Managing Assistant Attorney General - Corrections Division, Olympia

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 - MAAG salaries are set between $86,328 and $161,700.  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 Corrections Division's Habeas Corpus & Sentencing Unit in Olympia is looking for a Managing Assistant Attorney General to lead the work of this unit and represent and advise the Washington Department of Corrections (DOC).

Attorneys in this unit represent the State of Washington in all federal habeas corpus cases filed by offenders in the custody of the DOC who challenge their convictions or sentences pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2254.  Habeas unit attorneys also represent DOC in a significant number of state habeas corpus proceedings and personal restraint proceedings and advise DOC on a variety of sentencing issues. Designated attorneys from the team advise the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board and represent the Board in personal restraint proceedings. Finally, the habeas unit advises the Governor’s Office on extradition matters, reviewing several hundred extradition requests each year for legal sufficiency. The attorneys conduct similar reviews of interstate detainer requests under the Interstate Agreement on Detainers for the Secretary of the Department of Corrections.   

The unit lead will serve as a primary client contact and legal adviser for specific units at the DOC and will frequently work closely with high level DOC officials in that regard. The unit lead is an important member of the Corrections Division’s management team and have a significant role in division operations and strategic planning. The Habeas Unit consists of 4.5 attorneys located in Olympia and Spokane, and the unit lead will be responsible for direct supervision of the attorneys working in this unit. The managing attorney hired for this position will be located in Olympia.

The unit lead will also carry a substantive caseload along with their managerial responsibilities. The attorney in this position will prepare written pleadings in response to legal challenges filed by offenders—often appearing pro se—to their convictions and sentences such as personal restraint petitions, state habeas corpus petitions, and federal habeas corpus petitions. Corrections Division attorneys frequently handle appeals in the Ninth Circuit as well as the Washington Supreme Court and Washington Court of Appeals. The attorney in this position may be assigned to brief and present oral argument in one of those courts. The attorney will also be assigned to the Division’s post-sentence petition team, working closely with the stakeholders in criminal cases (the DOC, superior courts, prosecuting attorneys, and defense attorneys) to obtain amendments to erroneous judgments and sentences. That work frequently involves the drafting and filing of post-sentence petitions with the Court of Appeals under RCW 9.94A.585(7) in cases in which the Department has exhausted its efforts at the superior court level and the court has declined to amend the judgment.  

The Corrections Division is a collegial team that values the insight and contributions of every employee. Our attorney managers are committed to the growth and development of their team members and lead by example, including through carrying a caseload. In addition to meeting the requirements to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, we prefer candidates who have significant litigation experience. Experience supervising, coaching, and/or mentoring others is helpful, but not required, as long as there is interest and aptitude.

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 Managing 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 $86,328 and $161,700. 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 at 360-664-3803 or John Samson at 360-586-5132. 

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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.