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.

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://agportal-s3bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/uploadedfiles/2021%20Annual%20Report%20%26%20Divisions%20Report.pdf) (Download PDF reader (https://get.adobe.com/reader/)) and view This Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rre5kM4XhLw&feature=youtu.be).

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 $74,520 and $139,572. The exact amount is 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 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 (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)
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

The Washington State Attorney General's Office seeks an attorney to serve in its Utilities and Transportation Division (https://www.atg.wa.gov/utilities-transportation).

The Utilities and Transportation Division of the AGO provides comprehensive legal services to the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which regulates the rates, services, and practices of investor-owned utilities (electric, natural gas, water, and telecommunications companies) and common carriers (railroads, household goods carriers, bus companies, solid waste collection companies, private ferries, and pipeline companies), as well as setting rates for marine pilotage service.

The Utilities and Transportation Division is one of the smaller divisions in the AGO, with seven attorneys and two professional staff. Divisional personnel work closely and collaboratively with the Commission and its staff on a mix of litigation and client advice.

Duties:
The division's litigation work involves appearances before both administrative tribunals and state and federal courts. This includes representing the Commission's regulatory and consumer protection staff in proceedings before the Commission, representing the Commission before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or the federal Surface Transportation Board, defending the Commission's orders on review in Washington's courts, and defending against challenges brought against the public service laws or the Commission's rules in original actions in state or federal courts.

The division's client advice work involves assisting the Commission in adapting to the near-constant changes made to the regulatory frameworks governing utilities and common carriers by the Washington legislature or the United States Congress. Lately, this advice work has focused on the implementation of Washington's recently-enacted transformative energy bills, including the Clean Energy Transformation Act and Climate Commitment Act, and implementing the equity mandates in those bills and the environmental justice bill enacted in the 2021 legislative session.

Qualifications:
In addition to meeting the requirements to apply and serve as an Assistant Attorney General, the successful applicant must have the following qualifications:

Excellent analytical, research, and writing skills;
Excellent interpersonal skills;
The ability to develop and maintain strong client relationships; and
A desire to effectively collaborate and foster teamwork.

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.

If you meet the qualifications, share our vision, and have a desire to do important work that makes a difference for our community, then we invite you to apply!

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. AAG salaries are set between $74,520 and $139,572. The exact amount is 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). A competitive state benefits package is also offered which includes a choice of medical/dental insurance plans, retirement, life and basic long-term disability insurance. In addition, there are non-financial benefits that include working in a collaborative and supportive work environment where professional development and work-life balance are highly valued. The health, safety and professional satisfaction of all AGO staff and volunteers is critical to fulfilling the mission of the AGO to provide exceptional legal services. Complementing and fostering this goal is a long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship, as evidenced in the AGO's environmental policies (https://www.atg.wa.gov/environmental-policies).

Interested applicants must apply by hitting the "apply" button above. In addition to the on-line application, one must upload, via the system, preferably as PDFs:

A letter of interest;
Resume;
Law school transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable);
A List of at least 3 professional references; and
Writing sample.

If you have questions about this position and/or wish to learn more about it before applying, we encourage and welcome you to contact Division Chief Jeff Roberson at 360-522-0614. This position is open until filled, however, first review will be December 4, 2023 and ongoing after that. Interviews will be scheduled throughout the duration of the recruitment thus you are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Honoring diversity, equity and inclusion means that as an agency, and as individuals, we are committed to ensuring that all employees and volunteers enjoy a respectful, safe and supportive working environment. Only by fostering the inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures and attributes, can AGO employees and volunteers achieve their fullest potential and best advance the goals and mission of the AGO.

The AGO is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation/gender identity, age, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, retaliation or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. 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.