Description:
The Attorney General's Office's Torts Division (https://www.atg.wa.gov/torts) has an Assistant Attorney General position open in our Olympia office. If you are interested in a dynamic litigation practice, working on cutting-edge legal issues and taking on increasingly challenging cases, Torts may be the place for you!Duties:
Torts attorneys litigate tort, civil rights, and employment cases in state and federal court on behalf of every state agency, board and commission. They provide risk management advice to a broad array of state government clients, and have the opportunity to handle their cases from inception through appeal.
The selected attorneys can expect to immediately assume responsibility (with appropriate and exceptional mentoring and guidance) for a varied caseload including but not limited to defense of:
- Claims of negligent investigation against the state's child welfare system;
- Claims of negligent highway design and maintenance;
- Claims of negligent supervision against the state's corrections agency;
- Claims of excessive force against state law enforcement officers;
- Varied employment discrimination claims; and
- Civil rights violations and other claims for money damages brought against state agencies and employees.
Torts attorneys are responsible for all aspects of litigation including:
- Developing and executing legal strategy;
- Generating and answering written discovery;
- Taking and defending depositions;
- Bringing and answering motions, including dispositive motions;
- Participating in alternative dispute resolution;
- Working with lay and expert witnesses;
- Handling jury and bench trials; and
- Participating in post-trial proceedings including appeals.
If you: have at least five years of practice experience, including a strong foundation in civil litigation; possess strong analytical, advocacy, and problem-solving skills; enjoy a collegial team environment; and believe that communication and respect are pivotal to success in any endeavor, then you have the attributes we seek.
Qualifications:
In addition to meeting the requirements to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, applicants must also offer:
- Excellent legal judgment and litigation skills;
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills;
- Good problem-solving skills; and
- Interest and ability to work well in a collaborative team environment.
The ideal candidate will also have strong practical litigation experience:
- Interviewing witnesses and conducting and responding to discovery;
- Taking depositions;
- Drafting briefs;
- Handling an active motion practice;
- Working with expert witnesses;
- Interacting with high level client representatives;
- Conducting trials in state and/or federal court; and
- Working with people who have diverse backgrounds, experience, and communication styles.
Tort defense litigation experience is preferred but is not required. Relevant subject matter experience representing state client agencies is advantageous but is not essential.
To serve as an Assistant Attorney General, one 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.
