STAFF ATTORNEY

Overview

STAFF ATTORNEY at State of Washington. Staff attorneys assist the court in resolving all types of motions and cases before the court and in handling court administrative matters as requested. They draft prehearing memoranda and opinions, rulings, and orders.

Responsibilities

• Personal Restraint Petitions – review petitions to determine procedural posture; review petitions, responses, and record; request supplemental responses and record where appropriate; recommend disposition of motions; research issues; consult with Chief Judge or Acting Chief Judge; prepare appropriate orders and / or opinions.
• Anders cases – review Anders brief and response; review entire record; request supplemental record where appropriate; research issues raised; consult with judges; prepare memorandum and per curiam opinion or order; maintain list of pending and ready Anders cases with the clerk's office.
• Nonoral argument cases – review briefs and record; research issues; consult with judges; prepare prehearing memorandum or draft opinion; finalize opinion or order with clerical assistance; address motions for reconsideration as requested by judges.
• Oral argument cases – prepare prehearing memorandum and draft opinion; handle multiple issues and lengthy records; provide editorial comments on opinions in circulation.
• Motions on the Merits and other motions – review and assist judges in preparing rulings and orders on various motions, including motions on the merits, discretionary review, accelerated review of sentences, emergency motions, and motions to modify.
• Screening and Calendar Setting – screen briefs, designate agenda, monitor recurring issues, recommend stays or certification, and prepare orders related to calendar disposition.
• Court administration – assist with training, participate in CLE presentations, serve on committees, contribute to court programs, review Supreme Court opinions, and prepare case summaries for the court's web page.
• Other duties as requested; may include assisting on oral argument cases, pro tem judges, monitoring emergency motions, and developing technological support.
• Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications

The Ideal Applicant Will Also Have

Knowledge of Washington State law and the judicial system, including court procedures and the appellate process; strong command of legal writing and research skills; and experience with word processing.

Abilities

Work independently and with others under time pressures; interpret and apply court rules; understand complex legal issues; exercise sound legal judgment; communicate effectively, orally and in writing; maintain confidentiality; develop working knowledge of significant legal problems and trends; establish and maintain relationships with judges, court personnel, the legal community, and others.

Position Details

2025-70

Regular, Full-Time

Seattle, Washington

Range 80 : $119,977 - $157,399 per year (DOQ), Includes 5% for King County Pay

October 7, 2025

October 26, 2025. Candidates are encouraged to apply early. AOC reserves the right to close the recruitment at any time.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Court of Appeals is committed to the practice of equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all persons without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender and gender identity and expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, veteran or military status, disability or the use of a service animal. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process should contact the AOC Human Resource Office at (360) 705-5337 or Recruitment@courts.wa.gov.

Note : The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who work more than six months. Benefits may vary by appointment type. See the job posting for details.

Insurance benefits include medical (with vision), dental, and basic life insurance; options for flexible spending accounts, retirement programs (PERS and DCP), and paid leave. Holiday, sick leave, and vacation accruals are described in the benefits section. Visit the State HR and PEBB resources for full details.

Updated 07-21-2025

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