative matters for the committee when necessary.
  • Works with committees to develop bench books, manuals, and pattern jury instructions; records minutes, prepares a detailed outline of the materials for Committee approval, and develops a comprehensive work plan for the development and publication of bench books, manuals, and pattern jury instructions.
  • Writes and edits bench book and manual drafts; prepares manuscript for final publication; updates publications; assists in preparation of budget for programs and services as assigned.
  • Coordinates distribution and review of materials by judges and other experts; prepares status reports and other information on programs and services as assigned.
  • Researches court rules, statutes, and case law relative to. Assists in the development and review of legislation for the judiciary, as requested by the Administrative Office of the Courts and may serve as a member of the legislative team.
  • Drafts requests for Attorney General Opinions.
  • Makes presentations on legal topics to audiences such as Administrative Office of the Courts staff, judicial officers and court system personnel, and members of the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA).
  • Responds to legal information requests from judges, court system personnel, and other constituents.
  • Manages special projects as assigned; provides analysis and recommendations of policy alternatives.
  • Reviews and assigns work to Senior Legal Analysts and administrative support staff as directed.
  • Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications

  • A Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law


AND
  • Membership in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association
  • Six (6) years of experience as a practicing attorney or similar legal work.


THE IDEAL APPLICANT WILL ALSO HAVE SOME OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Ability to earn the trust, respect, and confidence of coworkers and clients through consistent honesty, forthrightness and professionalism in all interactions.
  • Ability to establish and maintain professional business relationships with committees, the judiciary, Legislature and court staff.
  • Communication skills both verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to form effective goals and achieve them through the use of objectives, timelines, action plans and solutions.
  • Anticipates potential problems and opportunities; adjusts plans based on input.
  • Ability to prioritize and effectively manage time and resources in order to meet productivity standards, deadlines, and work schedules; accepts personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work; attention to detail.
  • Ability to identify, analyze, and resolve problems in a consultative process bringing problems and recommendations for solutions.
  • Ability to multi-task and effectively work on multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Knowledge of the Washington State court system, criminal and civil procedures and substantive criminal and civil law.
  • Knowledge of legal research techniques including electronic and methods of effective, creative legal writing, techniques of editing and preparation of memoranda, court rules and materials for publication.
  • Skill in legal analysis and the subsequent formulation of issues.
  • Ability to conduct legal research and draw conclusions based on points of law.
  • Knowledge of the WA State legislative system; ability to formulate draft legislation.
  • Ability to gain and utilize knowledge of internal and external protocol.
  • Consults with and keeps appropriate staff informed on specific work assignments.

Supplemental Information

For more information about the position, to review the job description, application submission requirements, supplemental questions, inquire about benefits, or to apply for the position CLICK HERE!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  • Workweek may fluctuate depending on workload or agency need.
  • Overnight travel may be required based on business need.
  • Positions in this job description are overtime exempt unless they are paid hourly and/or do not meet Washington's Minimum Wage Act salary threshold.

The AOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on gender, pregnancy, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, physical, mental or sensory disability (actual or perceived), use of a service animal, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, age, HIV or Hepatitis C status, or any other basis protected by federal or state law. Persons of disability needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, please contact the AOC Human Resource Office, at ([redacted], or fax ([redacted], or via email to R[redacted].

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

SPECIAL NOTE: Before a new hire, a background check, including criminal history, will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job.

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status i

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