Assistant Attorney General – Torts Division’s Investigations Section, Tumwater

Description

Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at HREmployment@atg.wa.gov. 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.    

Do you enjoy cases that challenge your ability to develop and execute compelling case themes? Does the idea of litigating cutting edge civil cases that test the bounds of tort law excite you? Is one of your career goals to become a trial attorney? Then come forward and apply to join the dedicated attorneys and professional staff in the Torts Division, the largest division in the Attorney General’s Office. The Torts Division represents all state agencies involved in tort lawsuits and claims. Attorneys in this division develop subject matter expertise in wide-ranging, diverse areas of law including employment law, civil rights, highway design, and complex child abuse matters. If you believe your calling is to master the courtroom, you value a supportive and flexible work culture, and are looking to make a meaningful impact, the Torts Division is the place for you!

Why join Torts?

Collaborative Team: You will work closely with a dedicated and experienced team of attorneys and legal professionals who are committed to providing high-quality legal services to government clients.

Supportive Infrastructure: Our Agency provides ample resources, including access to cutting-edge legal research tools, expert witnesses, and administrative support to ensure you can focus on litigation and legal strategy.

Professional Growth: As a member of a fast-paced, highly respected practice, you will have the opportunity to work on high-profile cases and expand your skills in a specialized area of civil litigation. Continuing legal education and mentorship opportunities are provided to support your career development

Make a tangible impact on lives across the state by joining a mission-driven Division built on trust, teamwork, and service!

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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.

Benefit and Compensation Details

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:

• Competitive salary set within the given salary range $82,212 - $153,996. Salaries are set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA schedule set forth below.
• Longevity pay of 5% premium on top of base wages after 5 years with the Attorney General’s Office.
• A competitive benefit package that includes:
  • Affordable medical plan options, including vision benefits
  • Dental benefits covered 100%
  • Retirement plan (employee/employer contribution)
  • Deferred Compensation Plan
• 11 paid holidays and 1 personal holiday
• 8 hours sick leave accrual per month
• 9.33 hours to start, then up to 16.67 hours of annual leave accrual per month (based on years of state service)
• Flex schedules and telecommuting options
• The AGO will pay the general bar dues of someone who begins their assignment on or before January 31st per the AWAAG CBA
• Qualifying Employer for Public Loan Forgiveness Program
• A formal AAG mentoring program that complements the AGO's inherently collegial and supportive environment
• Health and wellness program
• Training and career development program that provides CLE credits and is recognized for its excellence and efficacy by AGOs nationwide.

Duties

The Torts Division is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Assistant Attorney General (AAG) to serve within the Torts Divisions’ Investigations Section. This position reports directly to the Investigations Section Chief and provides legal advice and representation in both litigation and pre-litigation matters. This role supports the AGO and the Division by delivering efficient and effective legal representation to state agencies and fostering a professional, collaborative, and mission-driven work environment. As a Torts Division Attorney, the AAG is responsible for working independently and exercising proper initiative in managing and advancing assigned cases and claims. The position requires strong listening skills, excellent written and oral communication abilities, effective problem-solving, and a steadfast commitment to public service. 

This role encompasses management of a large caseload, timely review and evaluation of claims referred by the Office of Risk Management, and strategic assessment of investigative needs, Early Resolution Program participation, or claim denial. The AAG prepares investigative summaries, counsels client agencies on legal issues arising during the pre-litigation phase, tracks statutes of limitation, manages claim closure, identifies potential defense tenders, and coordinates pre-litigation document management, including legal holds and evidence preservation. In addition, the AAG provides leadership by guiding investigative decision-making, mentoring staff, contributing to training materials and practice resources, and promoting a cooperative and inclusive workplace. The position also supports compliance and public accountability efforts by overseeing legal issues related to Public Records Act requests, maintaining expertise in tort liability and procedural rules, safeguarding privileged information, and adhering to all office policies, court rules, ethics laws, and the Rules of Professional Conduct.

Qualifications

In addition to meeting the qualifications to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, the successful candidate will have:

• An expressed interest in the practice of public sector law;
• Excellent writing and oral advocacy skills;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
• Judgment and discretion in handling sensitive issues; 
• Familiarity with insurance claims practices;
• Familiarity with the Public Records Act;
• Familiarity with civil rules pertaining to evidence preservation and litigation holds;
• Extensive mediation experience; and
• Litigation experience, in particular as insurance defense counsel.

Torts litigation experience, while advantageous, is not essential. What is essential, the successful applicant must have a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn and develop new skills, and a desire to work as part of a larger team. Relevant subject matter experience may be helpful but is not required. 

Employees in the Torts Division work in a collaborative environment; thus, the ability to work as a member of the team and to affirmatively contribute to the Division’s respectful and inclusive workplace is essential and 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.

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. The AAG salary for this position will be set between $82,212 and $153,996. 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. 

• A letter of interest;
• Resume;
• Law school transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable) showing date law degree conferred; and
• A Writing sample (10 pages or less).

If you have questions about this position and/or wish to learn more about it before applying, we encourage and welcome you to contact Scott Barbara at Scott.Barbara@atg.wa.gov or Elliot Tiller at Elliot.Tiller@atg.wa.gov..

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The Washington State Office of the Attorney General does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

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 age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability 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 the recruitment team at HREmployment@atg.wa.gov. 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.