JOB
The Office of Civil Legal Aid (OCLA) is an independent agency in the judicial branch of state government. OCLA administers the statewide Children’s Representation Program (CRP). The CRP underwrites and oversees the delivery of effective, standards-based and equity-informed representation for children and youth for whom attorneys are appointed under state law.
The CRP is seeking to contract with an attorney who is an expert in education law. This attorney will assist OCLA-contracted attorneys across the state who are appointed to represent dependent children and youth pursuant to RCW 13.34.212(1) and (3) in providing educational advocacy for those children whose education rights under the law need to be protected due to a school’s official action or inaction. This is a part-time, 50% FTE contracting opportunity available immediately, with the intention of increasing it to full-time if there is a demonstrated need.
BENEFITS INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT APPLY TO CONTRACTORS EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
This contract does not contemplate and will not include litigation initiated by the contracted attorney but rather is intended to provide expert legal advocacy for individual foster children and youth currently represented by OCLA-contracted attorneys and who are facing discreet legal issues related to their education. The education law expert can expect the following:
Compensation: The compensation rate for a part-time (50% FTE) contract is $105,000 annually. This rate is based off of the full-time contract compensation rate of $210,000 annually. Contracted compensation is intended to cover a contracted attorney’s salary as well as any associated business operating expenses (e.g. office rent, supplies, support staff). BENEFITS INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT APPLY TO CONTRACTORS
Caseload: A part-time (50% FTE) caseload under this contract amounts to 20-25 advocacy-level referrals at any one time plus any number of advice and consultation-level engagements the attorney is reasonably able to provide given the complexity of their caseload at a given time. The number of advocacy-level cases may be adjusted downward temporarily as needed to account for caseload complexity, including complex legal issues; the needs of the clients; or the geographic diversity of the overall caseload.
Support: CRP-contracted attorneys have access to funds for expert services as well as access to technical support from CRP staff. The CRP also coordinates and hosts several CLEs annually to ensure contractors meet contractual training requirements.
Travel: Services under this contract will cover the state, so frequent travel is expected. Contractors are eligible for reimbursement for mileage, lodging, and incidental expenses incurred during the course of qualifying case-related travel.
Interested candidates should follow the application procedures detailed below.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Application Procedure
Applications will be accepted until position is filled. To apply, please email the following information to [email protected] with “Education Law Expert” in the subject line. Complete applications
include all the following application materials:
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Letter of interest which includes the following details:
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Each of your qualifications as per above;
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The nature of your current practice, including caseload capacity
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Experience, if any, representing children and youth in the child welfare system or representing dependent children and youth in education law proceedings; and
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History of demonstrated commitment to principles of equity and social justice
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Resume
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Three professional references to include at least one former employer or direct supervisor, if applicable
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Redacted, self-authored legal writing sample.
BENEFITS INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT APPLY TO CONTRACTORS
OCLA reserves the right to amend this application procedure and/or to refrain from contracting with any or all applicants. This procedure does not obligate the State of Washington or OCLA to contract for the services specified.
