[Hiring] Law Judge @State of Washington

Role Description

We are dedicated to growing a culture of belonging through our values: Respect | Trust | Diversity | Inclusion | Equity. At the Department of Licensing (DOL), we recognize the importance of work-life harmony and strive to create a culture where employees feel valued and respected. Our employees are trusted and encouraged to be a part of process improvements that impact their work, create value for our customers, and help build trust in our government.

Our Director's Office has a unique remote work opportunity for an attorney with excellent interpersonal communication skills both orally and in writing to join our team as a Law Judge within the Administrative Law Office.

As one of the most visible state agencies and the second-largest revenue generator in Washington State, we engage with over 6 million residents each year and collect nearly $3 billion in taxes and fees. We understand that our services are vital to the daily lives of our customers, enabling them to live, work, drive, and thrive. We take this responsibility to heart and are dedicated to providing equitable and meaningful access to our services for every resident.

Are you an attorney that is ready to join a dynamic team and enjoy work-life harmony? If so, we invite you to apply!

Duties

• Preside over administrative hearings/interviews virtually or in-person.
• Adjudicate disputes between licensees and the Department, under Title 46 RCW.
• Consider evidence, rule on motions and objections, provide procedural protocol for hearings and write legally sound and defensible decisions based on applicable law to uphold or rescind the Department's sanctions against driving privileges.
• Research case law and cite appropriately in written orders.
• Monitor and resolve scheduling conflicts to ensure hearings are timely held.
• Attend continuing legal education classes. Provide input on agency trainings.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate
• Five (5) years of experience.
• Active or judicial membership and in good standing in the Washington State Bar Association.
• Five (5) years of experience in computer use, including generalized typing, use of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, legal search engines, use of PDF documents, uploading, case file management, and internet searches.
• Two (2) years of experience in writing original legal briefs, rulings, and decisions and communicating official legal opinions and procedures in a clear and concise manner.
• One (1) year of experience in conducting legal research by using electronic research tools, analyzing relevant law, and determining application of the law to the facts.
• One (1) year using computers, utilizing software programs such as Microsoft Word, and legal research tools.
• The ability to understand and follow agency values of respect, trust, diversity, equity, and inclusion through behaviors and decisions.
• Promote and support a respectful, equitable, and inclusive workplace for all employees.
• Promote and support respectful, equitable, and inclusive delivery of services to customers.
• Take action to learn and grow.
• Take action to meet the needs of others.

Requirements

• Experience prosecuting and defending Driving Under the Influence (DUI) cases, including conducting trials and presenting legal arguments.
• Proficiency using spreadsheet applications, such as Microsoft Excel, to compile, analyze, and maintain statistical or operational data with a high degree of accuracy.
• Experience examining and cross-examining witnesses during administrative or judicial proceedings to develop a complete and accurate factual record.
• Demonstrated interviewing and investigative skills, including the ability to obtain relevant information from witnesses and hearing participants while maintaining strict confidentiality and professionalism.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively and maintain professional, respectful working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including attorneys, law enforcement personnel, and members of the public.
• Experience collaborating on cross-functional teams, workgroups, committees, or organizational initiatives to improve processes or achieve shared goals.
• Demonstrated flexibility in managing competing priorities and adjusting schedules to accommodate changing operational needs, including accepting short-notice assignments when appropriate.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage a high-volume workload, prioritize competing deadlines, and maintain accuracy and quality with minimal supervision.

Additional Requirements of Employment

• Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record 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 position.
• DOL is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, we will take steps to ensure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.

How to Apply

• Select the apply button at the top of this job announcement.
• Attach a current cover letter, resume, and writing sample.
• Incomplete applications may disqualify you from eligibility for the position. You must ensure all application areas, including supplemental questions and attachments, are completed in full.
• Candidates who are offered a job with DOL must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
• You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.