Assistant Attorney General - Torts Division's Early Resolution Program - Washington Attorney General's Office
Agency Name: Washington Attorney General's Office
Position / Job Title : Assistant Attorney General - Torts Division's Early Resolution Program
Location: Olympia, Seattle, or Tacoma
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 significant litigation experience for its Early Resolution Program (ERP).
Duties
The Torts Division defends state agencies and their employees in state and federal courts on a wide array of tort, personal injury, civil rights, and employment claims. The work of the Torts Division is demanding, stimulating and rewarding; lawyers who enjoy working on cutting-edge legal issues thrive here. 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.
The successful candidate will be responsible for examining claims and lawsuits in an effort to determine if they can be resolved without incurring the expense associated with fully litigated cases. Claims typically involve alleged negligence, civil rights violations, or employment discrimination against state agencies and employees.
The ERP attorney's tasks include:
-Analyzing the availability of insurance and making an appropriate tender of the case;
-Assessing whether the state has significant liability exposure and an expedited resolution process might result in significant cost savings;
-Determining whether an attempted early resolution process could avoid exposure for an award of significant attorney fees; and
-Recommending motions that can be brought early in the litigation before substantial costs have been incurred.
ERP attorneys work closely with investigators, helping them focus their investigations on information necessary to resolve the case. The ERP attorney's duties include interviewing claimants, analyzing liability, damages and witness presentation, presenting cases for evaluation and managing the resolution process with clients through mediation and direct negotiation.
Attorneys in the ERP may also coordinate a resolution process while working closely with other Assistant Attorneys General and support staff who will be preparing a case for the litigation process.
The Torts Division also provides progressive training by seasoned professionals that allows attorneys to assume responsibility for increasingly complex and difficult cases. Most of the work will be centered in Northwest Washington, but some of it may require travel throughout the state. The position may be located in Olympia, downtown Seattle OR Tacoma, WA depending upon the needs and interests of the selected candidate.
Qualifications
In addition to meeting the requirements to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, the preferred candidate should 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.
A strong foundation (at least 5 years) of litigation expertise is essential for this position. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience evaluating and resolving cases through direct negotiation and mediation, outstanding oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills and strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
The following experience also is desirable:
-Interviewing witnesses and conducting depositions;
-Interacting with high level client representatives;
-Working with insurance tenders of defense;
-Conducting trials in superior or federal court;
-Drafting briefs;
-Working with expert witnesses; and
-Working with people who have a diverse background, experience and communication style.
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. Please note: positions located in King County are 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. 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 Managing AAG Greg Silvey at (360) 586-6423.
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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: 3/23/2022