Assistant Attorney General - Gov. Compliance & Enforcement Division, Olympia

State of Washington•Thurston County – Olympia, WA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Attorney General’s Office’s Government Compliance and Enforcement Division (GCE), Advice and Compliance Section, seeks an Assistant Attorney General. The successful candidate will join a section of 11 attorneys providing legal advice and related litigation services to client agencies. GCE has 60 attorneys and professional staff and serves nearly 40 state agencies, boards, and commissions. The position offers the opportunity to work closely with assigned agencies on complex, high-profile, and cutting-edge legal issues. Final client assignments will depend on experience, interests, and division needs; the attorney will likely serve as lead counsel to one or more agencies. The work is primarily advice-based and involves frequent contact with clients through meetings, calls, email, and written memoranda. Topics include agency authority, state and federal law, constitutional questions, public records, open public meetings, proposed legislation, contracts, rulemaking, and other Administrative Procedure Act matters. Attorneys occasionally handle litigation and collaborate with colleagues by sharing resources. The AGO describes its workplace as collegial, inclusive, collaborative, and supportive of work-life balance and professional development. The role is represented by the Association of Washington Assistant Attorneys General (AWAAG) / Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) AFSCME Council 28, AFL-CIO. Applicants must apply online and provide a letter of interest, résumé, law school transcript showing the date the law degree was conferred, and a writing sample of 10 pages or less.

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 by motion may also be considered if they meet the other stated qualifications.
Prior experience providing client advice.
Experience with state agency operations.
Familiarity with litigation in state and federal court.
Strong research, writing, and oral presentation skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills for interacting with clients and others.
Ability to handle competing, time-sensitive assignments successfully.
Commitment to a diverse, creative, and collaborative work environment and to public service.

Nice To Haves

At least three years of experience as a practicing attorney is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide legal advice and related litigation services to assigned client agencies.
Likely serve as lead counsel to one or more assigned agencies.
Advise clients on the scope of their authority, interactions between state and federal law, constitutional questions, public records, open public meetings, proposed legislation, contracts, rulemaking, and other APA issues.
Build and maintain strong working relationships with client agencies at the executive level and communicate through meetings, phone calls, email, and written memoranda.
Occasionally handle litigation.
Work collaboratively with other section attorneys and share resources.

Benefits

Competitive benefits package with affordable medical plan options and dental benefits.
Retirement plans.
Vacation leave, sick leave, military and civil leave, and paid holidays.
General bar dues paid for someone who begins their assignment on or before January 31, under the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
Flexible schedules and telecommuting options.
Formal AAG mentoring program.
Health and wellness program.
Training and career development program.
Choice of medical and dental insurance plans, life insurance, and basic long-term disability insurance.
Collaborative and supportive work environment that values professional development and work-life balance.