Associate General Counsel

State of Washington • Thurston County – Olympia, WA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

This is a new position within the office that will assist with providing legal advice and strategic guidance to the Governor and Governor’s Office staff on a broad range of complex issues. The work is fast-paced, intellectually engaging, and deeply connected to public service. This position offers a unique opportunity to work on meaningful, high-impact issues affecting communities across the state. This includes healthcare, immigration, public safety, infrastructure, and other emerging legal and policy matters facing the executive branch. You’ll also have the unique opportunity to research and analyze legal issues, provide written and verbal legal briefings, and guide litigation involving the Governor’s Office and state agencies. This role also supports the Governor’s judicial appointments process and clemency process, among other impactful bodies of work. If you’re motivated by a desire to serve the public and want your work to have a direct impact on people and communities across Washington, this is an opportunity to help shape policy and decision-making at the highest levels of state government.

Requirements

• Degree from an ABA-accredited law school or completion of the WSBA’s Rule 6 Law Clerk Program.
• Licensed to practice law in Washington.
• Strong legal research and writing skills and the ability to consistently produce high-quality work.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to successfully handle competing, time-sensitive assignments.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing and orally.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively as a member of a small, diverse team.
• A high level of motivation with the ability to work independently, be a team player, and seek opportunities for professional growth.
• The ability to learn and grow.
• The ability to meet the needs of others.

Nice To Haves

• Civil legal experience with litigation and alternative dispute resolution.
• Criminal legal experience.
• Experience advising government clients or working in state government.
• Judicial clerkship experience.

Responsibilities

• Research and advise on legal issues affecting the work of the Governor and the Governor’s office, including: the Governor’s powers and duties; proposed state legislation; state–federal relations; clemency; ethics; and public records.
• Provide written and in-person legal briefings to the Governor and Governor’s Office staff.
• Monitor and guide litigation involving the Governor’s Office and significant legal disputes involving cabinet agencies, and coordinate with legal counsel at the Attorney General’s Office.
• Handle appeals of agency rulemaking decisions pursuant to RCW 34.05.330(3).
• Assist in evaluating candidates for judicial appointments.

Benefits

• An environment of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• 12 paid holidays, 14 paid vacation days (minimum), and 12 days of sick leave per year
• State retirement programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level