Assistant Attorney General - Spokane Division's Labor & Industries Section

State of Washington•Spokane County – Spokane, WA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Attorney General's Office (AGO) is seeking an Assistant Attorney General for the Labor & Industries Section in the Spokane Division. This role serves the Department of Labor and Industries (DLI) by providing legal advice and representation in industrial insurance cases, including workers' compensation claims, building trades litigation, fraud cases, wage and hour cases, and Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act violations. Attorneys practice in various legal forums, from administrative hearings to state appellate courts. The position involves representing DLI before the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals (BIIA) and superior courts, handling complex legal and medical issues related to injured worker benefits. Cases are primarily out of Benton, Franklin, and Walla Walla Counties, with an emphasis on jury trials, and require regular travel. Attorneys independently manage all aspects of civil litigation, including discovery, motion practice, and resolving cases through hearings, trials, or settlements. The AGO values teamwork, diversity, integrity, professionalism, civility, and transparency, aiming to protect workers, preserve the industrial insurance fund, and help injured workers heal and return to work. The Spokane L&I Section offers mentorship, a team atmosphere, and supports flexibility and creativity.

Requirements

Must meet the requirements to serve as an Assistant Attorney General.
Must have graduated from a law school accredited by the ABA or completed the WSBA's Rule 6 Law Clerk Program.
Must be licensed to practice law in Washington State (or actively pursuing admission).
Demonstrated and expressed interest in the practice of public sector law.
Strong writing and oral advocacy skills.
Ability to manage an active caseload, identify and prioritize tasks, and meet short deadlines.
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.
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.
Practical experience communicating or working with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Familiarity with the Washington Civil Rules and Washington Rules of Evidence and the Administrative Procedures Act.
Commitment to public service as demonstrated by background, talents, attitude, and enthusiasm for public law practice.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with state laws administered by the Department of Labor and Industries, particularly the Industrial Insurance Act and/or the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act.
Three years’ experience in civil litigation.

Responsibilities

Represents the Department of Labor and Industries before the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals (BIIA) and superior courts in industrial insurance cases.
Represents the Department of Labor and Industries in industrial insurance premium assessment and collection cases.
Handles cases involving the Washington Industrial Insurance Act and/or the Washington Safety and Health Act.
Conducts direct and cross-examination in hearings and depositions.
Effectively handles motion practice and discovery.
Conducts legal research and writes briefs and pleadings.
Interacts with outside parties and stakeholders.
Negotiates resolutions.
Presents arguments orally and in writing.
Engages in superior court practice, including jury trials.