Pacifica was founded in 2011 and has grown to include over 40 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 represents public school district clients in a variety of areas, including employment, labor relations, student speech and conduct, privacy, special education, non-discrimination, real estate and land use and open government laws. We are looking for an associate with experience in litigation 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 law. The associate will be directly involved in representing public school districts before administrative tribunals, in arbitration and in state and federal court, including the opportunity to participate in administrative trials and arbitrations as the associate’s skills develop. The associate also will also have the opportunity to assist in the preparation of pleadings and briefs, as well as other written responses to various administrative enforcement agencies, which reflect the highest caliber of legal scholarship and written advocacy. In addition, the associate will support the Practice Group’s general counsel work, which is focused on providing ongoing guidance and advice to school district clients on a wide variety of issues. Experience in the area of school law is desired, but is not required for this position.

The successful candidate will have significant direct client contact as their practice progresses, which will include the opportunity to provide client counseling and advice to high-level school officials and dedicated educators, therefore directly impacting the operations of public school districts in Washington. The successful candidate also will assist in researching emerging and complex legal issues to provide guidance to public school district clients.

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 year of litigation experience preferred
• Experience representing clients in administrative tribunals, state court or federal court preferred
• Experience representing public entities, including but not limited to school districts, is preferred but not required

Salary Range

$140,000 - $200,000 annually depending on experience.

Other Compensation

Other compensation may include bonuses, profit sharing, HSA employer contributions, prizes, and gifts.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability insurance, life and AD&D coverage (additional coverage option available), and optional flexible spending account
• 401K Plan including annual Profit Sharing
• Identity Protection Insurance
• Orca Card or Parking Stipend
• Access to Bicycle Parking
• Free use of Building’s Fitness Center
• Matching Employee Charitable Contributions
• PTO – untracked PTO for exempt employees, tiered accrual of PTO for non-exempt staff starting at 21 days per year
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid professional membership dues
• Hybrid workplace

Please apply including a resume and a cover letter stating your qualifications for this position and why you are interested in working at Pacifica.

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. We value each individual for their skills, experience, and unique perspective. This commitment is embodied in the connections we have 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, caste, political ideology or military status or any other status or characteristic protected by local, state, or federal law.