Assistant Attorney General - Corrections Division's Civil Rights Unit, Tumwater

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.    

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. 
 

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 $82,212 and $153,996.  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 

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The duties for this position will include: 

• Drafting pleadings, motions, and briefing in civil matters in state and federal courts, including appeals; 
• Discovery practice; 
• Attending alternative dispute resolution hearings; 
• Appearing in court for motions practice, trials, and appellate arguments; 
• Working with Community Corrections Officers to prosecute community supervision violations at hearings held inside prisons and jails throughout the State; 
• Working closely with professional staff to accomplish litigation goals and meet all deadlines; 
• Working closely with Department of Corrections employees to investigate claims and gather evidence; and 
• Communicating with incarcerated individuals and opposing counsel about their claims and litigation against the State.

In addition to meeting the requirements to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, successful candidates will have:

• Strong work ethic and can-do attitude;
• Excellent judgment; 
• A desire to litigate on behalf of the Department of Corrections
• The ability to multitask and independently manage a robust caseload, with appropriate supervision and mentorship; 
• Superior communication and analytical skills; 
• Working knowledge of the state and federal rules of civil procedure;
• Ability to advance legal arguments by writing persuasively, concisely, and respectfully; and
• Commitment to constantly striving for improvement and professional growth, and contributing to the professional growth of colleagues. 

The Corrections Division is a collegial office that values the insight and contributions of every employee. The ideal candidate for this position will have several years of civil or criminal litigation experience; however, our team has had a lot of success mentoring and training newer attorneys and we welcome applicants of all experience levels who want to work hard and achieve excellent results.

Applicants 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 $82,212 and $153,996. 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
• A Writing sample (10 pages or less).

If you have questions about this position and/or want to learn more about it before applying, please contact Division Chief Nick Williamson or Katie Faber at 360-586-1445. 

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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.