AGO Investigator/Analyst, Torts Division, WA State Office of the Attorney General

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.

Position and Salary 

The Attorney General’s Office is recruiting for two permanent full time AGO Investigator/Analyst  positions in the Torts Division. This position is located in Seattle, Washington, and is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). 

Salary Range 63: $72,924 - $98,040 

The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

The following stipends may apply based on position requirements:

• Incumbents assigned to our Seattle office location receive an additional 5% King County Location Pay stipend.  
• Incumbents assigned to a position designated as requiring dual language skills will receive a 5% Dual Language Requirement Pay stipend. 

About the Torts Division:

The Torts Division is comprised of 43 attorneys and 88 professional staff in Olympia, Tacoma, Spokane, and Seattle.  The division defends tort claims and lawsuits against all state agencies, officers, and employees.  The majority of cases are based on actions brought under theories of liability for state actions such as highway design, release of inmates, injuries on state property, medical malpractice, employment, childcare and custody, auto accidents, maritime injuries, false arrests, and unreasonable force.  Tort attorneys also provide legal and risk management advice to the Department of Enterprise Services, Office of Risk Management, and state agencies on tort matters.

The primary legal service provided by the Torts Division is the resolution of damage claims against state agencies and employees.  Many cases are resolved through successful pretrial motions, saving the state significant resources in research, discovery, and investigations.  The remaining cases are evaluated for settlement after pre-trial discovery.  If possible, cases settle through direct negotiation or mediated negotiation.  Cases that cannot be settled, or those which are inappropriate for settlement due to lack of liability, are tried before juries.  The Torts Division also handles all appeals resulting from those cases.

Duties and Essential Functions of an AGO Investigator/Analyst: 

The incumbent will conduct investigations of complex, technical, and multi-issue tort claims, and suits with high dollar value and/or of a high-profile nature brought against all state agencies, boards, and commissions in order to identify and provide appropriate legal defense in state and federal courts.   Position duties include, but are not limited to:

• Independently initiate, plan the scope and direction of complex investigations, and establish priorities in accordance with relevant statutory framework and rules of evidence, including determination of pertinent witnesses, agency speaking agents, documents, and other types of evidence to develop information critical to the agency defense. 
• Identify and analyze pertinent state and federal laws and regulations to determine applicability to case and impact on the course of the investigation. 
• Identify, locate, interview, develop rapport with, secure cooperation from, and evaluate the credibility of witnesses in many diverse situations. 
• Write clear, concise, and detailed narrative investigative reports including critical evaluation and analysis of the relevance, credibility, authenticity, and admissibility of evidence. 
• Identify, locate, collect, organize, analyze, and legally assess documentary, statistical, computer and demonstrative evidence, including records and other information obtained from public and private sources for use in civil litigation proceedings. 
• In conjunction with Assistant Attorneys General, prepare for and participate in trials. 
• As part of a trial team, cooperate in the completion of all discovery. Identify and assemble information necessary to respond to formal discovery during litigation. Review responses periodically, and update if additional information has become available. 
• Strategize case development with a litigation team including analysis of legal issues, presentation of case, and identification of key witnesses and documentary evidence. 
• Prepare witnesses, evidence and exhibits for trial and other testimonial proceedings in furtherance of the litigation effort. 
• Coordinate witness attendance/scheduling at trial. 
• Prepare deposition questions and advise the Assistant Attorney General at depositions of additional areas of inquiry or follow-up. 
• Arrange and coordinate incident/accident reconstruction activities, including scene inspection, diagramming, and filming.

This recruitment announcement may be used to fill multiple open positions for the same classification, in addition to the position(s) listed in this announcement. 

Ideal Candidate Profile 

Qualifications: 

 Bachelor’s degree and five years of experience conducting investigations, which include the authority to independently plan and conduct investigations in civil or criminal cases.  

Additional qualifying investigative experience may substitute year-for-year for education. 

About the Washington State Office of the Attorney General   Join an agency whose work impacts the lives of every resident of Washington State. The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) touches the lives of every resident in this state.  We serve more than 230 state agencies, boards, commissions, colleges and universities, as well as the Legislature and the Governor.  The Office is comprised of nearly 700 attorneys and 800 professional staff, all working together to deliver the highest quality professional legal services to Washington state officials, agencies, and entities.  This includes: 

• Economic justice and consumer protections (safeguarding consumers, protecting youth, seniors, and other vulnerable populations)
• Social justice and civil rights (addressing discrimination, environmental protection, and veteran and military resources)
• Criminal justice and public safety (investigative and prosecutorial support, financial crimes)
• And much more! 

Our agency also has national reach, representing the State of Washington before the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals and trial courts in all cases that involve the state’s interest.  If you want to make a difference, we may be the perfect fit for you!   Learn more about the AGO here.   

Commitment to Diversity Diversity is critical to the success of the mission of the AGO. This means recognizing, respecting, and appreciating all cultures and backgrounds-- and fostering the inclusion of differences between people.  Appreciating, valuing, and implementing principles of diversity permits AGO employees to achieve their fullest potential in an inclusive, respectful environment. One recent measure of the AGO's commitment to diversity can be found in its nomination for Rainbow Alliance and Inclusion Network's "Outstanding Agency Award" in 2019.  Our commitment to employee wellness is reflected in earning the 2021 Zo8 Washington Wellness Award. 

Excellent benefits   Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation, including Medical/Dental/Vision for employees & dependent(s); Vacation, Sick, and Other Leave; 11 Paid Holidays per year; Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) plans; and Life Insurance.  Beyond these traditional benefits, we offer Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, Employee Recognition Leave, and more. With the goal of employee health and wellness, we also offer flexible schedules and telework options for most positions, a Wellness Program, the Employee Assistance Program, and numerous affinity groups to foster community and connection. 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: 

In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position:

• A letter of interest, describing your specific qualifications for the position;
• A current resume detailing experience and education.

READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION COMPLETELY: 

• Carefully review your application for accuracy, spelling, and grammar before submitting.
• You may not reapply to this posting for 30 days.
• The initial screening of applications will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the “work experience” and “education” sections of your application in www.careers.wa.gov, completeness of the application material submitted, and responses to the supplemental questionnaire.
• A resume will not substitute for completing the “work experience” section of the application.
• All information may be verified, and documentation may be required.

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 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.

For questions regarding this recruitment or assistance with the application process, please contact Judith Vandergeest @ (360) 586-7691 or Judith.Vandergeest@atg.wa.gov. 

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com.