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King County, WA · 1 day ago

Program Attorney-Guardian Ad Litem

Seattle, WA

Full-time

Hybrid

Mid Level

3+ years exp

King County Superior Court is accepting applications for a full-time Program Attorney-Guardian Ad Litem position. The role involves independently representing and advocating for the best interests of children in various legal settings, while also supporting Court-Appointed Special Advocates as directed by program management.

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Comp. & Benefits

Responsibilities

Independently represent and advocate for the best interests of children as a Guardian ad Litem at Superior Court hearings, trials, depositions, related motions, settlement conferences, planning meetings; and note motions on behalf of assigned children. Provide representation for volunteer CASAs as directed by program management

Provide best interests advocacy for assigned children that includes, but is not limited to, drafting and editing of reports to court and other pleadings, negotiating agreed orders and settlements, attending planning meetings, preparing for trials and hearings, and visiting assigned children regularly

Attend dependency, guardianship and termination fact-finding trials, pre-trial conferences, depositions, review hearings, motion hearings, shelter care hearings, mediations and settlement conferences

Advise program staff and volunteers of new procedures, court decisions and statutes in a specialized area of practice

Provide legal advice and training to program staff concerning best interest advocacy and case-related matters

Research, write and respond to briefs, memoranda, pleadings and other legal papers. File motions, finalize reports for filing when submitted; prepare proposals to various operations committees

Provide training regarding legal issues for new CASAs and ongoing training related to Dependency and/or CASA practice; collaborate with colleagues to develop or revise training and curriculum materials as directed by program management

Interact with defense lawyers, AAGs, social workers, CASA volunteers, professional and lay witnesses, program staff, court staff, Judges, Commissioners, unrepresented parents and members of the public

Participate in various projects and committees concerned with the role of the CASA program in relation to the justice system, other governmental entities, and the public

Provide statistical workload information to program manager as necessary

Qualification

Law degreeWashington State Bar membershipTrial experienceDependency law knowledgeFamily law knowledgeTraining experienceGAL/CASA rulesNegotiation skillsDiversityEquity understandingResearch skillsAdvocacy skillsCommunication skills

Required

Law degree

Active membership in good standing in the Washington State Bar Association

Three years of relevant trial and motion experience in either dependency law or family law, specifically domestic violence, substance abuse, child abuse/neglect, and mental health issues

Experience in negotiating and training

Knowledge of rules, guidelines and practices for GALs (Guardians Ad Litem)/CASAs

Knowledge of family social work principles

Knowledge of issues of domestic violence, substance abuse, child abuse and neglect, and emotional/psychological disorders

Knowledge of court rules and procedures including motions for reconsideration/revision

Knowledge of relevant community resources in dependency matters

Knowledge of the principles and practices of training

Understanding of the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion as it relates to child welfare and dependency related cases

Ability to reliably travel throughout the state

Finalists are subject to the Washington State Patrol criminal background check and a reference check

Benefits

Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what’s best for themselves and their eligible dependents

Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents

Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan

Transportation program and ORCA transit pass

12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays

Generous vacation and paid sick leave

Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves

Flexible Spending Account

Wellness programs

Onsite activity centers

Employee Giving Program

Employee assistance programs

Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position

Training and career development programs