Assistant Attorney General - Environmental Protection Division, Seattle

State of Washington•King County - Seattle - Downtown Business, WA

About The Position

The Washington State Attorney General’s Office Environmental Protection Division seeks an attorney to initiate and lead prosecutions of environmental crimes. The attorney will handle or assist with all phases of criminal environmental enforcement cases before Washington trial and appellate courts. Enforcement areas include the Water Pollution Control Act, Washington Clean Air Act, and fish and wildlife crimes, including unlawful trafficking in endangered species. The attorney will work with local, state, tribal, and federal partners, including the Washington Departments of Fish and Wildlife, Ecology, and Natural Resources, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Although the division is headquartered in Seattle, the position may be located elsewhere in Washington if the candidate prefers and AGO office space is available. Occasional travel, including overnight trips, may be required. Applicants must have graduated from an ABA-accredited law school or completed the WSBA 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 will also be considered. The selected applicant must pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check and submit to additional background checks every five years as a condition of employment. The position is represented by the Association of Washington Assistant Attorneys General/Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE), AFSCME Council 28, AFL-CIO. The AGO describes its environment as collegial, collaborative, supportive, respectful, inclusive, and committed to public service, professional development, and work-life balance. Applicants are asked to submit a letter of interest, resume, law school transcript showing the date the law degree was conferred, and a writing sample of 10 pages or fewer.

Requirements

Graduate from an ABA-accredited law school or complete the WSBA Rule 6 Law Clerk Program.
Be licensed to practice law in Washington State; applicants actively pursuing admission may also be considered if they meet the other stated qualifications.
Pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check; additional background checks are required every five years as a condition of employment.
Demonstrated knowledge of criminal law and procedure, environmental law, administrative procedures, civil and criminal rules, evidentiary rules, appellate procedure, and ethics.
Ability to foster teamwork and collaboration and promote a positive work environment that recognizes and respects all employees.
Ability to maintain productive working relationships across the division and with stakeholders and help identify and resolve problems.
Strong analytical, research, and writing skills.
Excellent judgment.
Experience successfully handling multiple time-sensitive assignments.
Commitment to helping create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce and culture.

Nice To Haves

Five or more years of experience in criminal litigation.
Significant trial experience.
Experience working with underrepresented or ethnically diverse communities or groups.
Ability to read, write, or speak a language in addition to English.

Responsibilities

Direct and assist in investigations and case development.
Develop litigation strategies to address complex legal issues.
Negotiate potential plea agreements with defense counsel.
Draft pleadings, motions, and memoranda from initial filing through post-judgment proceedings.
Conduct all aspects of discovery.
Appear at pre-trial hearings, try cases before juries or judges, and participate in post-trial proceedings, including appeals.
Develop and foster working relationships with local, state, tribal, and federal partners.
Represent the AGO in public settings on sensitive or high-profile matters.
Initiate and lead prosecutions of environmental crimes and handle or assist with all phases of criminal environmental enforcement cases.

Benefits

Competitive benefits package with a choice of medical plan options and dental benefits.
Retirement plans.
Vacation leave, sick leave, military and civil leave, and paid holidays.
Transparent salary schedule; salary is set in accordance with the AWAAG collective bargaining agreement.
Payment of general bar dues for qualifying employees who begin their assignment on or before January 31.
Flexible schedules and telecommuting options.
Formal Assistant Attorney General mentoring program.
Health and wellness program.
Training and career development program.
Life and basic long-term disability insurance.
King County Assignment Pay of 5% for positions located in King County.
Collaborative and supportive work environment that values professional development and work-life balance.