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Dependency Attorney Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Valley Defenders

Associate Attorney

Bellevue, WA · On-site

... attorney with an interest in working with indigent clients from diverse backgrounds and the ability ... dependency, housing shortages and varying mental health diagnosis. This position will work ...

Pierce County

County Attorney 1 - Misdemeanor

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$84K - $112K/yr

DAC Attorneys represent indigent clients in all stages of misdemeanor criminal proceedings ... Dependency proceedings. The mission of the Department of Assigned Counsel is to provide and ...

Pierce County

County Attorney 2

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$103K - $139K/yr

... Dependency proceedings. The mission of the Department of Assigned Counsel is to provide and ... Preference will be given to attorneys with specialized experience including the ability to accept ...

Pierce County, WA

County Attorney 2

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$103K - $139K/yr

... Dependency proceedings. The mission of the Department of Assigned Counsel is to provide and ... Preference will be given to attorneys with specialized experience including the ability to accept ...

Wsgr

Innovations and AI Solutions Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

The firm has approximately 1,100 attorneys in 17 offices: 13 in the U.S., two in China, and two in ... metadata, dependency, and workflow management. * Experience utilizing & deploying Azure cloud ...

Pierce County

Licensed Legal Intern

Tacoma, WA

$35 - $37/hr

Under the supervision of experienced attorneys, interns learn to review files, meet with clients ... Dependency proceedings. The mission of the Department of Assigned Counsel is to provide and ...

Pierce County, WA

Licensed Legal Intern

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$35 - $37/hr

Under the supervision of experienced attorneys, interns learn to review files, meet with clients ... Dependency proceedings. The mission of the Department of Assigned Counsel is to provide and ...

All JobsDependency Attorney JobsDependency Attorney Jobs in Seattle, WA

Dependency Attorney information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$46.1K

$111.9K

$218.5K

How much do dependency attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for dependency attorney in Seattle, WA is $111,903.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $136,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dependency attorney?

A Dependency Attorney is a lawyer who represents parties involved in dependency court cases, which address issues of child abuse, neglect, or abandonment. They may represent parents, children, or other interested parties in proceedings where the state intervenes to protect a child's welfare. Their primary role is to advocate for their client's interests, ensure due process is followed, and help navigate the complexities of child welfare law. Dependency Attorneys work closely with social workers, judges, and other legal professionals to secure safe and appropriate outcomes for children.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dependency attorney?

To thrive as a Dependency Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor degree, bar admission, and strong knowledge of child welfare law and court procedures. Familiarity with case management systems, legal research databases (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), and relevant state-specific regulations is essential. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and empathy are key soft skills for effectively representing clients—often children or parents—in emotionally charged cases. These skills are crucial for ensuring fair legal representation, supporting vulnerable clients, and navigating complex family court proceedings.

What are some of the unique challenges faced by dependency attorneys, and how can new hires best prepare for them?

Dependency attorneys often manage high caseloads involving sensitive family situations, including child abuse or neglect cases. The role requires balancing advocacy for clients with the best interests of the child, which can be emotionally demanding. New hires should be prepared for frequent court appearances, collaboration with social workers, and rapidly evolving case details. Building strong organizational skills, maintaining emotional resilience, and seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues can help navigate these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Dependency Attorney vs Family Law Attorney?

AspectDependency AttorneyFamily Law Attorney
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar license, specialized training in dependency lawLaw degree, bar license, specialization in family law often including dependency cases
Work EnvironmentCourts, child welfare agencies, legal clinicsCourts, law firms, private practice, legal clinics
Employer & IndustryChild welfare agencies, government legal departmentsPrivate law firms, government agencies, courts
Search & Comparison IntentDependency Attorney vs Family Law Attorney

Dependency Attorneys specialize in representing children and families involved in child welfare cases, focusing on dependency law. Family Law Attorneys handle a broader range of family-related legal issues, including divorce, custody, and adoption. While both roles require similar legal credentials and often work in related environments, Dependency Attorneys focus specifically on child welfare cases within the legal system.

What are popular job titles related to Dependency Attorney jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Dependency Attorney jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Dependency Attorney jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Dependency Attorney jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Dependency Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dependency Attorney job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,903 per year, or $53.8 per hour.

Associate Attorney

Valley Defenders

Bellevue, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Valley Defenders, a growing criminal/indigent defense firm has an immediate opening for a full-time attorney with an interest in working with indigent clients from diverse backgrounds and the ability to work compassionately with clients experiencing a wide variety of barriers: chemical dependency, housing shortages and varying mental health diagnosis. This position will work primarily in South King/North Pierce Counties in municipal courts. There will be a combination of remote and mandatory in-person appearances in this capacity. Court experience desired, bilingual a plus. Please send your resume with a writing sample to Mike Beard (mike@valleydefenders.com) for consideration. Must be a member of WSBA or eligible for immediate membership.

Full time – vacation pay, medical/dental/vision/employee sponsored retirement