Staff Attorney, Legal Examiner 3 (DOH8924)

Why You’ll Love This Role

These Legal Examiner 3 positions play a vital role in protecting the public’s health and safety by applying knowledge of state laws, including the Uniform Disciplinary Act and Washington Administrative Procedure Act, and case law in the areas of administrative and health law. These positions also serve as a legal resource for all regulated health professions, entities, and other HSQA programs, including high priority or complex matters.

Required Qualifications 

There are multiple pathways to qualify for this position. You must meet one of the options provided and any additional criteria listed. Experience may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities. Please ensure any relevant experience defined below is outlined in your cover letter, resume, and/or applicant profile.

Option 1: Three (3) years as a Legal Examiner or attorney in a governmental agency. 

Option 2: Three (3) years of experience as a member of an administrative tribunal empowered to issue findings of fact and law.

Option 3: Three (3) years of trial practice in private or public employment as an attorney or equivalent experience. 

AND for all options:

Admission in good standing to practice law in the State of Washington.

Preferred Qualifications

While these aren’t required, having them can help you stand out as a candidate.

Familiarity with state laws, including the Uniform Disciplinary Act and Washington Administrative Procedure Act.  
Working-level knowledge of case law in the area of administrative and health law.

This recruitment announcement is for 3 permanent full-time assignments.

These positions offer a hybrid work arrangement, combining remote work with scheduled onsite work at our DOH facility in Tumwater, approximately 1-2 days per week.

The Opportunity

The Washington State Department of Health is seeking three Staff Attorneys to deliver quality legal services to Health Systems Quality Assurance (HSQA) programs and other entities. These positions directly support the department’s mission to protect and improve the health of people in Washington by applying legal expertise to manage complex discipline cases.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Analyzing facts and law and recommending an appropriate form of action or combination of actions (discipline or some alternative);
• Conducting legal research requiring knowledge of current state and federal legislation, case law, and administrative decisions;
• Drafting legal documents, pleadings, correspondence, memoranda, briefs, interpretive guidelines, rules, and proposed legislation;
• Negotiating settlements for health professions disciplinary cases, including conditions and restrictions; and,
• Assisting programs with general legal issues and serving as a resource on special projects, quality improvement work groups, and other activities as called upon.

About the Washington State Department of Health

We're nearly 2,000 professionals across Washington working together to protect and improve community health. Guided by our values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, we address health disparities, respond to emerging challenges, and strengthen systems that support resilience. At DOH, we help reduce barriers, collaborate with diverse communities, and champion equitable health outcomes. We’re passionate people who are driven to make a difference in public health. Explore more about the Department of Health, our programs, and our impact by visiting our website.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve.  

DOH is an equal-opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race/ethnicity/color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the presence or perception of a disability, veteran’s status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity. 

Questions and Accommodations: If you have questions, need assistance with the application process, require an accommodation, or would like to request this posting in an alternative format, please contact Kristina Cox at employment@doh.wa.gov and reference DOH8924.