Assistant Attorney General - Regional Services Division, Multiple Locations

Join the Regional Services Division providing excellent litigation services and client advice to state agencies and educational institutions throughout the State of Washington.

Are you a new law school graduate looking to develop your litigation and client advice skills in an agency that provides exceptional training and mentorship?

Are you an experienced attorney looking to join a team committed to outstanding public service and work-life balance?

Do you want a diverse trial and appellate practice in a variety of courts representing clients that are committed to serving their local communities and the people of the State of Washington?

If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, we are excited to offer an opportunity to join our supportive and collaborative Regional Services Division where you will serve a critical role as an Attorney with our Juvenile Litigation team. While you will be primarily assigned to the Juvenile litigation team, RSD provides the unique opportunity to expand your experience with additional opportunities to work with a wide variety of clients including state agencies and educational institutions.

The Regional Services Division (RSD) is comprised of seven sections located throughout the State of Washington.  Sections are located in Kennewick, Yakima, Wenatchee, Bellingham, Everett, Port Angeles and Vancouver.  RSD also provides opportunities for telework in a hybrid work environment, with many attorneys also utilizing a flex schedule. The division represents the Department of Children, Youth and Families, the Department of Labor and Industries, Department of Social and Health Services, the Employment Security Department, the Department of Licensing, Community Colleges, K-12 institutions, and Educational Service Districts. RSD Sections provide an opportunity to work in a small to mid-sized office, with the support and resources of the larger agency.  This provides an excellent opportunity for mentorship and building relationships with colleagues at the local and statewide level.  

RSD has immediate openings for attorneys who are eager to practice in administrative, trial and appellate courts throughout Washington.  Current openings are located in: Bellingham, Kennewick, Vancouver, and Yakima.

More Information About the Attorney General’s Office

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 annual salaries are set between $76,752 and 149,508 in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA.

*Positions in the Yakima section are eligible for a salary, which may be negotiable within the given salary range ($83,004 and $149,508). Salaries are set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA.

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
  • 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 is recognized for its excellence and efficacy by AGOs nationwide

The primary emphasis for these positions are on representing DCYF in child welfare cases to protect abused and neglected children in dependency, guardianship, and termination of parental rights cases. The work is remarkably rewarding, while difficult at times. These cases directly influence the lives of children in our state, in a very meaningful way. Cases also involve advising the client regarding regulatory enforcement matters. The position will involve regular regional travel within Washington State.

 In your role, representing the Department of Children Youth and Families, you will get to:   

• Evaluate evidence to determine legal sufficiency to support court intervention;
• Apply the Indian Child Welfare Act and the Washington Indian Child Welfare Act to the juvenile cases;  
• Review relevant petitions and other documents;
• Consult with social workers and other agency employees;   
• Submit and respond to discovery;
• Prepare witnesses and evidence for hearing or trial;    
• Review reports submitted to the court;
• Perform research and analysis;
• Submit relevant briefing to the court;
• Communicate frequently with other attorneys and guardians ad litem to resolve issues related to underlying cases;
• Consider settlement options; and
• Take all other actions related to these matters.

In addition to meeting the requirements to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, specific qualifications for this position include the ability to quickly adapt to a practice that involves assignment of cases in a fast-paced litigation environment, and the ability to shift from one type of work to another during a given week or day.

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 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 AAG 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 $76,752 and $149,508. Positions in the Yakima section are eligible for a salary, which may be negotiable within the given salary range ($83,004 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.  

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
• A Writing sample (10 pages or less).

If you have questions about this position and/or want to learn more about it before applying, we welcome and encourage you to contact Division Chief Jennifer Mankowski Dixon at Jennifer.MankowskiDixon@atg.wa.gov.

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Honoring diversity, equity and inclusion means that 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 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.