Provides expert legal consultation/advice and performs legal writing and editing related to the business operations of the Administrative Office of the Courts. Specific assignments may include drafting and revising bench books, staffing pattern forms subcommittees, supporting the Trial Court Legal Services team by drafting memos on legal issues, responding to public disclosure requests, and providing legislative analysis.

Reporting to the Legal Services and Appellate Court Support 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 LS & ACS 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 #: 2024-41

Status: Regular, Full-Time* 

Location: Olympia, Washington

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

Opens: May 09, 2023

Closes: Open Until Filled. AOC reserves the right to close the recruitment at any time.

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 may be eligible for hybrid working; a combination of telework and working in-office.

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 

Experience in the courts of Washington as a practicing attorney or law clerk. Knowledge of substantive areas of law including, but not limited to, probate, guardianship, trusts and estates, family law, real estate, public disclosure, and juvenile law.

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!

• 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.