Assistant Attorney General - Torts Division's Early Resolution Program, 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.    

The Torts Division of the WA State Attorney General's Office has an immediate need to fill an Assistant Attorney General (AAG) position on the Early Resolution Program (ERP) Team in the Tumwater location. Alternative worksites may be possible at either the Tacoma, Seattle, or Spokane offices of the AGO, depending on the needs and interests of the person hired to fill this role.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

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.

Benefit and Compensation Details

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:

• Competitive salary set within the given salary range $82,212 - $153,996. Salaries are set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA schedule set forth below.
• Longevity pay of 5% premium on top of base wages after 5 years with the Attorney General’s Office.
• A competitive benefit package that includes:
  • Affordable medical plan options, including vision benefits
  • Dental benefits covered 100%
  • Retirement plan (employee/employer contribution)
  • Deferred Compensation Plan
• 11 paid holidays and 1 personal holiday
• 8 hours sick leave accrual per month
• 9.33 hours to start, then up to 16.67 hours of annual leave accrual per month (based on years of state service)
• Flex schedules and telecommuting options
• The AGO will pay the general bar dues of someone who begins their assignment on or before January 31st per the AWAAG CBA
• Qualifying Employer for Public Loan Forgiveness Program
• 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 provides CLE credits and is recognized for its excellence and efficacy by AGOs nationwide.

This Assistant Attorney General position is assigned to the Early Resolution Program (Program) of the Torts Division. The Program attempts to minimize resources and litigation costs through the effective identification and negotiation of tort matters that might benefit from early alternative dispute efforts. Program attorneys also provide advice, training, and other risk management assistance to state agencies and institutions. This position supports the AGO and the Torts Division by providing excellent, independent, and ethical legal services to the State of Washington and protecting the rights of its people.

The position provides efficient and effective legal representation to state agencies and institutions and fosters an environment in the Torts Division that supports the mission, vision, values, and goals of the AGO. All attorneys in Torts must have the ability to litigate contested matters, interview witnesses, conduct all forms of discovery, including depositions, retain and prepare experts, develop effective trial strategy, employ alternative dispute resolution tools, and conduct trials. Attorneys must be familiar with both state and federal rules of civil procedure. Additionally, this role is expected to actively mentor and direct attorneys of varying levels of expertise in the alternative dispute process and will work with agency clients directly to resolve claims and litigation brought against the state agencies.

This Assistant Attorney General (AAG) will be required to successfully mediate, negotiate and resolve matters pre-litigation, and before municipal, state, and federal courts, often without the benefit of full discovery. This attorney represents clients in early resolution efforts and provides risk management advice to clients. The person in this position must be able to succeed in a high-volume practice, be adaptable and flexible and possess strong lawyering, communication, organizational, and case management skills. 

The successful candidate will have:

Employees in the Torts Division work in a collaborative environment; thus, the ability to work as a member of the team and to affirmatively contribute to the Division’s respectful and inclusive workplace is essential and required.

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. The AAG salary for this position will be 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. 

• A letter of interest;
• Resume;
• Law school transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable) showing date law degree conferred; and
• A Writing sample (10 pages or less).

If you have questions about this position and/or wish to learn more about it before applying, we encourage and welcome you to contact Heather Welch at heather.welch@atg.wa.gov or 360-586-6400.

*************************

The Washington State Office of the Attorney General does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

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, mental or physical disability 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.