Litigation Legal Assistant
Summary
Pacifica Law Group serves public and private clients in the Pacific Northwest with high-level expertise and intellect, and a commitment to the dynamics and values that drive Northwest companies and civic entities. Pacifica offers legal counsel and services to clients regarding public financing, project counseling, appellate and civil litigation. We are looking for a legal assistant to join our litigation team.
Responsibilities
This is an excellent opportunity to join a sophisticated litigation practice and work in a dynamic, expanding and team-oriented atmosphere while enjoying the benefits of a small law firm. The position includes both administrative and paralegal responsibilities.
· Provide general office support for litigation attorneys, for example, maintain and organize files, photocopy, maintain calendars, prepare expense reports, submit invoices for payment, schedule travel, coordinate meetings, calls and conferences to include ordering meals, scheduling conference rooms, and room set up.
· Provide support for the firm’s monthly billing process, track attorney time records and billing.
· Set up new clients and matters in the billing system.
· Prepare correspondence, documents and presentations; take responsibility for formatting, consistency and accuracy on time-sensitive, high-profile documents.
· Calculate and calendar court deadlines.
· Format, proofread, and finalize detailed correspondence, pleadings, and other legal documents; prepare and finalize basic correspondence and other documents as necessary.
· Establish and maintain paper and electronic filing systems; classify, sort and file correspondence, records, and other documents.
· File pleadings in state and federal trial courts, courts of appeals, and Supreme Courts; communicate with court staff, as necessary; keep current with changes in court rules and filing procedures.
· Perform general research and support activities to assist attorneys.
We offer a collegial environment and an excellent opportunity to continue to develop strong skills and professional growth.
Requirements
· 4+ years of experience as a legal assistant
· Litigation experience in a private law firm setting High level of proficiency with Word and Outlook, experience with Excel and PowerPoint Outstanding organizational, interpersonal, and administrative skills Excellent attention to detail with the ability to multi-task Must be self-motivated and able to meet deadlines under pressure Must possess a willingness to learn and exhibit flexibility in a fast-paced environment Must have the ability to work as part of a team, as well as to work independently
Competitive salary and full benefits. Please apply to info@PacificaLawGroup.com including a resume and a cover letter stating your pay requirements, your qualifications for this position and why you are interested in working at Pacifica. No phone calls please.
Jessica A. Skelton
Pacifica Law Group LLP
1191 Second Avenue, Suite 2100
Seattle, WA 98101
Jessica.Skelton@pacificalawgroup.com
Main: 206-245-1700
Direct: 206-245-1710
Fax: 206-245-1760
Associate Attorney
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, a national law firm, has a position available in its Tax-Exempt Organizations practice group in the Seattle office for a mid-level associate with least three years of practice experience in nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations.
Qualified candidates must have an LLM in Taxation with some background in nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations or a strong federal tax background with law firm experience. Private Firm (preferably big firm) experience desired. Excellent academic credentials required. To apply please upload your resume, law school (and LLM, if applicable) transcript, and brief writing sample to Kathleen Shaw, online at http://www.dwt.com/Careers/LateralLawyers/Openings.
Family Law Associate
Family law associate, downtown Everett (across the street from Snohomish County Superior Court): Established and reputable boutique law firm seeks Washington-licensed attorney with a minimum of two years’ experience in family law, including extensive, family law-related, courtroom experience (e.g., motions hearings, trial). Must have exceptional attention to detail, excellent writing and organizational skills, superior communication, client service, and interpersonal skills, and be comfortable with aggressive litigation on behalf of our clients.
$65K-$85K starting salary DOE, medical/dental benefits, generous year-end productivity bonus, employer funded 401-K after one year of employment, large corner office in self-contained suite with dedicated paralegal in adjacent office, and opportunity for advancement. Candidate should, preferably, be able to start on February 1, 2012.
Interested candidates should submit cover letter, resume, writing sample, professional referenc es, and law school transcript (if graduated w/in last 3 years) to Jack Berner, Berner Law Group PLLC, 3112 Rockefeller Avenue, Everett, WA 98201 or jberner@kbolaw.com.
Sound Transit Staff Attorney
DESCRIPTION:
Sound Transit seeks a creative attorney with five or more years of experience to join its nine-attorney legal department. Anticipated work will involve one or more of the following categories of legal work: real property acquisition/litigation, MTCA cost-recovery litigation, utility relocation coordination, land use/permitting, and other duties as may be needed. The position reports to the General Counsel, and the attorney must work collaboratively with other attorneys and provide legal support for project managers, agency officials, and the Sound Transit Board.
Qualifications: The position requires at least five years of relevant experience demonstrating superior intellectual ability, as well as the potential to master and eventually take over primary responsibility within the legal department for one or more of the designated categories of work. Ideal candidates will have experience with and an intellectual interest in at least one of the designated categories of work in the context of Sound Transit’s planning, constructing, and operating high capacity transit systems. Other desirable experience includes complex contract negotiations (including with or for other governmental entities or utilities), litigation, and state and local tax.
The attorney filling the position should be an exceptional writer who approaches work and life with alacrity and good humor. The position requires membership in good standing with the Washington State Bar.
