Assistant Attorney General - Torts Division's Early Resolution Program, Tumwater

State of Washington•Thurston County – Tumwater, WA

12h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Torts Division of the WA State Attorney General's Office has an immediate need to fill an Assistant Attorney General (AAG) position on the Early Resolution Program (ERP) Team in the Tumwater location. Alternative worksites may be possible at either the Tacoma, Seattle, or Spokane offices of the AGO, depending on the needs and interests of the person hired to fill this role. 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. 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. This Assistant Attorney General position is assigned to the Early Resolution Program (Program) of the Torts Division. The Program attempts to minimize resources and litigation costs through the effective identification and negotiation of tort matters that might benefit from early alternative dispute efforts. Program attorneys also provide advice, training, and other risk management assistance to state agencies and institutions. This position supports the AGO and the Torts Division by providing excellent, independent, and ethical legal services to the State of Washington and protecting the rights of its people. The position provides efficient and effective legal representation to state agencies and institutions and fosters an environment in the Torts Division that supports the mission, vision, values, and goals of the AGO. All attorneys in Torts must have the ability to litigate contested matters, interview witnesses, conduct all forms of discovery, including depositions, retain and prepare experts, develop effective trial strategy, employ alternative dispute resolution tools, and conduct trials. Attorneys must be familiar with both state and federal rules of civil procedure. Additionally, this role is expected to actively mentor and direct attorneys of varying levels of expertise in the alternative dispute process and will work with agency clients directly to resolve claims and litigation brought against the state agencies.

Requirements

At least five (5) years of civil litigation experience, including demonstrated experience in alternative dispute resolution, in particular mediation and direct negotiation of civil matters.
Comprehensive knowledge of issues affecting governmental tort liability.
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.
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.
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.)
Commitment to public service as demonstrated by an applicant's background, talents, attitude, and enthusiasm for public law practice.

Nice To Haves

Alternative worksites may be possible at either the Tacoma, Seattle, or Spokane offices of the AGO, depending on the needs and interests of the person hired to fill this role.

Responsibilities

Minimize resources and litigation costs through effective identification and negotiation of tort matters that might benefit from early alternative dispute efforts.
Provide advice, training, and other risk management assistance to state agencies and institutions.
Provide excellent, independent, and ethical legal services to the State of Washington and protecting the rights of its people.
Provide efficient and effective legal representation to state agencies and institutions.
Foster an environment in the Torts Division that supports the mission, vision, values, and goals of the AGO.
Litigate contested matters, interview witnesses, conduct all forms of discovery, including depositions, retain and prepare experts, develop effective trial strategy, employ alternative dispute resolution tools, and conduct trials.
Be familiar with both state and federal rules of civil procedure.
Actively mentor and direct attorneys of varying levels of expertise in the alternative dispute process.
Work with agency clients directly to resolve claims and litigation brought against the state agencies.
Successfully mediate, negotiate and resolve matters pre-litigation, and before municipal, state, and federal courts, often without the benefit of full discovery.
Represent clients in early resolution efforts and provide risk management advice to clients.

Benefits

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 per the AWAAG CBA
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.
Competitive state benefits package is also offered which includes a choice of medical/dental insurance plans, retirement, life and basic long-term disability insurance.
Non-financial benefits that include working in a collaborative and supportive work environment where professional development and work-life balance are highly valued.