Assistant Attorney General - Regional Services Division, Bellingham

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 Bellingham, WA.

Bellingham, Washington is located between the bay and mountains halfway between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. Bellingham is home to Western Washington University, the third largest state university. Bellingham has a lively local arts community, and many features of a large city without the traffic or crowds. Outdoor recreation enthusiasts will find opportunities year rounds, including snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, kayaking and hiking.

This attorney will work in a fast-paced litigation practice entailing frequent state court docket and trial appearances. The Bellingham location consists of 12 attorneys and 10 professional staff working in a variety of legal practice areas representing various state agencies and higher education institutions in Skagit, Whatcom, Island and San Juan Counties. Client agencies served by this division in this location include Department of Children Youth and Families, Department of Social and Health Services, Department of Labor and Industries, Department of Early Learning, Department of Licensing, Employment Security Department, Western Washington University, Skagit Valley College, Whatcom Community College and Bellingham Technical College, Educational Service District 189. All 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.

The attorney in this position is anticipated to primarily represent the Department of Labor and Industries in workers compensation litigation. Workers compensation litigation involves frequent depositions of medical and vocational experts, hearings before the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals and Superior Court jury trials and bench trials. The Attorney Generals Office defends the orders and decisions of the Department of Labor and Industries regarding workers seeking benefits under the Industrial Insurance Act. The position will involve regular regional travel within Washington State.

For representation of the Department of Labor and Industries, the assigned AAG can expect to:

• Analyze court files;
• Evaluate cases for settlement possibilities;
• Conduct discovery;
• Consult witnesses;
• Prepare witnesses and evidence for hearing or trial;
• Review reports submitted to the court;
• Prepare and respond to motions; and
• Issue briefs and memoranda within a relatively short time-frame.

The attorney hired for this position will need to be flexible, adaptive, organized, and able to work well with technical staff. The attorney will also need to handle technically challenging subject matter involving medical and vocational experts. The Regional Services Division offers great mentors, a team atmosphere, and supports and encourages flexibility and creativity.

• An interest in handling worker's compensation cases on behalf the Department of Labor and Industries before administrative tribunals, superior courts, and in the appellate courts. Prior experience in worker's compensation is not required, but you must be interested in handling such cases;
• An interest in civil litigation including engaging in discovery, drafting motions and briefs, negotiating with other parties and presenting oral arguments before various courts and tribunals;
• Ability to travel to the assigned counties and throughout the state;
• Ability to use electronic files and case management tools;
• The ability to contribute positively to a team and interact successfully with interested groups and members of the public;
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills;
• Ability to multitask by managing an active caseload and meeting tight deadlines; and
• Values working in an inclusive, creative and collaborative work environment.

At least 2 years of litigation experience is preferred.

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 and 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, Sarah Reyes at (360) 676-2048 / [email protected]. This position is open until filled, however, first review will be May 20, 2024 and ongoing after that. Interviews will be scheduled throughout the duration of the recruitment thus you are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

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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.