Managing AAG - Corrections Division's Civil Rights Unit, Olympia/Spokane

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 1 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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This position is also an important member of the Corrections Division’s management team and has a significant role in division operations and strategic planning. The Civil Rights Unit consists of 11.5 attorneys located in Olympia and Spokane. Management responsibilities for this Unit are divided with another managing attorney, and each Civil Rights Unit manager directly supervises 4-5 attorneys.  The managing attorneys in this Unit will work together to oversee and manage the workload of the team. The attorney hired for this position can be located in Olympia or in Spokane.

Our attorney managers are committed to the growth and development of their team members and lead by example, which includes carrying a substantive caseload and client advice workload along with their managerial responsibilities. Duties can include:

• Drafting pleadings, motions, and briefing in civil matters in state and federal courts, including appeals in both state and federal courts of appeal; 
• Propounding and responding to written discovery; 
• Taking and defending depositions; 
• Appearing in court for motions practice, trials, and appellate arguments; 
• Working with Community Corrections Officers to prosecute community supervision violations at hearings before the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board; 
• 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; 
• Communicating with incarcerated individuals and opposing counsel about their claims and litigation against the State; and
• Preparing legal advice to clients on a variety of topics, sometimes over long periods of time in memorandum format, or sometimes quickly over phone and email. 

In addition to meeting the requirements to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, significant litigation experience is preferred for this position. Experience managing, coaching, and/or mentoring others is helpful, but not required, as long as there is interest and aptitude. The ability to lead and motivate people is highly valued even if you haven’t previously been an attorney manager. A good sense of humor is mandatory. 

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. MAAG 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 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.