Job Description

Posting number: 2025-06593

Department: Attorney General's Office

Job classification: EXEMPT

Posting type: Open

Categories: Legal, Attorney

Summary

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.

HERE

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 Tumwater office of 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, Tumwater office of 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

Why choose Olympia?

Olympia is the state capital and provides its residents and employees with outdoor adventures ranging from the waters of Puget Sound to the mountains of the Cascade and Olympic Ranges, as well as extensive theater, live music, farmer’s markets and craft vendors. Further, Olympia area residents enjoy a more affordable cost of living than some other areas in the Puget Sound region.

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

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 $83,856 - $157,080. 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.

Assistant Attorney General Salary Schedule

Base Range Step Numbers

Graduation Year

AAG Range

Managing AAG 1 Range

Managing AAG 2 Range

Deputy Solicitor General Range

Step 2

2026

83,856

88,056

92,256

92,256

Step 3

2025

87,216

91,584

95,940

95,940

Step 4

2024

90,708

95,244

99,792

99,792

Step 5

2023

94,320

99,060

103,776

103,776

Step 6

2022

98,112

103,008

107,928

107,928

Step 7

2021

102,036

107,136

112,224

112,224

Step 8

2020

106,092

111,420

116,736

116,736

Step 9

2019

110,364

115,872

121,392

121,392

Step 10

2018

114,780

120,516

126,240

126,240

Step 11

2017

119,364

125,328

131,292

131,292

Step 12

2016

124,140

130,344

136536

136536

Step 13

2015

129,096

135,576

142,020

142,020

Step 14

2014

134,268

141,000

147,672

147,672

Step 15

2013

139,632

146,628

153,612

153,612

Step 16

2012

145,212

152,484

159,744

159,744

Step 17

2011

151,032

158,580

166,128

166,128

Step 18

2010

157,080

164,940

172,776

172,776

Examples of duties

We seek motivated, hardworking, self-motivated attorneys who value working as a team defending state agencies and state employees that are devoted to serving the interests of all Washington citizens. As a key member of our team, we will train you in the nuances of tort law, help hone your motion practice, discovery and litigation skills, and prepare you to be a first-rate trial attorney. Our clients are state agencies, public officials and government employees. You will represent a diverse range of government sectors, including law enforcement, healthcare, education, and public infrastructure. Your work will directly impact the ability of state government to function effectively, and you will be at the forefront of protecting public institutions and employees from public risk.

Some Key Responsibilities in this position are:

• Defend state agencies and their employees in tort actions, including personal injury, negligence, civil rights, and constitutional claims.
• Lead all phases of litigation, from pre-trial motions to discovery, depositions, and trial preparation.
• Represent clients in both state and federal courts, preparing persuasive legal arguments, motions, and briefs.
• Collaborate with expert witnesses, investigators, and other professionals to build strong defense strategies.
• Develop tailored legal strategies in consultation with government clients to ensure the best possible outcomes.
• Conduct in-depth legal research to support case strategy and client needs, keeping abreast of evolving case law, legislation, and public policy impacting the defense of state entities.
• Draft legal documents, including pleadings, motions, responses, settlement agreements, and court briefs.
• Engage in settlement negotiations and ADR processes when appropriate, balancing the client’s best interests with cost-effective resolutions.
• Advocate for favorable settlements while being prepared for trial when litigation is the best course of action.

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;
• 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 $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, preferably as PDFs:

• 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 Brian Baker at Brian.Baker@atg.wa.gov. This position is open until filled. The Washington State Office of the Attorney General reserves the right to close this announcement at any time without notice. Interviews will be scheduled throughout the duration of the recruitment, thus you are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

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.