Closing Date: 19th February, 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.

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 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, the Torts Division is the place for you! This position can be located in Seattle, Tacoma, Tumwater, or Spokane.

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

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

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 $82,212 - $153,996. Salaries are 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/) 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 (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/)
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

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. The Contract Manager for the Torts Special Assistant Attorney General (SAAG) program is responsible for overseeing contract management and performance of outside counsel handling tort matters. This position works collaboratively with SAAGs to ensure the delivery of high-quality legal services and consistent representation across assigned litigation. 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.

Key Responsibilities:

Manage contracts for the Torts SAAG program, ensuring compliance with applicable policies and procedures.
Coordinate with SAAGs and outside counsel to support effective case handling and high-quality legal representation.
Identify training needs and practice issues to promote consistency and best practices across tort litigation.
Provide general consultation regarding agency operations and legal processes.
Offer guidance on AGO/DES accounting procedures related to contract and case management.
Monitor case progress, performance metrics, and timelines to ensure matters are managed efficiently and effectively.
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 enviro