Division Chief - Tacoma Division

State of Washington•Pierce County – Tacoma, WA

22h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Attorney General’s Office is seeking an experienced attorney and outstanding leader to fill the position of Division Chief of the Tacoma Division. The Tacoma Division is a fast-paced litigation division, representing the Department of Children, Youth and Families in juvenile dependency, guardianship, and termination cases as well as licensing matters; litigating workers compensation, worker safety violations and other matters on behalf of the Department of Labor and Industries; and handling cases for the Employment Security Department and Department of Licensing. The Tacoma Division handles cases before various state and federal courts, the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals, and the Office of Administrative Hearings. The Tacoma Division Chief is a member of the Office’s Leadership Team and is responsible for contributing to and supporting the overall mission and values of the Office. The attorney hired for this position will join a division that values providing high quality legal services in an environment that fosters recognition, teamwork, innovation and work-life balance. The division is composed of approximately 80 dedicated attorneys and professional staff. The division's culture is inclusive, respectful, and professional, and would be an excellent fit for someone who seeks to inspire camaraderie and mentor others within the division, as well as champion the division throughout the AGO and the Tacoma legal community. Tacoma also houses teams from the Torts, Discovery and Complex Litigation divisions.

Requirements

Considerable experience practicing law, preferably including significant litigation experience and experience advising public sector clients.
Excellent judgment and strong oral and written communication skills;
Ability to develop and carry out systemic approaches to legal services in response to changing client needs, as well as organizational and budget issues;
Outstanding interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to collaborate and foster teamwork. This includes the cultivation of strong relationships not only across the division and Office, but with clients and the Tacoma legal community;
Leadership skills and competence in mentoring and supervising other employees.
The ability to build trust and create a working environment that is respectful, collegial, inclusive, values professional development of all division members, and where recognition and constructive feedback are provided timely.
Applicants must have graduated from a law school accredited by the ABA or completed the WSBA's Rule 6 Law Clerk Program; and be licensed to practice law in Washington state. (Applicants who meet the other stated qualifications and are actively pursuing admission by motion will also be considered.)
The AGO seeks applicants who are committed to public service as demonstrated by an applicant's background, talents, attitude, and enthusiasm for public law practice.

Nice To Haves

While experience with LNI or DCYF litigation is preferred, it is not required;

Responsibilities

The Division Chief is responsible for the legal work of the division; coordinating and working collaboratively with other Division Chiefs, agency clients and community partners; managing the division budget and personnel; and handling various administrative functions.
The Division Chief supervises two Section Chiefs who manage the day-to-day legal work and supervises and partners with the Administrative Office Manager on the operations of the division, including supervision of the Tacoma reception staff.
The Division Chief also partners with team members to ensure the safety of staff and the operation of the building and engages frequently with the Director of Facilities, Safety and General Services.

Benefits

Transparent salary: $191,352 annually
Affordable medical plan options, including vision benefits
Dental benefits covered 100%
Retirement plan (employee/employer contribution)
Deferred Compensation Plan
11 paid holidays and 1 personal holiday
8 hours sick leave accrual per month
9.33 hours to start, then up to 16.67 hours of annual leave accrual per month (based on years of state service)
Flex schedules and telecommuting options
The AGO will pay the general bar dues of someone who begins their assignment on or before January 31st
Qualifying Employer for Public Loan Forgiveness Program
A formal AAG mentoring program that complements the AGO's inherently collegial and supportive environment
Health and wellness program
Training and career development program that provides CLE credits and is recognized for its excellence and efficacy by AGOs nationwide
A competitive state benefits package is also offered which includes a choice of medical/dental insurance plans, retirement, life and basic long-term disability insurance.
In addition, there are non-financial benefits that include working in a collaborative and supportive work environment where professional development and work-life balance are highly valued.