Assistant Attorney General - Regional Services ...

The WA State Attorney General's Office is currently seeking applicants for consideration of a position as an Assistant Attorney General in the Regional Services Division in Kennewick. This position will primarily focus on representation of education clients and the Department of Labor and Industries.

Do you want to join an agency focused on providing exceptional legal services to education institutions and state agencies?

Are you an experienced attorney looking to join a team committed to outstanding public service and work-life balance?

Do you want a diverse client advice and litigation practice representing clients that are committed to serving their local communities and the people of the State of Washington?

If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, we are excited to offer an opportunity to join our supportive and collaborative team in the Kennewick Section of the Regional Services Division where you will serve a critical role as an Assistant Attorney General primarily representing the Department of Labor and Industries, Educational Service District #123, Columbia Basin College and/or Walla Walla Community College. While this would be your primary assignment, RSD provides the unique opportunity to expand your experience with additional opportunities to work with a wide variety of clients including other state agencies and educational institutions.

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.

Benefits 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, which may be negotiable within the given salary range ($88,932 and $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 Article 10.8 of 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 Attorneys General Salary Schedule – A preferred candidate, for these positions, who graduated from law school in 2024 or 2025 would start no lower than Step 4 at $88,932.

Duties:
The Kennewick office represents state agencies and higher education institutions in Benton, Franklin, Columbia, Garfield, and Walla Walla counties. Agencies include Department of Children Youth and Families, Department of Social and Health Services, Department of Labor and Industries, Department of Licensing, Employment Security Department, Educational Service District #123, Columbia Basin College and Walla Walla Community College.

The primary assignment for this position will involve representation of education clients and the Department of Labor and Industries, which includes, but is not limited to:
For education clients:

• Providing sound legal analysis, advice, and counsel on all matters referred by education clients;
• Managing outside litigation when necessary;
• Attending meetings;
• Collaboration with AAGs around the state;
• Identifying opportunities for preventative risk management; and
• Prioritizing and managing a wide variety of tasks simultaneously;

For the Department of Labor and Industries:

• Analyze court files;
• Evaluate cases for settlement possibilities;
• Conduct discovery;
• Consult witnesses;
• Prepare witnesses and evidence for hearing or trial;
• Review reports submitted to the court;
• Prepare and respond to motions; and
• Issue briefs and memoranda within a relatively short time-frame.

The members of the Kennewick office are good-humored, team-oriented, and hard working. Every member is invested in the success of the other team members. Accordingly, this division, like the rest of the AGO, enjoys a collegial, inclusive and respectful working environment in which every person is demonstratively committed to providing exceptional legal services, and each person is given the tools to excel professionally and the necessary support to reach a healthy work-life balance. This is a full-time position located in Kennewick, WA.

Qualifications:
In addition to meeting the qualifications to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, the following qualifications are preferred:

• The ability to quickly adapt to a practice that involves assignment of many cases at a time, and the ability to shift from one type of work to another during a given week or day;
• An interest in civil litigation including engaging in discovery, drafting motions and briefs, negotiating with other parties and presenting oral arguments before various courts and tribunals;
• Ability to travel to the assigned counties and throughout the state;
• Ability to use electronic files and case management tools;
• The ability to contribute positively to a team and interact successfully with interested groups and members of the public;
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills;
• Ability to multitask by managing an active caseload and meeting tight deadlines; and
• Values working in an inclusive, creative and collaborative work environment.

Whether you're an experienced attorney or you've just graduated from law school and have taken the bar, we encourage you to apply!

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.

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 $82,212 and $153,996 however, the salary for this position is set between $88,932 and $153,996. Preferred candidates for this position, who graduated from law school in 2024 or 2025 would start no lower than Step 4 at $88,932. 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 co

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