Interested parties may send cover letter, resume, and writing sample to rubyfowler@soundtransit.org by January 27, 2012.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.
- Provides legal support to assigned area of responsibility; prepares or reviews complex agreements and legal documents; provides legal review and research concerning a variety of business related topics in area of assignment; develops strategies, and negotiates documents as required; provides legal advice on issues including contract compliance, Title VI compliance, and public disclosure.
- Prepares, reviews, and examines a variety of Agency agreements including interlocal and intergovernmental, and other complex legal documents; assists in the negotiation of agreements as necessary; reviews Board reports, motions and resolutions; prepares, drafts, and/or revises a variety of legal correspondence including letters, memos, briefs, opinions, and other legal documents.
- Provides advice and counsel to Agency departments and divisions on a variety of legal matters including the legal implications of any action, inaction, or decision; provides advice on various real estate and property matters in area of assignment, including reviewing and drafting various real property agreements and reviewing Washington State Department of Transportation leases; attends mediations and negotiates condemnation settlements; advises and represents the Agency in relocation appeals.
- Manages various Agency litigation in area of assignment; oversees assigned outside legal counsel and represents the Agency in mediations and at trial.
- Perform legal research and provides legal opinions for special projects as assigned; reviews new and existing statutes and regulations that may affect the Agency; advises staff on the impact of new or existing legislation.
- Assists in policy and legislative development; researches, reviews, and prepares resolutions, motions, drafts policies, and other legislation; and provides recommendations to management staff as necessary.
- Provides support to the General Counsel as directed; serves as staff on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence; attends and participates in professional group meetings; maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the fields related to area of assignment; incorporates new developments as appropriate; ensures processes, policies and practices are interpreted and applied consistently and effectively; ensures accountability and compliance with all current and applicable state and federal laws, Agency policies and procedures, rules and regulations.
TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:
Juris Doctorate Degree and five years of legal experience with direct client counseling in an in-house legal practice that includes providing legal advice and counsel, litigation management, legal research and opinions on policy matters, preferably in a public/municipal environment; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Required Licenses or Certifications:
Washington State Bar License.
Required Knowledge of:
- Operations, services, and activities of a legal services program.
- Legal principles, practices, practices, and procedures of environmental, constitutional, and administrative law.
- Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
- Advanced principles and practices of program development and administration.
- Methods and techniques used in the performance of legal duties and responsibilities.
- Methods and techniques of legal research.
- Judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
- Legal precedents and court decisions impacting litigation.
- Appellate practices.
- State and federal court rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
- Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
- Basic project management techniques.
- English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
- Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical databases.
- Principles of customer service.
Required Skill in:
- Utilizing personal computer software programs affecting assigned work and in compiling and preparing spreadsheets and reports.
- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other department staff, management, vendors, outside agencies, community groups and the general public.
- Interpreting and administering policies and procedures sufficient to administer, discuss, resolve, and explain them to staff and other constituencies.
- Public speaking and in developing and delivering presentations and presenting ideas and concepts orally and in writing.
- Defining legal issues, collecting and analyzing information, and recommending action.
- Interpreting and making decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, and policies.
- Preparing a variety of clear and concise legal documents including letters, memos, briefs, opinions, and other legal documents.
- Pursuing a legal approach that responsibly evaluates and balances legal risks with project demands.
- Conducting research on legal problems and preparing sound legal opinion.
- Negotiating with other parties.
- Balancing project needs with legal requirements and mediating competing interests among departments.
- Demonstrating effective diplomacy on legal issues and matters.
- Managing projects and making decisions in fast-paced, difficult environments.
- Preparing and analyzing complex data and comprehensive reports.
- Maintaining confidentiality and communicating with tact and diplomacy.
- Responding to inquiries and in effective oral and written communication.
- Applying project management techniques and principles.
- Working cooperatively with other departments, Agency officials, and outside agencies.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Physical Demands / Work Environment:
- Work is performed in a standard office environment.
- Subject to standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, and lifting of objects up to 25 pounds.
The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.
It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.
Seattle City Attorney’s Office, Government Affairs Section
Seattle City Attorney’s Office, Government Affairs Section is seeking a senior level attorney with extensive municipal law and litigation experience and a history of exceptional professional performance. Must be member of WA State Bar, have a minimum of five years of experience practicing law, including advising municipal or county governments and at least two years of litigation experience. Must have the ability to work independently and handle a variety of tasks simultaneously. Closing date/time: Tuesday 01/24/12 by 4:00 pm Pacific time.
Seattle City Attorney’s Office Criminal Division
Seattle City Attorney’s Office, Criminal Division is looking for an Assistant City Attorney to perform a variety of professional duties involving the investigation, preparation and prosecution of misdemeanor cases in Seattle Municipal Court. Requirements include admission to the WA State Bar, thorough knowledge of rules of evidence/criminal procedure, and ability to work collaboratively on trial teams in a demanding/exciting work environment. Prior Municipal or District Court experience preferred. Criminal history check required for the successful candidate. Closing date/time: Tuesday 01/17/12 by 4:00 pm Pacific time.
