Closing Date: 19th October, 2025
Description:
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. As a key member of our team, we will train you in the nuances of tort law, help hone your motion practice, discovery and litigation skills, and prepare you to be a first-rate trial attorney. 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.
Some Key Responsibilities in this position are:
Qualifications:
In addition to meeting the qualifications to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, the successful candidate will have:
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 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.
- 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.
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 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.
