Posting number: 2026-08249
Department: Attorney General's Office
Job classification: EXEMPT
Posting type: Open
Categories: Legal, Social Services, Attorney
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.(Download PDF reader)
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.
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:
The Washington State Attorney General’s Office’s Social and Health Services Division in Tumwater, WA has an immediate opening for an Assistant Attorney General (AAG) in the Healthcare Authority Section.
Our team of 44 attorneys and 28 professional staff works at the heart of Washington’s social safety net. We provide legal support for five state agencies, including the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and the Health Care Authority (HCA), to provide benefits, protection, and care to some of our state’s most vulnerable and disenfranchised residents.
Our cases range from large federal court class action cases to individual administrative appeals. Our recent cases include challenges to state employee health benefits programs and a challenge to the adequacy of the state’s mental health services.
We also handle a wide range of legal matters, including:
Our division is dedicated to fostering a positive and supportive workplace. We prioritize employee growth through a culture that recognizes hard work and provides active support for career advancement. Regular social events help us connect and strengthen our collaborative team dynamic - join us!
The Health Care Authority section of the SHO Division advises and represents the programs administered by the Washington Health Care Authority (HCA), including Medicaid, Public Employee Benefits, School Employee Benefits, and community mental health and recovery programs. The section also provides legal support to Washington's Health Benefit Exchange. The section represents both the HCA and the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) in litigation, in which they partner as co-defendants with regard to programs involving both agencies. An attorney interested in this position should possess excellent analytical and writing skills, and a desire to have a practice involving both client advice and litigation.
Issues that commonly arise in representing the Medicaid program include client eligibility, covered benefits, recovery of state funds from responsible third parties, audits of Medicaid providers (physicians, pharmacists, durable medical equipment providers, dentists, hospitals, etc.), privacy, contract disputes with Medicaid providers, and implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Medicaid litigation commonly involves disputes regarding payment rates for and contractual issues with Medicaid-contracted health care providers. Issues that commonly arise in representing the Public Employee Benefits and School Employee Benefits programs include member eligibility, covered benefits, complex contract procurement, public disclosure, privacy, and open public meetings. Community mental health and recovery program advice and litigation often involve situations where individuals are subject to the involuntary treatment act or need access to mental health or substance use disorder services. Attorneys in the Health Care Authority section appear in state and federal courts litigating different types of lawsuits including class actions and administrative litigation. In addition to the primary assignment, other work may be available representing HCA or DSHS, depending on interest and client priorities.
Typical daily work for this position may include administrative litigation regarding client benefits, working on a multi-attorney litigation team to defend agency action, and conducting research to provide options-based legal advice to clients.
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 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.
This AAG 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 $83,856 and $157,080. 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.
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:
If you have questions about this position and/or wish to learn more about it before applying, we encourage and welcome you to contact Division Chief Natalie King at Natalie.King@atg.wa.gov or 360.586.6485.
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 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.
For questions regarding the application process, please contact HREmployment@atg.wa.gov. If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at 855-524-5627 or support@neogov.com.
With its great natural beauty, Clark County, Washington, always has attracted people and settlements. Framed by the scenic Cascade Range to the east and the majestic Columbia River to the south and west, the area is a picturesque place to work, play and live.
Named for Captain William Clark of Lewis and Clark Expedition frame, our county is one of the fastest growing regions in Washington state and the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area. Today, more than 440,000 people call Clark County home.
Clark County government is one of the county's largest employers, providing a wide range of challenging positions for about 1,570 people. You can learn about current job openings, the application process, job descriptions, pay schedule and employee benefits on the Clark County Human Resources website at https://www.clark.wa.gov/human-resources.
The mission of Clark County government is to enhance the quality of life in our diverse community by providing services with integrity, openness and accountability.
