Closing Date: 29th December, 2025

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.

Are you passionate about shaping the law through compelling appellate advocacy? Do you thrive on tackling complex legal issues and crafting persuasive arguments that can make a lasting impact? If you're ready to take your appellate career to the next level, we want to hear from you.

The Attorney General's Office Torts Division is seeking a hardworking, self-motivated attorney with a strong background in appellate practice and civil litigation to join the Torts Appellate Program (TAP). In this role, you'll join a team of four AAGs, including the Team Leader, and dedicated professional support staff. You'll have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge legal issues, from developing case strategies to drafting briefs and presenting oral arguments. You'll collaborate closely with trial attorneys, advising them on preservation of issues for appeal and ensuring the success of our cases on appeal.

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. 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 strength is in persuasive writing and oral advocacy, 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 may be based in Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, or Tumwater, depending on mutual preference, and will require some travel to Seattle and/or Tacoma, depending on position location.

Why join Torts?
Challenging Work: Handle complex appellate matters that shape the legal landscape.

Collaborative Team: 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 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!

More Information About the Attorney General's Office
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.

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:

A competitive benefit package that includes affordable medical plan options, dental benefits and retirement plans
Vacation Leave, Sick Leave, Military and Civil Leave and Paid Holidays
Transparent salary schedule - AAG salaries are set between $82,212 and $153,996. The exact amount is set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA
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
Flex schedules and telecommuting options
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 is recognized for its excellence and efficacy by AGOs nationwide

Duties:
The Torts Appellate Program (TAP) Attorney will manage and oversee complex appeals for the Torts Division, ensuring the quality and timeliness of briefs and compliance with both TAP and the Solicitor General's Office standards. This role involves handling a demanding caseload in both state and federal appeals courts, providing independent, ethical, and expert legal representation to the State of Washington. The attorney will be responsible for conducting in-depth legal research on complex issues and offering strategic advice on the preservation of legal issues for appeal. The role demands strong independent judgment, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively under pressure.

TAP attorneys serve as lead appellate counsel and as advisors supporting trial teams within the Division.

Responsibilities include:

Identifying and shaping appellate issues;
Advising on record preparation, briefing strategy, and motion practice;
Developing and drafting highly persuasive appellate briefs and motions;
Preparing advocates for oral argument and serving on moot courts;
Coordinating with the Solicitor General's Office; and
Taking over appellate cases when needed, including briefing and argument.

TAP attorneys also advise trial teams on preserving error, assist with motions in limine, jury instructions, special verdict forms, dispositive motions, and participate in case evaluations.

Qualifications:
In addition to meeting the qualifications to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, the successful candidate will have:

Five or more years of significant litigation experience;
A strong appellate and civil litigation background;
Exceptional analytical, research, writing, and oral advocacy skills;
Attention to detail, as well as an ability to understand the big picture;
A well-honed ability to guide and provide constructive feedback to others;
Excellent organizational skills; and
Judgment and discretion in handling sensitive issues.

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. Employees in the Torts Division work in a collaborative environment; thus, the ability to work effectively as a member of a diverse team and to affirmatively contribute to the Division's respectful and inclusive workplace is essential and required.

Other desirable attributes include:

Experience in both state and federal appellate courts;
Knowledge of governmental tort and civil rights law; and
Familiarity with interacting with high level client representatives

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.

Supplemental Information:
This Assistant Attorney General position is represented by the Association of Washington Assistant Attorneys General (AWAAG) / Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) AFSCME Council 28, AFL-CIO. The AAG salary for this position will be set between $82,212 and $153,996. The exact amount is negotiable and will be set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA (https://ofm.wa.gov/state-human-resources/labor-relations/collective-bargaining-agreements/washington-federation-state-employees-association-washington-assistant-attorneys-general-wfse-awaag-2023-25). The salary of an employee whose official duty station is Seattle would reflect 5% King County Assignment Pay per legislative action. A competitive state benefits package is also offered which includes a choice of medical/dental insurance plans, retirement, life