Attorney- Litigation - Civil Division

King County
Seattle, WA




The Litigation Section of theCivil Division is in search of three enthusiastic and analytical attorneys to join our team in the Litigation Section, to work primarily on tort matters. Attorneys in the Litigation Section litigate cases in both federal and state court, including appeals. Depending on interest and experience, the successful candidate may also have the opportunity to work on employment cases and/or affirmative federal litigation.

About the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office Guided by our core values of Integrity, Compassion, Professionalism, and Leadership, our mission is to do Justice:

  • We exercise the power given to us by the people with fairness and humility.
  • We serve our diverse community, support victims and families, and hold individuals accountable.
  • We develop innovative and collaborative solutions for King County and the State of Washington.
Our office is composed of six divisions that are further organized into specialized units:

We value diversity and strive to hire a workforce that reflects the community that we serve. It is essential to our mission that we create and maintain an office that is diverse and inclusive. All PAO employees are expected to participate in PAO equity work and attend equity trainings and discussions. PAO employees are expected to comply with race, equity, and social justice principles, and to work with PAO colleagues and management to identify opportunities for improvement.

To learn more about the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (PAO), please visit ourwebsite.

The Litigation Section defends King County and King County employees and officials in lawsuits brought by current and former employees and members of the public who claim personal injury or civil rights violations under 42 USC §1983, Title VII, or the Washington Law Against Discrimination. Many of our lawsuits involve King County Metro, the Department of Adult & Juvenile Detention and the Sheriff's Office. We also give legal advice to these and other County departments. Attorneys in the Litigation Section also have opportunities to work with attorneys across the Civil Division on complex, non-tort litigation.

Attorneys in the Litigation Section also litigate matters that focus on the county’s business and policy objectives in areas where the law is developing. Because this work often focuses on areas where the case law is uncertain, the attorneys work to develop multi-layered strategies using the tools of negotiation, policy, legislation, litigation, and/or appellate practice. With an emphasis on motions practice and appeals, attorneys handling these matters work closely with clients providing strategic advice, and regularly address issues of state and federal constitutional law, statutory interpretation, and developing common law.

The Civil Division is located in the Columbia Center in downtown Seattle. Attorneys enjoy a hybrid work schedule that allows telecommuting three days one week, two days the next, with in-office work required on Wednesdays. If a successful candidate is new to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, they may be required to work in-office three days every week for six months.

Applicants must have a commitment to equity and social justice work, including ongoing cultural competence development.

The Litigation Section makes significant investments in its members by providing robust onboarding, training, resources, and support. The successful applicant will be expected to work in the Litigation Section for at least two years before seeking a position in another section/division.

  • Enthusiasm, initiative, and an ability to successfully lead a team on complex matters
  • Outstanding analytical abilities
  • Excellent legal research and writing skills are critical
  • Demonstrable commitment to equity and social justice, including continued development of personal cultural humility/competence
  • Desire to litigate in state and federal courts
  • Minimum of 5 years’ litigation experience, civil preferred
  • Must be Washington State Bar qualified

Salary: $92,770 - $153,722 annually commensurate with experience

Application Process:

1. Fully complete King County application*
2. Attach Resume & Cover Letter addressed to the Hiring Committee

3. Attach a three page or more writing sample, related to a civil motion or brief.
4. Answer supplemental questions

*Applications or supplemental questionnaires that state "see my resume" or that are blank are considered incomplete and will not be considered competitive.

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact:

Selene Poulsen (she/her)

Sr. Human Resources Analyst

spoulsen@kingcounty.gov

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference?Come join the teamdedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

The King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office is dedicated to making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
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