Human Resources

Job Location

County of Chelan Superior Court 401 Washington Street Wenatchee, WA 98801

Description

Open until filled with first review April 25, 2025

Salary: NB 27 Steps 2-4 at $7,938.53 -$8,708.64 Longevity Steps 5-8 $9,122.81 -$10,493.77

The position includes a state retirement system, with a deferred comp program available. Health insurance package includes Medical, Dental, and county contributions to a personal health savings account. Includes up to 11 paid holidays and additional floating holidays per collective bargaining agreement. Along with monthly accrued vacation and sick leave. This is a non-bargaining position.

SUMMARY

This position is appointed by the Superior Court Judges and serves at their sole discretion. The incumbent reviews briefs and memoranda and researches cited law, reviews and drafts orders as directed, and serves as the county Law Librarian. This position includes regular duties as court commissioner and hears, decides and acts as a judicial officer as permitted by law and directed by the Superior Court.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Staff Attorney position is distinguished by the professional and technical legal administrative work.  Work is performed independently with latitude for exercising judgement and initiative.  With the exception of assigned court dockets, work flow and priority setting is determined by the incumbent and supervision consists of general guidelines, statements of desired objective, discussion of procedures and problems, and review/discussion of results achieved.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties and responsibilities are not intended to represent the entire functional capacity of the position at the task level.

• Perform legal research projects as assigned, research all statutes and case law necessary to complete projects, to include drafting memoranda that combines legal research with analysis in order to provide direction to the judicial officer.
• Perform legal research in confidential cases and advise judges as to questions of law, statutes and legal process as required.
• Receive, organize, and review citations of court cases and prepare written/oral summaries and recommendations for the judges for briefs and memoranda pertaining to complex litigation; review legal documents and edit or draft proposed orders.
• Perform legal research of pending legislation, court administrative concerns, and other issues as assigned and provide written or oral evaluations and recommendations based on findings.
• Preside over regularly assigned dockets and provides in-court coverage for other judicial officers as assigned.
• Manage the Board of Trustees and insure the requirements of RCW 27.24 are met and perform duties as the County Law Library Public Records Officer.
• Keep all library and research material current including delivery and replacement materials and recycling of outdated material.
• May be assigned additional jury trial-related duties as necessary, including, but not limited to, orientation and supervision of jurors and assisting with the development and assembly of jury instructions.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Methods and techniques of legal research.
• Laws of the State of Washington and Chelan County, Local and Washington State Court Rules and applicable statutes.
• Working knowledge of computerized methods of researching and locating records.
• Analyze, appraise and organize facts, evidence, and legal precedent in cases.
• Communicate complex technical and legal information effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Maintain required records and prepare clear, concise written reports.
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills including consistently handling multiple matters at any one time.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with jurors, attorneys, co-workers, other county employees and the general public.

QUALIFICATIONS 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. 

Must be a member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association.  Five years of experience in the practice of law is preferred but a combination of education and relevant experience may in the court’s discretion be substituted for a portion of the practice experience.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION 

Work is generally performed in the usual office environment, law library and courtroom.  Workweek may fluctuate depending on workload or staffing needs.  This position may be eligible for flexible/hybrid employment.

The employee may be subject to contact with people who may exhibit hostile behaviors, such as profanity, verbal abuse, and angry outbursts.  The environment can be hectic and stressful.