Assistant Attorney General - Torts Division - Washington Attorney General's Office
Agency Name: Washington Attorney General's Office
Position / Job Title : Assistant Attorney General - Torts Division
Location: Seattle
Category : Attorney
Job Description: The Torts Division of the Washington State Attorney General's Office has an opening for an attorney with at least five years of practice experience including a strong foundation in civil litigation.
Duties
The work of the Torts Division is demanding, stimulating, and rewarding. The Division works on cutting-edge legal issues involving the defense of state agencies. Representative clients include the Departments of Corrections (DOC), Social & Health Services (DSHS), Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), Transportation (DOT & Washington State Ferries), Natural Resources (DNR), and state colleges and universities. The challenges of this fast-paced, diverse work are more than offset by the collegial team environment, the dedicated professional support staff, and other litigation resources provided by the Torts Division.
Duties will include drafting pleadings, motions and memoranda; conducting all aspects of discovery; motions practice; trials; and participating in post-trial proceedings including any appeals. We practice in federal courts and superior courts statewide. The typical caseload involves defending state agencies and employees in the northwest region of the state in cases involving civil rights, employment, personal injury, and other torts claims.
The attorney selected for this position will also be responsible for maintaining and applying a comprehensive knowledge of procedural and substantive law, working productively with agency clients, developing and executing legal strategy, conducting and answering discovery, bringing and answering motions, engaging in alternative dispute resolution, negotiating settlements as appropriate, and managing and executing all aspects of case preparation and presentation in jury and bench trials, primarily, although not exclusively, in Western Washington. The successful candidate can also expect to handle appeals on cases, including briefing and oral argument.
Qualifications
If you have strong analytical, advocacy, and problem-solving skills, enjoy a collegial team environment, have a good sense of humor, and believe that communication and respect are pivotal to success in any endeavor, you have the attributes we are looking for!
In addition to meeting the requirements to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, the preferred candidate should have:
-Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills;
-Good problem solving skills;
-Excellent legal judgment; and
-The interest and ability to work well in a collaborative team environment with the litigation support and investigative staff, the client agencies and agency Risk Managers, the Office of Risk Management, and other Torts Division attorneys.
Ideal candidates will also have strong experience:
-Interviewing witnesses and conducting and responding to discovery;
-Taking depositions;
-Drafting briefs;
-Handling an active motion practice;
-Working with expert witnesses;
-Interacting with high level client representatives;
-Conducting trials in state and/or federal court; and
-Working with people who have diverse backgrounds, experience, and communication styles.
Tort litigation experience, while advantageous, is not essential. Relevant subject matter experience is preferred but not required.
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.
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Per AGO Policy, as a condition of employment, existing employees and volunteers of the Washington State Attorney General's Office (AGO) 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 to visitors and staff beginning April 4, 2022.
Supplemental Information
This 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 start at $69,396. Ultimately, AAG salaries are 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
-Writing sample.
If you have questions about this position and/or wish to learn more about it before applying, we encourage and welcome you to contact AAG Scott Barbara at Scott.Barbara@atg.wa.gov or 206-389-2033. The deadline for receipt of all application material is March 23, 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.