Closing Date: 6th May, 2024

Description:

Duties:
The Behavioral Health Sections provide legal representation to the new Center for Behavioral Health and Learning, located at UW Medical Center-Northwest. In addition, the positions will represent the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services as a secondary assignment. These new positions will be part of the team that provides representation to UW Medical Center-Northwest as well as the facilities and programs operated by the Behavioral Health Administration including the Special Commitment Center (SCC), the Office of Forensic Mental Health Services and Western State Hospital (WSH).

This is an opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated attorney to work in a collegial, fast-paced work environment and to develop skills in state and federal litigation, civil rights law and state jury trials. With an emphasis on institutional, involuntary commitment and mental health law, our practice assists clients in striking the right balance between effective mental health treatment, personal rights, and the public welfare. This is a challenging but rewarding legal practice in a team of tight-knit colleagues.

This AAG position will perform a variety of work, which, depending on experience, may include:

Handling civil commitment hearings – both bench and jury trials - in State Courts (currently King, Pierce, and Thurston);
This position located in the AGO office at the University of Washington and will be primarily responsible for supporting the newly opened UW Medical Center-Northwest in King County and handling any litigation needs in King County and surrounding counties. However, as workload demands, the position will also be required to cover other subject matter and geographical areas.
Representation of UW Medical Center-Northwest or BHA in federal and state litigation concerning Civil Rights Issues and the conditions of confinement at behavioral health facilities;
Handling contempt hearings in state and municipal courts in western Washington; Representing the SCC's interest in state court SVP commitment cases throughout the state;
Providing client advice to UW Medical Center-Northwest and other BHA facilities on issues ranging from health care, federal financial reimbursement, constitutional law, and patient rights;
Handling guardianship cases in state courts; Handling public records litigation in state courts; Handling appeals in both state and federal courts; and
Assisting on federal class action and/or complex litigation.

This full-time position is located in Seattle, WA and involves travel, mostly to Thurston and Pierce Counties, but also to courthouses throughout western Washington. Currently, many courts continue to allow appearances via zoom or other means for remote appearance, but you may occasionally attend court in-person at the court's discretion.

Qualifications:
In addition to meeting the requirements to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, the successful candidate will offer the following set of skills:

Strong written and verbal communication skills; Ability and interest in working in a team setting;
Ability to thrive in a fast paced environment with competing demands;
Ability to multitask and willingness to provide coverage for others; Comfortable working in settings around people with mental illness who are being treated against their will; and Respect and collegiality toward support staff and attorneys, contributing to our highly-valued positive work environment.

This position involves litigation in a variety of settings, as described above. As a result, some litigation experience is desired, but it is not required. If you do not have litigation experience, but are enthusiastic about getting this experience, we encourage you to apply!

Applicants 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 will also be considered.) The AGO seeks applicants who are committed to public service as demonstrated by an applicant's background, talents, attitude, and enthusiasm for public law practice. The AGO greatly encourages, celebrates and values diversity, appreciating that a workforce composed of those from different backgrounds and experiences creates an inclusive environment, strengthens positive relationships with the local community and brings new perspectives and approaches to fulfill its mission of providing excellent, independent and ethical legal services to the State of Washington and protecting the rights of its people.