For more information and to apply, please go to the City of Seattle’s Online Career Center (www.seattle.gov/jobs)
Seattle Infraction Attorney
Seattle City Attorney’s Office, Criminal Division is looking for an Assistant City Prosecutor to represent the City at infraction hearings in front of the Seattle Municipal Court magistrates.
This position will prosecute both civil and traffic infractions. Requirements include admission to the WA State Bar, thorough knowledge of rules of evidence/criminal procedure, and ability to work collaboratively in a demanding yet exciting work environment. Prior Municipal or District Court infraction experience preferred. Criminal history check required for the successful candidate. Salary DOQ ($59,770) and excellent benefits.
For more information and to apply, please go to the City of Seattle’s Online Career Center www.seattle.gov/jobs . Closing Date/Time: Tuesday 01/03/12 by 4:00 pm Pacific Time.
Seattle Office of Civil Rights
Enforcement Manager (Mgr 2 – Exempt)
| SALARY: | $35.38 – $53.07 Hourly |
| LOCATION: | Central Building, 810 3rd Ave., Seattle, Washington |
| JOB TYPE: | Civil Service Exempt, Regular, Full-time |
| SHIFT: | Day |
| DEPARTMENT: | Seattle Office for Civil Right |
| BARGAINING UNIT: | Not represented |
| CLOSING DATE | 12/06/11 04:00 PM Pacific Time |
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The Office for Civil Rights is committed to creating and sustaining an organization free of institutional racism and promoting social justice; successful candidates must demonstrate an understanding of the relationship of race, racism, and multiculturalism to their job function and their commitment to creating organizations free of racism. This is a full-time position that will report to the Director.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Manage and supervise an Enforcement Team of eight for the Seattle Office for Civil Rights. The Enforcement Manager is responsible for intake, evaluation, investigation and effective resolution of complaints related to discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodation and contracting and for violations of the Paid Sick and Safe Leave ordinance, including non-routine and highly complex complaints. Consult with the Director about and recommend findings, including proposed settlements. Coordinate interaction with the Law Department and the enforcement staff. Oversee and administer contractual requirements with HUD and EEOC. Lead the process to make changes to ordinances, rules and procedures pertaining to the enforcement of discrimination laws. Work closely with the Seattle Human Rights Commission to ensure the commission is informed about Enforcement performance, changes to ordinances or rules, and prepared to review appeals of discrimination findings. Work collaboratively with the management team of the Seattle Office for Civil Rights and other civil rights enforcement agencies. Represent SOCR / SOCR Enforcement with local, regional and national civil rights organizations. Actively participate in the Department’s Race & Social Justice Initiative (RSJI). Assure quality customer service and develop and implement new initiatives. Coordinate and provide proactive anti-discrimination training for a wide range of constituent. May require working evening and weekend hours.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Three years of progressively responsible professional experience in the enforcement of discrimination law, civil rights, or a related field, including demonstrated skills in management or supervision. A law degree or baccalaureate degree in public administration or related field is preferred, but not required if a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of this position is substituted.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Desired Qualifications: Involvement in social justice work, demonstrated ability to successfully lead and participate in projects involving numerous, competing stakeholders; strong organizational skills; excellent oral and written communication skills; team orientation; able to work effectively with a diverse group of people and styles, experience in dispute resolution. Experience using Word and Excel, and adept at learning new database systems.
Visit www.seattle.gov/civilrights
King County Director of Office of Public Defense (OPD)
King County is currently recruiting for the Director of its Office of Public Defense (OPD). The successful candidate will have well-developed leadership skills to fill this highly-visible position. The Director, appointed by the King County Executive and confirmed by the Metropolitan King County Council, will be responsible for working collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders, both locally and regionally, on ensuring all eligible clients receive the highest quality, public, legal defense representation.
Working under the general direction of both the King County Executive and the Director of the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS), the OPD Director of will be the lead advocate and policy voice regarding indigent defense for the County on relevant criminal justice committees, forums, and at all levels and branches of the King County government. The OPD Director participates as a member of the DCHS management team, providing input into strategic planning on equity and social justice issues and strategies to reduce the involvement of vulnerable populations in the criminal justice and other publicly provided systems.
King County values its employees, challenges them to continuously improve the way we do business and the services we provide, and to carry out their duties in an ethical manner that earns the public trust.
King County also offers excellent working conditions and premium benefits. For a complete job description and application instructions please visit our website at:
http://www.kingcounty.gov/
Ramon Soliz
Human Resources Consultant
Dept of Community and Human Services
401 5th Avenue; Ste 500
Seattle, WA 98104
206-263-9008
email: ramon.soliz@kingcounty.gov
Northwest Justice Project Attorney Opening
The Northwest Justice Project (NJP) seeks applications from qualified attorneys to fill a position in our Farm Worker Unit (FWU). The FWU is based in Yakima and provides legal assistance to low-income agricultural workers throughout Washington. NJP seeks an attorney who has a strong interest in working with farm worker communities and is willing to live and work in a rural area. The attorney must be proficient in Spanish and culturally competent to address the legal needs of farm workers and their communities.
Click here for application information.