Assistant Attorney General - Labor & Industries Division, Olympia

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 $76,752 and $149,508.  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 Labor and Industries (LNI) Division of the WA State Attorney General's Office has an opening for an attorney to serve as an Assistant Attorney General (AAG) representing the Department of Labor and Industries in litigation involving a number of different potential programs area including workers’ compensation, worker health and safety, and employment standards.  

LNI is looking for: 

• Attorneys who are looking to develop their litigation skills;
• Has interest in representing a state agency that has a goal of doing the right thing under the law and facts;
• Aims to resolve matters short of litigation through settlement and mediation; and 
• Enjoys working in a fast-paced environment with opportunities to learn multiple areas of law.

The division will adapt training, case assignment, and litigation or advice opportunities to the experience level of the successful candidate.

The LNI Division is a dynamic, diverse, inclusive, and collegial division. All of the LNI Division's 100+ staff are respected for their individual contributions and attributes, and all share the same commitment to serving the public by providing excellent legal services in support of their client's mission to: protect workers, preserve the industrial insurance accident fund, and help injured workers heal and return to work.

The LNI Division handles litigation and advice for the Department of Labor and Industries in a broad array of areas, including: worker’s compensation, worker health and safety, employer services, employment standards, wage theft, building trades, and crime victim's compensation. The workload of the division includes client advice and fast-paced litigation before the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals, the Office of Administrative Hearings, Superior Courts, Courts of Appeal, and Federal Courts.

AAGs representing LNI can play many roles in litigation, including defense, affirmative litigation, and a quasi-prosecutorial role. 

The Olympia LNI Division strives to make professional growth a priority and allow staff to develop their practice in areas of law that interest them, while still meeting the business needs of the section. AAGs are encouraged to take on more responsibility and subject matters as their careers progress, including training, leadership, and professional development opportunities. In addition, the Division supports its staff members to maintain healthy work-life balance and offers flexible schedules with telework opportunities. 

Successful applicants can expect to have a great deal of responsibility for and control over their daily work while also working with teams of attorneys who complement and support each other. Attorneys in the LNI Division independently handle all aspects of civil litigation, including discovery, motion practice, and resolving cases through hearing, trial, or negotiated settlements. 

Occasional statewide travel is required, but most events can be completed remotely with few requiring in-person attendance. If in-person attendance is required, it will usually occur in southwestern Washington. 

Typical responsibilities of the LNI Division's litigation attorneys include:  

• Conducting direct and cross-examination in hearings and depositions;
• Effectively handling motion practice and discovery;
• Conducting legal research and writing briefs and pleadings
• Interacting with outside parties and stakeholders;
• Negotiating resolutions;
• Presenting arguments orally and in writing; and
• Engaging in superior court practice, including jury trials.

An attorney hired for this position will need to be flexible, adaptive, organized, and able to work well in partnership with technical staff and professional staff. A successful attorney can expect to handle technically challenging subject matters, such as cases involving medical and vocational experts. The LNI Division offers great mentors, a team atmosphere, and supports and encourages flexibility and creativity. 

In addition to meeting the requirements to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, the following qualifications are required for all attorneys:   

• An interest in handling worker’s compensation cases and/or worker health and safety cases on behalf of the Department of Labor and Industries before administrative tribunals, superior courts, and in the appellate courts. Prior experience in worker’s compensation or worker health and safety 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;
• An ability to handle cases electronically, including utilizing electronic files, participating in all-remote or hybrid hearings and trials, and effectively using other electronic case management tools;
• The ability to contribute positively to a team and interact successfully with interested groups and members of the public;
• The desire to participate in a growth-oriented culture that encourages learning and giving and receiving feedback;
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills;
• The ability to travel to litigation events throughout the state when needed; 
• A commitment to maintaining the highest ethical standards;
• A willingness to ask for and offer help in a supportive and collegial environment;
• An ability to manage an active caseload, identify and prioritize tasks, and meet short deadlines; and 
• A commitment to working in an inclusive, creative, and collaborative work environment. 

Prior litigation experience is not required, but for those with prior experience the division will adapt training and case assignment to the experience level of the successful candidate. Both new and experienced attorneys are encouraged to apply!

This Assistant Attorney General positions are 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 $76,752 and $149,508. 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 wish to learn more about it before applying, we encourage and welcome you to contact Team Leader Jason Dickey-North at Jason.Dickey-North@atg.wa.gov. This position is open until filled with a first review of November 20, 2024.  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 age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status or the presence of any sensory, metal, or physical disability or the use of a trained 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 HREmployment@atg.wa.gov. 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.