Associate
Pacifica was founded in 2011 and has grown to include 44 experienced attorneys who practice in the areas of municipal finance, public-private partnerships, litigation, appeals, public records, ethics, complex transactions, real estate, procurement, construction, school law, and other areas of general municipal law for public and private sector clients.
The School Districts Practice Group at Pacifica supports public school district clients throughout the state of Washington. We are looking for a junior associate to join our group. We are specifically seeking candidates who will contribute to the diversity and inclusiveness of our firm, the legal profession, and our greater community.
Responsibilities
This is an excellent opportunity to work in a dynamic and team-oriented atmosphere focused on public sector education law. This job requires the associate to be directly involved in the preparation of pleadings and briefs, principally in administrative proceedings but also appellate court proceedings, as well as other written responses to various administrative enforcement agencies, which reflect the highest caliber of legal scholarship and written advocacy.
The successful candidate will be expected to have significant direct client contact as his or her practice progresses, in both client counseling, defense preparation, and other adversarial contexts. The successful candidate also will assist in researching issues and providing advice and counsel to multiple public school district clients in such areas as student discipline, data privacy, employment, labor relations, land use, school construction, special education and non-discrimination laws, board policy and procedure, and compliance with the Public Records Act and Open Public Meetings Act.
We offer a collegial environment and an excellent opportunity to continue to develop strong skills and professional growth.
Requirements
- Strong academic credentials
- Excellent writing, research, and communication skills, including comfort with public speaking and presentations
- Familiarity with legal software search databases and computer proficiency
- Membership in the Washington State Bar Association
- Law journal participation, clerkship, or other evidence of excellent written advocacy preferred
- One to two years of public education law experience strongly preferred but not required
Benefits
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Flexible Spending Account
- Short-term Disability
- Long-term Disability
- Life and AD&D Coverage (Additional coverage option available)
- 401K Plan
- Profit-Sharing
- Leave Policy
- Identity Protection Policy
- Orca Card / Parking Stipend
- Access to Bicycle Parking
- Free use of Building's Fitness Center
- Matching Employee Charitable Contributions
Pacifica is committed to creating and maintaining a workplace that brings out the best of what each individual has to offer and in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of Pacifica. Valuing each individual for their skills, experience, and unique perspective. This commitment is embodied in the connections with each other, our clients and our community. Pacifica is committed to equal employment opportunity and to compliance with federal and state antidiscrimination laws. We prohibit discrimination and harassment against employees or applicants for employment based on sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical condition), race, color, religion, age, marital status, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation gender identity, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, national origin, political ideology or military status or any other status or characteristic protected by local, state, or federal law.