Staff Attorney - COA

Washington State Court of Appeals (COA) Division I is seeking a motivated professional to join our team. As the Staff Attorney , you’ll 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, opinions, rulings, and orders. Our Mission To serve the People by providing an accessible forum for the independent and impartial review of cases, while maintaining an atmosphere that respects the dignity and safeguards the rights of all. Position Details Job #: 2026-63 Status: Regular, Full-Time Location: Seattle, Washington Salary: Range 80: $122,371 - $160,549 per year (DOQ), Includes 5% for King County Pay Opens: July 13, 2026 Closes: August 2, 2026 Responsibilities Personal Restraint Petitions: Initially reviews petitions, responses, and record requests; recommends disposition of motions; researches issues; consults with judges; prepares orders and/or opinions. Anders Cases: Reviews brief and response; reviews record; requests supplemental record; researches issues; consults with judges; prepares memorandum and opinion; maintains list of pending and ready Anders cases. Nonoral Argument Cases: Reviews briefs and record; researches issues; consults with judges; prepares prehearing memorandum or draft opinion; finalizes opinion or order with secretarial assistance; addresses motions for reconsideration. Oral Argument Cases: Prepares prehearing memorandum and draft opinion for complex cases; includes responsibilities of nonoral argument cases; provides editorial comments on circulating opinions. Motions on the Merits and Other Motions: Assists judges and commissioners in preparing rulings and orders on motions such as discretionary review, accelerated review, emergency motions, and motions to modify. Screening and Calendar Setting: Screens briefs; identifies key issues; designates calendar; consults with judges and clerk’s office; recommends stays or certifications; prepares orders for dismissal or mootness; sets oral argument calendar; maintains informal statistics of case allocation. Court Administration: Assists training of law clerks and court personnel; participates in CLE presentations; serves on committees; helps develop programs such as pro bono; reviews Supreme Court opinions and disseminates summaries; prepares case summaries for the court’s web page. Other Duties: Assists judges, commissioners, and clerk’s office as requested; may include assisting on oral argument cases, assisting pro tem judges, monitoring emergency motions, and aiding in technology support. Qualifications Graduation from an accredited law school and membership in good standing in the Washington State Bar Association. Four (4) years’ experience in public or private appellate practice, appellate court, or judicially related system. Knowledge of Washington State law and the judicial system, including rules governing court procedures and the appellate process; familiarity with citation and cite‑checking sources; strong legal writing and research skills; and experience with word processing. Ability to work independently and with others under time pressure; interpret and apply court rules; understand complex legal issues; apply legal principles; exercise sound legal judgment; communicate effectively orally and in writing; maintain confidentiality; and develop working knowledge of significant legal problems and trends; establish and maintain effective relationships with judges, commissioners, court personnel, the legal community, and others. 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, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. 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 via email to Recruitment@courts.wa.gov. #J-18808-Ljbffr