Assistant Attorney General - Torts Division

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 Attorney General's Office's Torts Division has an Assistant Attorney General position open in our downtown Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia or Spokane offices depending on the needs and interest of the person hired to fill this role. If you are interested in a dynamic litigation practice, working on cutting-edge legal issues and taking on increasingly challenging cases, Torts may be the place for you!

This position is one of three assigned attorney positions for the DCYF Team (2 AAGs and 1 MAAG). Because DCYF cases make up a large percentage of the caseload this team is in place to offer assistance and support on legal issues that arise, in addition to handling their own smaller caseload. The subject matter of the cases, typically abuse and neglect of vulnerable children, is some of the most difficult our lawyers experience.

The work of the Torts Division is demanding, stimulating and rewarding; lawyers who enjoy working on cutting-edge legal issues thrive here. 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.

In addition to extensive litigation resources, the Torts Division provides progressive training by seasoned professionals that allows attorneys to assume responsibility for increasingly complex and difficult cases. Most of the work will be centered in Northwest Washington, but some of it may require travel throughout the state.

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

A strong foundation (at least 5 years) of litigation expertise is essential for this position. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience evaluating and resolving cases through direct negotiation and mediation, outstanding oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills and strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

In addition to meeting the requirements to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, the following experience also is desirable:

• Interviewing witnesses and conducting depositions;
• Interacting with high level client representatives;
• Working with insurance tenders of defense;
• Conducting trials in superior or federal court;
• Drafting briefs;
• Working with expert witnesses; and
• Working with people who have a diverse background, experience and communication style.

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. The salary of an employee whose official duty station is Seattle would reflect 5% King County Assignment Pay per legislative action. 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 Managing AAG Aaron Young at (360) 586-6311 or [email protected]. This position is open until filled with a first review date of May 23, 2024. Interviews will be scheduled throughout the duration of the recruitment thus you are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

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.