Skip to main content
Posted May 01, 2024

Assistant Attorney General - Regional Services Division, Kennewick

State of Washington
Kennewick, WA Full Time
Reference: StateofWashington4380246

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.

All employees and volunteers of the Washington State Attorney General's Office serve a crucial role in the protection of the state, its people and resources, thereby providing an incomparable degree of job satisfaction. The AGO is composed of diverse, collegial and supremely talented legal professionals who are resolute in their commitment to public service and share the common goal of advancing the public interest. For more information about the AGO, we encourage you to review the Office's Annual Report which can be found HERE and view THIS VIDEO.

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 General's Office is looking for an attorney to serve in its Regional Services Division in Kennewick, WA. This attorney will work in a high volume litigation practice entailing frequent state court docket and trial appearances.

* * * * * * * * * * * *
Kennewick is one of the Tri-Cities in southeast Washington composing the cities of Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco, which when combined make the Tri-Cities the fourth largest city in the state and second largest in eastern Washington. With over 300 days of sunshine, the Tri-Cities offers affordable living, outdoor recreational opportunities adjacent to the Yakima, Snake and Columbia Rivers in a four-season climate and is located in the heart of Washingtons wine country. For more information about the Tri-Cities, visit the official website.

The attorneys in this division are assigned to a wide variety of clients according to the needs of the client agencies and the office, as well as the skills, experiences, and professional development needs of attorneys. Client agencies served by this division in this location include the Department of Children Youth and Families in juvenile dependency and termination of parental rights litigation as well as licensing of daycare, and foster care facilities; the Department of Labor and Industries in workers compensation matters; the Department of Social and Health Services in residential care facilities, adult boarding homes and in Adult Protective Services matters; the Department of Employment Security in unemployment compensation appeals; the Department of Licensing in drivers license revocation and suspension matters; as well as Columbia Basin College; Walla Walla Community College; and Educational Service District 123. The preferred candidate for this position should understand that he/she might be assigned to any of these client agencies depending on the needs of the office.


Based upon this combination of client agencies, work for Assistant Attorneys General (AAGs) in the Kennewick section can vary widely. Primary caseloads for this position will involve representation of the Department Children, Youth and Families (DCYF).


For representation of DCYF, the assigned AAG can expect to:

  • Evaluate evidence to determine legal sufficiency to support court intervention;
  • Review relevant petitions and other documents;
  • Apply the Indian Child Welfare Act and the Washington Indian Child Welfare Act to the juvenile cases;
  • Consult with social workers and other agency employees;
  • Submit and respond to discovery;
  • Prepare witnesses and evidence for hearing or trial;
  • Review reports submitted to the court;
  • Perform research and analysis;
  • Submit relevant briefing to the court;
  • Communicate frequently with other attorneys and guardians ad litem to resolve issues related to underlying cases;
  • Consider settlement options; and
  • Take all other actions related to these matters.
The attorney hired for this position will join a division composed of talented and dedicated colleagues, all of whom are determined to provide the best legal services for the clients and people they serve. At the same time, the Regional Services Division, like the whole of the Attorney General's Office, is committed to creating and maintaining an atmosphere, which is supportive, inclusive and collegial for its employees, with the shared goal of achieving a high level of personal and professional satisfaction.

In addition to meeting the requirements to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, the successful candidate in this position will have the following qualifications:


  • Experience litigating cases in Superior Court and administrative forums;
  • Experience presenting and defending motions;
  • Experience interviewing and presenting witnesses;
  • Experience providing client advice;
  • Familiarity with the Washington Civil Rules and Washington Rules of Evidence, and the Administrative Procedures Act; and
  • A demonstrated ability to foster teamwork and collaboration and promote a positive work environment that recognizes and respects all employees.

Demonstrated ability to independently manage time, to identify and prioritize tasks necessary to complete, and to maintain a well-organized practice under significant caseload demands are essential.


To serve as an Assistant Attorney General, one must have graduated from a law school accredited by the ABA or completed the WSBA's Rule 6 Law Clerk Program; and be licensed to practice law in Washington state. (Applicants who meet the other stated qualifications and are actively pursuing admission by motion will also be considered.) The AGO seeks applicants who are committed to public service as demonstrated by an applicant's background, talents, attitude, and enthusiasm for public law practice. The AGO greatly encourages, celebrates and values diversity, appreciating that a workforce composed of those from different backgrounds and experiences creates an inclusive environment, strengthens positive relationships with the local community and brings new perspectives and approaches to fulfill its mission of providing excellent, independent and ethical legal services to the State of Washington and protecting the rights of its people.

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. 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 want to learn more about it before applying, we welcome and encourage you to contact Section Chief Bryan Ovens at [email protected]. This position is open until filled and 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.

Sign up for Job Alerts