Washington State Nurses Association is the leading voice and advocate for nurses in Washington. We represent more than 17,000 collective bargaining members and the professional interests of more than 103,000 registered nurses. For more than 100 years, WSNA has championed issues that support nurses, advance professional standards and improve the health of individual and families in Washington state.

We are seeking a committed professional attorney with specialized experience in labor and employment law, dealing primarily with the relationships between employers and unions. Candidates must have experience in collective bargaining, both public and private preferred. Experience to include contract negotiations, drafting and preparation.

Excellent communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills within and across departments and externally is required. Must be able to work independently and as a team player with flexibility and be willing to work on a broad range of legal matters.

Washington State Bar Admission required. Minimum 4-6 years of experience in labor law and must have demonstrated commitment to social justice and the labor movement. The applicant should have excellent research, writing and analytical skills, be able to multi-task and manage multiple projects, be capable of handling assignments with minimal supervision and work well in a collegial setting with other attorneys and staff.

The applicant should have excellent research, writing and analytical skills, be able to multi-task and manage multiple projects, be capable of handling assignments with minimal supervision, and work well in a collegial setting with other attorneys and staff. See the position description that follows.

Excellent benefits package.

Washington State Nurses Association is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and staff without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. WSNA believes that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success in serving our membership, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.

Please submit a cover letter, resume and legal writing sample.

Position Summary

Labor Counsel repre­sents WSNA in contract negoti­a­tions and provides consul­ta­tion to WSNA staff. WSNA member­ship in labor relations matters before Federal, State and local regula­tory agencies and courts.

Duties and Responsibilities Common to All Positions

Supports WSNA Purpose, Mission, Vision, Goals

Works with others, role modeling collab­o­ra­tion, commu­ni­ca­tion and teamwork Strives for excel­lence in work performance

Remains current in field of expertise

Performs other duties as assigned to meet associ­a­tion needs including partic­i­pa­tion in staff teams, committees

Acquires and maintains knowl­edge of Microsoft Office

Duties and Responsibilities Consis­tent with the direc­tion of the General Counsel(s):

1. Represents WSNA and its members in contract negotiations, mediations and settlement meetings.
2. Collaborates with staff in managing field campaigns and related communications.
3. Develops and disseminates information through WSNA communication vehicles.
4. Represents WSNA and its members in representation/decertification proceedings.
5. Represents WSNA and its members in unfair labor practice proceedings.
6. Represents WSNA and its members in arbitrations.
7. Collaborates in the development and presentation of training programs for local unit officers and membership
8. Remains current in labor law, rules and regulations of governing agencies that impact the Economic and General Welfare (E&GW) program and WSNA.

Education/​Experience

Juris Doctorate required.

Admis­sion to the Washington State Bar required.

Essential Skills/​Competencies

Four to six years’ experi­ence in labor law.

Experi­ence in labor relations, health care, economics preferred.

Experi­ence as labor negotiator including contract negoti­a­tions, writing contract language, costing contracts and coordi­nating related activ­i­ties; serving as chief spokesperson.

Strategic thinker and ability to under­stand workplace dynamics.

Ability to handle multiple prior­i­ties, organize workload, and take initiative.

Physical Requirements

This job requires:

Some travel and atten­dance at out of office events.

A valid driver’s license in the state of residence and access to an opera­tional motor vehicle that is currently insured.