Assistant Attorney General - Sexually Violent Predator Unit, Criminal Justice Division - Washington Attorney General's Office
Agency Name: Washington Attorney General's Office
Position / Job Title : Assistant Attorney General - Sexually Violent Predator Unit, Criminal Justice Division
Location: Seattle
Category : Attorney
Job Description: The Bob Keppel Criminal Justice Division (CRJ) of Washington State Attorney General's Office has two openings in its downtown Seattle, WA office for attorneys interested in prosecuting the civil commitment of sexually violent predators under RCW 71.09. The mission of the Criminal Justice Division is to work with and support its partners in the criminal justice community in creating safe communities. The attorneys selected for these positions will work to provide safer communities by prosecuting sexually violent predator cases throughout Washington State. One position is permanent while the other position is currently a temporary position through September 2022, but may be extended. History has shown that the high-level skills, experiences, and opportunities obtained from serving as an AAG in the Criminal Justice Division result in an extremely qualified candidates for future AGO opportunities. Should this particular temporary position not be extended, the AAG will be encouraged to apply for other select AGO positions.
We seek attorneys with demonstrated trial experience and exceptional legal writing and oral advocacy skills. The attorney hired for this position will work with attorneys, paralegals, legal assistants and investigators within the Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) Unit of the Criminal Justice Division. Sexually violent predators are generally those persons releasing from prison who meet specific criteria under Washington law, to include a history of sexually violent offense(s) and a mental condition that makes the person likely to commit predatory acts of sexual violence if released to the community. SVP's are housed at the Special Commitment Center on McNeil Island unless court-approved for restricted release to the community. By identifying and interrupting those offenders most likely to commit new crimes, SVP Prosecutors make a unique and direct impact on community safety.
The selected candidate’s will primarily practice in superior court, but may also have the opportunity to handle appellate cases in the Washington State Court of Appeals, Washington State Supreme Court and federal courts on an occasional basis. SVP cases are civil in nature but some aspects of criminal law come into play. Litigation duties therefore include discovery practice under the civil rules, taking and defending depositions, submitting and responding to interrogatories and requests for production, jury and/or bench trials, and extensive motion practice.
Work in the SVP Unit is demanding but rewarding. The selected candidate will join a staff of experienced attorneys and professional staff dedicated to safer communities. The selected candidate must contribute to a collegial and inclusive work environment. The position is located in downtown Seattle, WA, but travel around the state for trial preparation and court hearings/trial is required.
Qualifications
In addition to meeting the qualifications to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, preferred candidates will also possess:
-Three years litigation experience in either civil or criminal law;
-Strong interpersonal skills to work well with others in an inclusive, collegial setting;
-Superior motivation and organizational skills;
-The ability and desire to develop complex litigation skills; and
-Superior advocacy skills required to bring cases to a successful resolution.
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. 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 protect the rights of its people.
NOTE! The applicants selected will be required to submit to and pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check conducted by the Washington State Patrol, Criminal Records Division. The incumbent will submit to additional background checks as a condition of employment every five (5) years thereafter.
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Per AGO Policy, as a condition of employment, existing employees and volunteers of the Washington State Attorney General's Office must be fully vaccinated. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. If you are selected to serve within the AGO as an employee or volunteer, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination before you are able to begin work. You may request an accommodation if you are unable to meet the requirement due to a medical or religious necessity. Currently all staff, whose duties permit, are teleworking although the AGO plans to re-open its offices for visitors and staff beginning April 4, 2022.
Supplemental Information
These AAG 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 start at $69,396. Ultimately, AAG salaries are set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA. The position's location is King County and thus the person hired would be eligible for 5% King County Assignment pay per legislative action. 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.
Interested applicants must apply by hitting the "apply" button above. In addition to the on-line application, one must upload, via the system:
-A letter of interest;
-Resume;
-Law school transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable); and
-Writing sample.
If you have questions about this position and/or wish to learn more about it before applying, we welcome and encourage you to contact SVP Section Chief Josh Choate at (206) 389-3017 or joshua.choate@atg.wa.gov. The deadline to apply is March 17, 2022.
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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.
The AGO is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation/gender identity, age, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, retaliation 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 Kalea Muigai at 360-586-7698. 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.
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Application Deadline: 3/17/2022