Deputy Solicitor General - Solicitor General's Office, Olympia or Seattle

State of Washington•Multiple Locations Statewide, WA

About The Position

The Washington State Office of the Attorney General is hiring an experienced litigator to serve as a Deputy Solicitor General in its Solicitor General's Office. The position focuses on complex, often fast-paced federal litigation brought on behalf of Washington State to protect the rights and interests of Washingtonians. The full-time position may be based in Olympia or downtown Seattle, depending on the needs and interests of the person hired. The Solicitor General's Office handles United States Supreme Court practice; oversees and assists the State’s appellate practice in federal and state courts; leads and coordinates certain high-stakes litigation involving the federal government; represents the State in significant matters; coordinates amicus briefs; prepares Attorney General Opinions; writes and defends ballot measure materials; advises and represents certain state officials; and coordinates statewide legal issues. The office has twelve attorneys and five professional staff and describes its culture as collaborative, collegial, inclusive, respectful, and supportive of professional development and work-life balance. The Deputy Solicitor General will be part of a team leading, coordinating, and supporting affirmative litigation on behalf of Washington State, primarily challenging federal actions. The role includes leadership on high-stakes litigation teams, including multistate coalitions, and providing advice on litigation strategy and to state agencies concerning challenged federal actions. The attorney will also handle selected litigation and appeals in state and federal courts, including briefing and oral argument; support other AGO attorneys with appeals; advise state agencies and elected officials; and prepare or review amicus briefs, Attorney General Opinions, and ballot measure materials. Applicants must have graduated from an ABA-accredited law school or completed the WSBA Rule 6 Law Clerk Program and be licensed to practice law in Washington State. Applicants pursuing admission by motion may also be considered if they meet the other qualifications. The salary range is $92,256 to $172,776, with the exact amount determined under the applicable collective bargaining agreement. Employees whose official duty station is Seattle receive an additional 5% King County Assignment Pay. The position is represented by AWAAG/WFSE AFSCME Council 28, AFL-CIO.

Requirements

Significant civil litigation experience in federal courts, including specific experience with constitutional litigation and/or actions under the Administrative Procedure Act at trial and appellate levels.
Excellent analytical, brief-writing, and oral advocacy skills.
Experience managing litigation teams and an affinity for collaborative, team-oriented work.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and with people of diverse backgrounds, experience levels, and communication styles.
Interest in mentoring others and providing constructive feedback.
Graduation from an ABA-accredited law school or completion of the WSBA Rule 6 Law Clerk Program.
Washington State law license; applicants actively pursuing admission by motion may be considered if they meet the other stated qualifications.
Commitment to public service, demonstrated through background, talents, attitude, and enthusiasm for public law practice.

Responsibilities

Lead, coordinate, and support affirmative litigation brought on behalf of Washington State, primarily challenging federal actions.
Serve in leadership roles on high-stakes litigation teams, including litigation on behalf of coalitions of states.
Advise on litigation strategy and advise state agencies regarding challenged federal actions.
Handle selected litigation and appeals in state and federal courts, including briefing and oral argument.
Assist AGO attorneys with appeals by developing strategy, editing briefs, and coaching for oral argument.
Provide legal advice on a broad range of legal issues of statewide importance.
Advise state client agencies and state elected officials.
Draft state and federal amicus briefs.
Prepare and review Attorney General Opinions and ballot measure materials.

Benefits

Competitive benefits package with a choice of medical and dental plans.
Retirement plans.
Life and basic long-term disability insurance.
Vacation, sick, military, and civil leave, and paid holidays.
General bar dues paid for someone who begins the assignment on or before January 31, subject to the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
Flexible schedules and telecommuting options.
Formal AAG mentoring program.
Health and wellness program.
Training and career development program.
Collaborative and supportive work environment that values professional development and work-life balance.
Additional 5% King County Assignment Pay for employees whose official duty station is Seattle.