Assistant Attorney General - Labor & Industries Division, Seattle

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

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Attorney General's Office's Labor & Industries Division, Seattle has an opening for an attorney to serve as an Assistant Attorney General (AAG) representing the Department of Labor and Industries in litigation involving a number of different potential programs area including workers’ compensation, worker health and safety, and employment standards. The LNI Division is a dynamic, diverse, inclusive, and collegial division. All of the LNI Division's 100+ staff are respected for their individual contributions and attributes, and all share the same commitment to serving the public by providing excellent legal services in support of their client's mission to: protect workers, preserve the industrial insurance accident fund, and help injured workers heal and return to work. The LNI Division handles litigation and advice for the Department of Labor and Industries in a broad array of areas, including: worker’s compensation, worker health and safety, employer services, employment standards, wage theft, building trades, and crime victim's compensation. The workload of the division includes client advice and fast-paced litigation before the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals, the Office of Administrative Hearings, Superior Courts, Courts of Appeal, and Federal Courts. The Seattle LNI Division strives to make professional growth a priority and allow staff to develop their practice in areas of law that interest them, while still meeting the business needs of the section. AAGs are encouraged to take on more responsibility and subject matters as their careers progress, including training, leadership, and professional development opportunities. AAGs representing LNI can play many roles in litigation, including defense, affirmative litigation, and a quasi-prosecutorial role. The Seattle LNI Division strives to make professional growth a priority and allow staff to develop their practice in areas of law that interest them, while still meeting the business needs of the section. AAGs are encouraged to take on more responsibility and subject matters as their careers progress, including training, leadership, and professional development opportunities. In addition, the Division supports its staff members to maintain healthy work-life balance and offers flexible schedules with telework opportunities. Successful applicants can expect to have a great deal of responsibility for and control over their daily work while also working with teams of attorneys who complement and support each other. Attorneys in the LNI Division independently handle all aspects of civil litigation, including discovery, motion practice, and resolving cases through hearing, trial, or negotiated settlements. Occasional statewide travel is required, but most events can be completed remotely with few requiring in-person attendance. If in-person attendance is required, it will usually occur in southwestern Washington.

Requirements

An interest in primarily litigating worker health and safety cases on behalf of the Department of Labor and Industries before administrative tribunals, superior courts, and in the appellate courts.
An interest in civil litigation, including engaging in discovery, drafting motions and briefs, negotiating with other parties and presenting oral arguments before various courts and tribunals
An ability to handle cases electronically, including utilizing electronic files, participating in all-remote or hybrid hearings and trials, and effectively using other electronic case management tools
The ability to contribute positively to a team and interact successfully with interested groups and members of the public
The desire to participate in a growth-oriented culture that encourages learning and giving and receiving feedback
Outstanding oral and written communication skills
The ability to travel to litigation events throughout the state when needed
A commitment to maintaining the highest ethical standards
A willingness to ask for and offer help in a supportive and collegial environment
An ability to manage an active caseload, identify and prioritize tasks, and meet short deadlines
A commitment to working in an inclusive, creative, and collaborative work environment
Graduated from a law school accredited by the ABA or completed the WSBA's Rule 6 Law Clerk Program
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.)
Committed to public service as demonstrated by an applicant's background, talents, attitude, and enthusiasm for public law practice.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in worker health and safety is not required, but you must be interested in handling such cases
Prior litigation experience is not required, but for those with prior experience the division will adapt training and case assignment to the experience level of the successful candidate.

Responsibilities

Conducting direct and cross-examination in hearings and depositions
Effectively handling motion practice and discovery
Conducting legal research and writing briefs and pleadings
Interacting with outside parties and stakeholders
Negotiating resolutions
Presenting arguments orally and in writing
Engaging in superior court practice, including jury trials
Handle technically challenging subject matters, such as cases involving medical and vocational experts