Assistant Attorney General - Transportation & Public Construction Division
Agency Name: Washington Attorney General's Office
Position / Job Title : Assistant Attorney General - Transportation & Public Construction Division
Location: Olympia
Category : Attorney
Job Description: This position will remain open until a sufficient number of qualified candidates have applied. First review of applications is expected to occur on 5/2/22 and will be ongoing. The Washington State Attorney General's Office’s Transportation and Public Construction Division (TPC) has an immediate opening for an attorney interested in handling litigation and significant client advice to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).
Duties
TPC is a collegial team of outstanding legal professionals located in Tumwater. TPC provides litigation representation and advice to WSDOT in support of its construction, operation, and maintenance of state highways, the state ferry systems, and state-owned rail lines. The litigation and client advice work involves a wide array of legal issues, including eminent domain, open government and the Public Records Act (PRA), real estate and land use, environmental law, public construction, and civil rights. TPC litigates matters in state and federal courts and administrative forums (including the Office of Administrative Hearings and the Growth Management Hearings Board) and offers a fast-paced and intellectually demanding legal practice while fostering a friendly and professional atmosphere.
TPC considers internal training and mentoring a high priority, and maintains a respect for a healthy work-life balance. This position is approved to provide for some telework days as well as a flexible work schedule. Typical duties performed by attorneys in TPC include: -Handling all phases of litigation on behalf of WSDOT, including preparation of pleadings, discovery, alternative dispute resolution (ADR), trial, and appeals; -Working positively within a team setting to develop effective legal strategies; -Providing options-based legal advice to clients and AGO management; -Researching and analyzing relevant law; -Advising on state rulemaking and legislative efforts; -Negotiating contracts and real property transactions; and -Providing training to agency clients and external stakeholders. While the position is located in Tumwater, some travel may be required.
Qualifications
In addition to meeting the requirements to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, the preferred candidate for this complex and rewarding work will have: -A minimum of three years of litigation experience at the state or federal level; -Experience with environmental law (including NEPA/SEPA, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act); -Experience providing advice to public agencies on the Public Records Act (PRA); -Excellent analytical, writing and oral advocacy skills; -A comfort and willingness to handle high profile, fast-paced, and challenging advice matters and cases; -The ability to promote a cooperative work environment that supports diversity at all levels; and -The ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively with clients and co-workers.
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.
* * * * * * * * * * * * Per AGO Policy, employees and volunteers of the AGO must be fully vaccinated as a condition of employment. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. Effective March 14, 2022, the AGO announced pursuant to its policy, that employees and volunteers must also receive a booster shot as a condition of employment. Employees or volunteers who are not eligible to receive the booster before their start date, due to required waiting times after receiving their initial vaccine(s), must provide confirmation of the vaccine type and date received so the AGO can calculate the date by which they must receive the booster. If you are selected to serve within the AGO as an employee or volunteer, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination and booster (if already received) 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.
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 are set between $69,396 and $129,984. 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 and 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 want to learn more about it before applying, please contact Team Leader Matt Huot at matt.huot@atg.wa.gov or 360-586-0641. This position will remain open until a sufficient number of qualified candidates have applied. It is in the applicants' best interest to submit their application materials as early as possible. The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time. This job posting may be closed at any time without notice.