Closing Date: 5th May, 2024

Description:

A Government Entity's Torts Division in Seattle, WA is searching for a lawyer with five-plus years of practice experience including a strong foundation in civil litigation. The work of the Torts Division is demanding, stimulating, and rewarding.

The Torts Division is committed to the training and professional development of its attorneys. Experiential learning with co-counselor mentors is often used. Successful candidates will be given significant case responsibilities that are appropriate for their experience level. The Division's work-life philosophy also seeks to support employees and maximize their performance through practical and workable solutions to balancing the demands of work and personal lives. This position is located in downtown Seattle (Business District) with quick access to public transportation, freeways, restaurants, and shopping.

Duties:
Duties of the attorneys of the Torts Division will include drafting pleadings, motions and memoranda; conducting all aspects of discovery; motions practice; trials; and participating in post-trial proceedings including any appeals. We practice in federal courts and superior courts statewide. The typical caseload involves defending state agencies and employees in the northwest region of the state in cases involving civil rights, employment, personal injury, and other torts claims. Representative clients include the Departments of Corrections (DOC), Social & Health Services (DSHS), Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), Transportation (DOT& Washington State Ferries), Natural Resources (DNR), and state colleges and universities. The challenges of this fast-paced, diverse work are more than offset by the collegial team environment, the dedicated professional support staff, and other litigation resources provided by the Torts Division.

The attorney selected for this position will be responsible for maintaining and applying a comprehensive knowledge of procedural and substantive law, working productively with agency clients, developing and executing legal strategy, conducting and answering discovery, bringing and answering motions, engaging in alternative dispute resolution, negotiating settlements as appropriate, and managing and executing all aspects of case preparation and presentation in jury and bench trials, primarily, although not exclusively, in Western Washington. The successful candidate can also expect to handle appeals on cases, including briefing and oral argument.

If you have strong analytical, advocacy, and problem-solving skills, enjoy a collegial team environment, have a good sense of humor, and believe that communication and respect are pivotal to success in any endeavor, you have the attributes we are looking for!

Qualifications:
In addition to meeting the requirements to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, applicants must possess:

Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills;
Good problem solving skills;
Excellent legal judgment; and
The interest and ability to work well in a collaborative team environment with the litigation support and investigative staff, the client agencies and agency Risk Managers, the Office of Risk management, and other Torts Division attorneys.

Ideal candidates will also have strong 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 litigation experience, while advantageous, is not essential. Relevant subject matter experience is preferred 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.