Washington State Attorney General's Office - Assistant Attorney General - Torts Division

Job link here.

All employees and volunteers of the Washington State Attorney General's Office serve a crucial role in the protection of the state, its people and resources, thereby providing an incomparable degree of job satisfaction. The AGO is composed of diverse, collegial and supremely talented legal professionals who are resolute in their commitment to public service and share the common goal of advancing the public interest. For more information about the AGO, we encourage you to review the Office's Annual Report which can be found HERE (Download PDF reader) and view THIS VIDEO.

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

• Transparent salary schedule

• A formal AAG mentoring program that complements the AGO's inherently collegial and supportive environment

• Health and wellness program

• Training and development program that is recognized for its excellence and efficacy by AGOs nationwide

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The Attorney General's Office's Torts Division is expanding! We are filling new Assistant Attorney General positions in our Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia offices. If you are interested in a dynamic litigation practice, working on cutting-edge legal issues and taking on increasingly challenging cases, Torts may be the place for you.

Duties

Torts attorneys litigate tort, civil rights, and employment cases in state and federal court on behalf of every state agency, board and commission. They provide risk management advice to a broad array of state government clients, and have the opportunity to handle their cases from inception through appeal.

The selected attorneys can expect to immediately assume responsibility (with appropriate and exceptional mentoring and guidance) for a varied caseload including but not limited to:

• Claims of negligent investigation and monitoring against the state’s child welfare system;

• Claims of negligent highway design and maintenance;

• Claims of negligent supervision against the state’s corrections agency;

• Claims of excessive force against state law enforcement officers;

• Varied employment discrimination claims; and

• Civil rights violations and other claims for money damages brought against state agencies and employees.

Torts attorneys are responsible for all aspects of litigation including:

• Developing and executing legal strategy;

• Generating and answering written discovery;

• Taking and defending depositions;

• Bringing and answering motions, including dispositive motions;

• Participating in alternative dispute resolution;

• Working with lay and expert witnesses;

• Handling jury and bench trials; and

• Participating in post-trial proceedings including appeals.
  

If you: have at least five years of practice experience, including a strong foundation in civil litigation; possess strong analytical, advocacy, and problem-solving skills; enjoy a collegial team environment; and believe that communication and respect are pivotal to success in any endeavor, then you have the attributes we seek.

Qualifications

In addition to meeting the requirements to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, applicants must also offer:

• Excellent legal judgment and litigation skills;

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills;

• Good problem-solving skills; and

• Interest and ability to work well in a collaborative team environment.

Ideal candidates will also have strong practical litigation 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 defense litigation experience is preferred but is not required. Relevant subject matter experience representing state client agencies is advantageous but is not essential.

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 no later than October 18, 2021. 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, though the AGO plans to re-open its offices for visitors and staff beginning November 29, 2021.

Supplemental Information

These Assistant Attorney General positions are represented by the Association of 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 the AWAAG CBA. The salary of an employee whose official duty station is Seattle would reflect 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 these positions and/or want to learn more about them before applying, please contact Allyson Zipp at 360-586-6444 or allyson.zipp@atg.wa.gov. The deadline to apply is October 31, 2021. Applications, however, will be reviewed and interviews scheduled throughout the duration of the recruitment and thus you are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
 

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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.