Closing Date: 23rd October, 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.

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 (https://www.atg.wa.gov/publications-reports) and view THIS VIDEO. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rre5kM4XhLw&feature=youtu.be)

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:
  • Transparent salary - $187,600
  • 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
  • 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

The Washington State Attorney General's Office is seeking an attorney with significant management and legal experience to fill the position of Division Chief of the Labor and Industries (LNI) Division. (https://www.atg.wa.gov/labor-industries)

The LNI Division consists of approximately 50 attorneys and 75 professional support staff located in Seattle and Tumwater. While this position will preferably be located in Tumwater, a Seattle location may also be considered depending on circumstances such as the successful candidate's county of residence. Regardless of the position's location, regular travel between both locations and occasional travel to other offices throughout the state is required.

Duties:
The LNI Division Chief is responsible for the overall management of the division and ensures delivery of legal services, a mix of litigation and client advice, to the Department of Labor and Industries (Department). The Division Chief is lead counsel to the Director of the Department and coordinates legal issues and litigation involving the Department across the Attorney General's Office. This includes working with the Tacoma, Spokane, and Regional Services Division teams that also represent the Department. It also includes legal work with other divisions when there are joint regulatory efforts by the Department and other agencies. The Division Chief also manages and coordinates the budget for legal services.

Qualifications:
In addition to meeting the requirements to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, the Division Chief should be an outstanding leader and team player with strong oral and written communication skills. The successful candidate will demonstrate abilities and experience in the following areas:
  • Civil Litigation. While experience with LNI litigation including a background in workers' compensation, workplace safety, or wage and hour law is preferred, it is not required;
  • Providing independent, sound legal advice on a wide variety of complex issues to knowledgeable high-level clients;
  • Developing and carrying out systemic approaches to legal services in response to changing client needs, as well as organizational and budget issues;
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to collaborate and foster teamwork. This includes the cultivation of strong relationships with the client, others in the AGO, and external parties. It also includes the ability to create a working environment that is collaborative, diverse in perspective, inclusive, and innovative; and
  • Leadership skills and competence in mentoring and supervising other employees. The ability to build respect and trust and provide timely recognition and constructive feedback are key.

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:
Salary range for this position is $187,600 annually. Division Chief salaries are based on experience, qualifications and are commensurate with comparable positions in the AGO. This position is exempt from representation by the Association of Washington Assistant Attorneys General/Washington Federation of State Employees AFSCME Council28, AFL-CIO. 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 and preferably as PDFs:
  • A letter of interest;
  • Resume;
  • Law school transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable); and
  • Writing sample (10 pages or less).

If you have questions about this position or wish to learn more about it before applying, you are welcome to contact Deputy Attorney General Erika Uhl at (360) 586-2563 or via email at Erika.Uhl@atg.wa.gov.

The Washington State Office of the Attorney General does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

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 age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability 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.