Closing Date: 24th August, 2026

Description:

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.

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. (https://www.atg.wa.gov/publications-reports)

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 - AAG salaries are set between $83,856 and $157,080. The exact amount is set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA (https://ofm.wa.gov/hr-policies/labor-relations/collective-bargaining-agreements/washington-federation-of-state-employees-association-of-washington-assistant-attorneys-general-wfse-awaag-2025-27/)
  • The AGO will pay the general bar dues of someone who begins their assignment on or before January 31st per Article 10.8 of the AWAAG CBA
  • Flex schedules and telecommuting options
  • 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 is recognized for its excellence and efficacy by AGOs nationwide

The WA State Attorney General's Office's Government Compliance and Enforcement Division (GCE) seeks applicants for an opening in its Washington State Patrol (WSP) Section.

The successful candidate will be a part of a section of five attorneys who represent a variety of WSP programs, including Vehicle Impound, Towing and Wrecking, Asset Forfeiture, Ignition Interlock, Emergency Vehicle, Terminal Audit, the State Fire Marshal, and Work Zone Speed Camera. This position would initially focus on litigating administrative enforcement cases initiated against individuals violating the Speed Camera law while also providing support to other WSP programs.

Duties:
GCE includes 60 attorneys and professional staff. The division offers a professional work environment where teamwork, high quality legal service, and work-life balance are highly valued, and our employees are supported in their professional growth. This position is located on the Capitol Campus with direct access to downtown Olympia and the beautiful State Capitol grounds. Our employees work a hybrid schedule with both in-office and telecommute days each week. GCE provides legal services to nearly 40 state agencies, boards, and commissions, including those that protect citizens by regulating health care providers, insurers, liquor and cannabis businesses, gambling, campaign finance, ethics, financial institutions, and more. Client assignments within the division can change over time, allowing attorneys to gain experience with a wide variety of client agencies and areas of the law.

The duties of the position include client advice and all aspects of litigation. WSP attorneys litigate cases before the Office of Administrative Hearings, with occasional appearances in district court, superior court and the state's appellate courts. The attorney must be able to prioritize and multi-task. A typical workday could include conducting research, drafting pleadings and legal advice, attending hearings, and consulting with WSP personnel.

Qualifications:
In addition to meeting the requirements to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, well-qualified applicants will:
  • Have a demonstrated commitment to public service;
  • Have litigation experience at the administrative, state and/or federal level;
  • Be motivated to work closely with clients to provide options-based advice;
  • Possess strong interpersonal, analytical, writing, and oral advocacy skills; and
  • Value working in an inclusive, creative and collaborative work environment.

Criminal prosecution experience and experience with the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) are desirable but not 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 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 (https://ofm.wa.gov/hr-policies/labor-relations/collective-bargaining-agreements/washington-federation-of-state-employees-association-of-washington-assistant-attorneys-general-wfse-awaag-2025-27/). 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. (https://www.atg.wa.gov/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) showing the date law degree was conferred; and
  • Writing sample (10 pages or less).

If you have questions about this position and/or want to learn more about it before applying, we welcome and encourage you to contact Section Chief Debra Defreyn at debra.defreyn@atg.wa.gov or 360-586-2877.