Assistant Attorney General - Torts Division, Seattle

The Office appreciates the benefits of a healthy life-work balance as well as a respectful, inclusive and diverse workplace. Successful candidates will join an Office in which every person is committed to providing exceptional legal services and where individual professional development is encouraged and supported. The exceptional benefits of joining the AGO include:

• A competitive benefit package that includes affordable medical plan options, dental benefits and retirement plans
• Vacation Leave, Sick Leave, Military and Civil Leave and Paid Holidays
• Transparent salary schedule - AAG salaries are set between $74,520 and $139,572. The exact amount is set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA

• The AGO will pay the general bar dues of someone who begins their assignment on or before January 31st per Article 10.8 of the AWAAG CBA

• Flex schedules and telecommuting options
• A formal AAG mentoring program that complements the AGO's inherently collegial and supportive environment
• Health and wellness program
• Training and career development program that is recognized for its excellence and efficacy by AGOs nationwide

The Washington State Attorney Generals Offices Torts Division in Seattle, WA is searching for a lawyer with five-plus years of practice experience including a strong foundation in civil litigation. The work of the Torts Division is demanding, stimulating, and rewarding.

The Torts Division is committed to the training and professional development of its attorneys. Experiential learning with co-counselor mentors is often used. Successful candidates will be given significant case responsibilities that are appropriate for their experience level. The Divisions work-life philosophy also seeks to support employees and maximize their performance through practical and workable solutions to balancing the demands of work and personal lives. This position is located in downtown Seattle (Business District) with quick access to public transportation, freeways, restaurants, and shopping.

Duties of the attorneys of the Torts Division will include drafting pleadings, motions and memoranda; conducting all aspects of discovery; motions practice; trials; and participating in post-trial proceedings including any appeals. We practice in federal courts and superior courts statewide. The typical caseload involves defending state agencies and employees in the northwest region of the state in cases involving civil rights, employment, personal injury, and other torts claims. Representative clients include the Departments of Corrections (DOC), Social & Health Services (DSHS), Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), Transportation (DOT& Washington State Ferries), Natural Resources (DNR), and state colleges and universities. The challenges of this fast-paced, diverse work are more than offset by the collegial team environment, the dedicated professional support staff, and other litigation resources provided by the Torts Division.

The attorney selected for this position will be responsible for maintaining and applying a comprehensive knowledge of procedural and substantive law, working productively with agency clients, developing and executing legal strategy, conducting and answering discovery, bringing and answering motions, engaging in alternative dispute resolution, negotiating settlements as appropriate, and managing and executing all aspects of case preparation and presentation in jury and bench trials, primarily, although not exclusively, in Western Washington. The successful candidate can also expect to handle appeals on cases, including briefing and oral argument.

If you have strong analytical, advocacy, and problem-solving skills, enjoy a collegial team environment, have a good sense of humor, and believe that communication and respect are pivotal to success in any endeavor, you have the attributes we are looking for!

In addition to meeting the requirements to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, applicants must possess:

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills;
• Good problem solving skills;
• Excellent legal judgment; and
• The interest and ability to work well in a collaborative team environment with the litigation support and investigative staff, the client agencies and agency Risk Managers, the Office of Risk management, and other Torts Division attorneys.

Ideal candidates will also have strong experience:

• Interviewing witnesses and conducting and responding to discovery;
• Taking depositions;
• Drafting briefs;
• Handling an active motion practice;
• Working with expert witnesses;
• Interacting with high level client representatives;
• Conducting trials in state and/or federal court; and
• Working with people who have diverse backgrounds, experience, and communication styles.

Tort litigation experience, while advantageous, is not essential. Relevant subject matter experience is preferred but not required.

This Assistant Attorney General position is represented by the Association of Washington Assistant Attorneys General (AWAAG) / Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) AFSCME Council 28, AFL-CIO. AAG salaries are set between $74,520 and $139,572. The exact amount is set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA. This position is located in King County and is thus eligible for 5% King County Assignment Pay. A competitive state benefits package is also offered which includes a choice of medical/dental insurance plans, retirement, life and basic long-term disability insurance. In addition, there are non-financial benefits that include working in a collaborative and supportive work environment where professional development and work-life balance are highly valued. The health, safety and professional satisfaction of all AGO staff and volunteers is critical to fulfilling the mission of the AGO to provide exceptional legal services. Complementing and fostering this goal is a long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship, as evidenced in the AGO's environmental policies.

Interested applicants must apply by hitting the "apply" button above. In addition to the on-line application, one must upload, via the system, preferably as PDFs:

• A letter of interest;
• Resume;
• Law school transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable); and
• Writing sample.

If you have questions about this position and/or wish to learn more about it before applying, we encourage and welcome you to contact AAG Scott Barbara at [email protected] or 206-389-2033.

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Honoring diversity, equity and inclusion means that as an agency, and as individuals, we are committed to ensuring that all employees and volunteers enjoy a respectful, safe and supportive working environment. Only by fostering the inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures and attributes, can AGO employees and volunteers achieve their fullest potential and best advance the goals and mission of the AGO.

The AGO is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation/gender identity, age, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, retaliation or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at [email protected]. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com.