Blake Project Senior Staff Attorney

The Administrative Office of the Courts is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual to take on the dynamic role as our Blake Project Senior Legal Analyst/Senior Staff Attorney. This is an expert level job that works independently with minimal guidance and supervision on complex legal issues, research and projects. This person will be working with the trial courts in Washington State to continue efforts to administratively vacate convictions invalidated by the decision in State v. Blake, 197 Wn.2d 170 (2021). The Blake Project Senior Staff Attorney 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 court system personnel. Reviews and assigns work to administrative support staff as directed.

Reporting to the Legal Services and Appellate Court Support Manager (Manager), this is an expert level job that works independently with minimal guidance and supervision. Exercises broad decision-making authority within the area of responsibility and expertise defined and directed by the Manager. Interacts regularly with AOC staff, judicial committees and court staff.

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.

Job #:             2024-87

Status:            PROJECT, Funded – Full-Time* 

Location:        Olympia, Washington

Salary:            Range 73: $93,348 - $122,496 per year (DOQ).  

Opens:           October 28, 2024

Closes:           Open until filled. First review of applications Monday, November 18, 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.

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 is eligible to telework up to four (4) days per week.

Some of the duties you will perform are: 

• Provides legal analysis on issues affecting the business operation of AOC.
• Provides legal and administrative staff support to judicial committees; meets with committees and subcommittees to develop materials; records minutes and handles administrative matters for the committee.
• Works with judicial committees to develop bench books and manuals; records minutes, prepares a detailed outline of the publication for committee approval, and develops comprehensive work plan for the development and publication of bench books and manuals; assists in preparation of budget for publications.
• Writes and edits bench book and manual drafts; prepares manuscript for final publication; plans, coordinates, edits, and writes updates to bench books and manuals.
• Coordinates the distribution and review of materials by judges and other experts; prepares status reports and other information on publications and special projects.
• Researches court rules, statutes, and case law relative to forms, jury instructions, potential court rules, legislation, and publications.
• Assists in development and review of legislation for the judiciary, as requested by the State Court Administrator and judicial committees; may serve as a member of the legislative team; attends legislative hearings as required.
• Makes presentations on legal topics to Administrative Office of the Courts staff, court personnel, and members of the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA).
• Responds to legal information requests from judges, court staff, and other constituents.
• Performs other duties as required.

AND

• Membership in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association
• Four (4) years of experience as a practicing attorney or similar legal work.

• 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 and court personnel.
• Ability to form effective goals and achieve them through the use of objectives, timelines, action plans and solutions.
• 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.
• Ability to gain and utilize knowledge of internal and external protocol.
• Ability to conduct legal research and draw conclusions based on points of law.
• Skill in legal analysis and the subsequent formulation of issues.
• Communication skills both verbally and in writing.
• Anticipates potential problems and opportunities; adjusts plans based on input.
• Consults with and keeps appropriate staff informed on specific work assignments. 
• 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.
• Knowledge of the WA State legislative system; ability to formulate draft legislation.

• 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 (360) 705-5337, or fax (360) 586-4409, or via email to Recruitment@courts.wa.gov. 

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.