Assistant Attorney General - 2025 Honors Program

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 Washington State Attorney General’s Office (AGO) is pleased to invite you to apply to our 2025 Honors Program. The Honors Program is a yearly opportunity for qualified third-year law students (those graduating in the spring of 2026), as well as those that are judicial clerks of the appellate and federal courts, to apply for permanent, entry-level attorney positions. Historically, this culminates in offers of an Assistant Attorney General (AAG) position to approximately 5 applicants. Those who receive offers will be placed into AAG positions starting in August/September of 2026. Offers are contingent upon passing the July 2026 Washington State Bar examination or, for judicial clerks not yet members of the Washington State Bar Association, admission to the Washington State Bar by one’s start date.

Those who receive and accept an offer will be placed in a division that takes into consideration one’s preferences for division and office location assignment. Accordingly, one’s divisional and geographic preferences and flexibility is a critical factor in the AGO’s Honors application and interview process.

Regardless of one’s specific placement, the AGO offers the opportunity to hit the ground running with meaningful work, collegial colleagues, and a strong infrastructure to build a successful legal career in public service. New AAGs can expect to receive immediate responsibility for case or client representation in an environment with ample training, mentorship, and guidance.

Information about Honors candidates and their assignments from 2011 to 2024 can be found here.

About the AGO:

In furtherance of its mission to deliver the highest quality professional legal services to officials, agencies, and the people of the state of Washington, the AGO covers a diverse legal landscape, including but not limited to protecting children, vulnerable adults, and injured workers; consumer protection; civil and administrative litigation; environmental law; torts; tribal law; labor law; appellate practice; and criminal prosecution. The majority of AAGs provide litigation and client advice in support of assigned clients, the full scope of which includes more than 230 state agencies, boards, commissions, colleges, and universities, as well as the Legislature and the Governor. The AGO has nearly 800 attorneys working in 33 legal divisions in the following locations: Olympia, Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, Everett, Bellingham, Vancouver, Yakima, Kennewick, Wenatchee, Port Angeles and Pullman.

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;
• A transparent salary schedule—AAG salaries are currently set between $82,212 and $153,996. The exact amount is set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA;
• Payment by the AGO of the general bar dues for someone hired through the Honors program 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;
• A health and wellness program; and
• A training and career development program that is recognized for its excellence and efficacy by Attorney General offices nationwide.

If you meet the qualifications, share our vision, and have a desire to do important work that makes a difference for our community, then we invite you to apply!

Duties

Although every position is unique, typical duties of AAGs include:

• Researching legal issues;
• Consulting with clients and providing option-based advice as necessary;
• Developing litigation strategies;
• Identifying and preparing witnesses and exhibits;
• Crafting necessary pleadings and briefs;
• Litigating cases before administrative entities or various levels of state and federal court;
• Working directly and collaboratively with professional staff to meet and support litigation needs; and
• Positively contributing to the supportive, inclusive and collegial community that is the AGO.

Salary

• $82,212 - $153,996/year

Qualifications

To be eligible, one must be a third-year law student attending a school accredited by the ABA, or a judicial clerk of an appellate or federal court, who received a JD from a law school accredited by the ABA.

The following qualifications are highly desirable:

• Superior verbal and written communication skills that allow one to convey accurate and sometimes complex information in a clear, concise, and understandable manner;
• Interest in litigation and the ability to work both independently and in teams to successfully prioritize and manage one’s own caseload;
• Strong interpersonal skills including being a team player and being able to work with people of diverse backgrounds with respect and professionalism at all times;
• An interest in the work of the AGO and a demonstrated commitment to public service;
• A diverse background in terms of education, experience, and perspective;
• Interest and self-motivation to learn new areas of the law and develop new skills; and
• Divisional and geographic preferences that can be reasonably satisfied via the Honors Program’s timing and placement process.

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A few positions within the AGO have exposure to information that requires staff be screened and pass a fingerprint-based background check. Although it is unlikely that an Honors Program candidate would be placed into a position that requires such a fingerprint background check, given the positions’ inherent experience level and the fact that so few positions require such a check, this nevertheless provides notice that you may be subject to a fingerprint background check and be subject to additional background checks as a condition of employment every five (5) years thereafter.

Other Information

To be considered for this opportunity, hit the “apply” button. In addition to fully completing a profile and responding to all supplemental questions, you must upload all required documents, preferably as PDFs. Additional information such as writing samples and additional letters of recommendation will be accepted but are not required. Required documents are:

• A letter of interest;
• Resume;
• Law school transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable); and
• Letter of recommendation (This is the ONLY document that can be provided separately; however, it must be received by the deadline date of August 11, 2025. The letter should be sent via email to HREmployment@atg.wa.gov. If you have ever served as an AGO law clerk, it is required that you provide a letter of recommendation from your AGO supervisor.)

Timely and complete applications will be reviewed and invitations to interview will be extended. The AGO will conduct first and second-round interviews via Zoom and we will be conducting on-campus interviews in-person at the law schools of the University of Washington and Gonzaga University. If you attend one of those schools, you must adhere to your law school’s OCI deadline. Seattle University School of Law students will adhere to the general deadline of August 11, 2025. Also, for those participating in the local law school OCI’s please know that you only have to submit a resume to the career services portal for your law school but you MUST apply via www.careers.wa.gov and upload all of the required documents listed above by the school’s deadline. All other applicants must adhere to the August 11, 2025, deadline.

The AGO is not able to reimburse applicants for expenses incurred while participating in this recruitment program. Although subject to change, we do expect to extend offers to successful applicants by November 2025.

Questions about this program can be directed to the recruitment office at HREmployment@atg.wa.gov. Information about the Attorney General’s Office can be found by visiting our website at www.atg.wa.gov.

Most Assistant Attorney General positions are 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 $82,212 and $153,996. The exact amount is set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA. Positions located in King County are eligible to receive an additional 5% King County Assignment Pay. 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.

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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 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.

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.

Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022