Staff Attorney

Lead the Charge in Justice Data Innovation!

The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) is on the hunt for a visionary legal professional to become our next Data Dissemination Administrator - a role that blends law, technology, and public service in powerful ways. This is your chance to shape how court data is accessed, protected, and used across Washington State.

In this role, you'll serve as the staff attorney to the Judicial Information System Committee-Data Dissemination Committee, guiding policy and legal interpretation around electronic court records. You’ll oversee the dissemination of data through the Judicial Information System (JIS), ensuring that sensitive information is handled with precision and integrity. You’ll be the go-to expert for courts, legislators, and agencies, helping them retrieve and understand complex judicial data and metadata.

You’ll also review confidential data requests, ensuring that access is granted only to authorized personnel. And with contract signing authority up to $25,000, you’ll negotiate and execute agreements involving data, software, and hardware making strategic decisions that directly impact the state’s justice infrastructure.

This isn’t just a legal job. It’s an opportunity for someone who thrives at the intersection of law, data, and public impact. If you’re ready to make your mark, we’re ready to meet you!

Washington Courts Employment Opportunity Administrative Office of the Courts Staff Attorney (Data Dissemination Administrator)

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 DETAIL

Job #: 2025-83

Status: Regular, Full-Time

Location: Olympia, Washington

Salary: Range 75: $100,980 - $132,540 per year (DOQ).

Opens: November 12, 2025

Closes: November 30, 2025. AOC reserves the right to close the recruitment at any time but no sooner than seven days after posting.

WASHINGTON STATE RESIDENCY AND TELEWORK INFORMATION

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

This position requires you to be in the office at least three (3) days per week.

Duties

Some of the duties you will perform are:

• Develops, implements, maintains and monitors statewide policies, procedures and best practices for responding to court data dissemination requests.
• Reviews and approves or denies data dissemination requests from the public and private sector based on court rules, case law, state statutes, and statewide policy documents.
• Serves as principal policy advisor to all judicial branch entities regarding release of statewide court data; develops statewide policy papers and recommendations to the Data Dissemination Committee.
• Authorizes/establishes security access levels for data dissemination applicants, including but not limited to law and quasi-law enforcement entities, judicial entities, court officers and the public based upon law and policy.
• Drafts, negotiates, and executes data dissemination contracts and research agreements with government agencies, educational and non-profit institutions, and the public; participates in the preparation and implementation of contracts for access to JIS data including standard contracts for JIS-Link public and data re-sale access services. Monitor contracts and move forward with close-out, extension or renewals.
• Manages data lifecycle and ensure data archiving and disposal.
• Recommends and implements decisions approved by the Data Dissemination Committee for non-compliance with court rule, case law, state statutes and statewide policy documents; assists in developing methods for auditing data use and release.
• Monitors legislative bills to ensure awareness of changes in regulatory environment.
• Acts as the back-up to AOC’s public records officer in reviewing administrative public records requests, communicating with the requestor and distributing public administrative records.
• Assists the Contracts Manager with planning, organizing, and conducting the procurement and contracting activities for hardware or software licensing contracts, and support the Supreme Court, AOC, and other judicial branch entities as appropriate.
• Assists and provides Contract Specialist with terms and conditions during negotiations or contract development.
• Assists with the drafting and negotiation of judicial branch contracts, agreements, software licenses, information security, interagency agreements and leases.
• Assists with the development and interpretation of policies, procedures and best practices for public disclosure, contracts and procurements.
• Stays current with the latest information technology advances to better assist and make informed recommendations to Contract Specialists.
• Assists others in risk management discussions for contracts and agreements
• Collaborates with Data Specialist on data pulls, fields and accuracy of the reports
• Administers the dissemination of electronic court records contained in the Judicial Information System (JIS) and serves as the staff attorney for the Judicial Information System Committee - Data Dissemination Committee.
• Performs other duties as required.

Salary

• $100,980 - $132,540/year

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law

AND:

• Membership in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association
• Four (4) 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

• Knowledgeable in records management practices, technologies, and compliance with GR 31, GR 31.1, GR 15, GR 22, PRA, and retention mandates.
• Experienced in interpreting and applying laws, court rules, and policies related to court records, data dissemination, and public disclosure.
• Earns trust and respect through consistent professionalism, honesty, and effective communication—both written and verbal.
• Builds and maintains strong working relationships with judiciary, court personnel, committees, and stakeholders.
• Skilled in legal research, analysis, and writing; knowledgeable in Washington State court systems, procedures, and legislative processes.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 tools (Teams, Outlook, Word, OneNote, PowerPoint) to support collaboration and productivity.
• Demonstrates strong project management skills, including goal setting, prioritization, multitasking, and meeting deadlines.
• Anticipates challenges, consults effectively, and develops actionable solutions through a consultative and analytical approach.

Other 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 TO APPLY!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• The workweek may fluctuate depending on workload or agency needs.
• Overnight travel may be required based on business needs.
• This position is not overtime eligible.

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.

Candidates who are offered a job with AOC must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.

AOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal government eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identify and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements for that form.

AOC does not use E-verify; therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

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.

Benefits

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 includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 07-21-2025