Assistant Attorney General - Corrections Division, Spokane or Tumwater

State of Washington•Multiple Locations Statewide, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Washington State Attorney General’s Office is hiring an Assistant Attorney General for the Corrections Division’s Habeas Corpus & Sentencing Unit. The role may be located in Spokane or Tumwater, with preference for candidates willing to work in the Spokane office. The attorney will provide litigation and legal-advice services to the Washington Department of Corrections (DOC) and, in some matters, the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board and Governor’s Office. The work includes defending state criminal convictions and sentences in federal habeas corpus actions; representing DOC and the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board in personal restraint petition proceedings; advising DOC officials on sentencing and community custody matters; identifying and seeking correction of unlawful criminal sentences; and advising DOC and the Governor’s Office on interstate matters. The position offers opportunities to develop legal research, writing, and oral advocacy through litigation in the Ninth Circuit, Washington Court of Appeals, and Washington Supreme Court. The unit is described as collaborative and collegial, with mentorship and training available to attorneys at all experience levels. The AGO values public service, professional development, work-life balance, and an inclusive and respectful workplace. Applicants must apply online and upload a letter of interest, resume, law school transcript showing the JD conferral date, 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 pursuing admission by motion may also be considered if they meet the other stated qualifications.
Demonstrate a strong work ethic and can-do attitude.
Exercise excellent judgment.
Be able to multitask and independently manage a robust caseload, with appropriate supervision and mentorship.
Have superior communication and analytical skills.
Be able to advance legal arguments through persuasive, concise, and respectful writing.
Show commitment to continuous improvement, professional growth, and contributing to colleagues’ professional growth.
Demonstrate commitment to public service.

Nice To Haves

Significant litigation experience is ideal, though applicants at all experience levels are welcome.
Experience practicing criminal law.
Experience litigating personal restraint petitions in the Washington Court of Appeals.
Experience litigating federal habeas corpus cases.
Appellate practice experience in state and federal court.
Experience litigating federal civil rights cases under 42 U.S.C. § 1983.

Responsibilities

Defend state criminal convictions and sentences in federal habeas corpus actions brought under 28 U.S.C. § 2254.
Represent DOC and the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board in personal restraint petition proceedings in the Washington Court of Appeals.
Advise DOC officials on sentencing and community custody issues, including interpretation of the Sentencing Reform Act and application of state and federal constitutional principles.
Review criminal sentences for legal errors and seek correction in the Washington Court of Appeals to prevent DOC from carrying out unlawful sentences.
Advise DOC and the Governor’s Office on interstate matters, including supervision compacts and fugitive extradition requests.

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.
Transparent salary schedule; AAG salaries are set between $83,856 and $157,080, with the exact amount determined under Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA.
Payment of general bar dues for someone who begins the assignment on or before January 31, under Article 10.8 of the AWAAG CBA.
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, retirement, life insurance, and basic long-term disability insurance.
Collaborative and supportive work environment that values professional development and work-life balance.