The Office appreciates the benefits of a healthy life-work balance as well as a respectful, inclusive and diverse workplace. Successful candidates will join an Office in which every person is committed to providing exceptional legal services and where individual professional development is encouraged and supported. The exceptional benefits of joining the AGO include:

• A competitive benefit package that includes affordable medical plan options, dental benefits and retirement plans
• Vacation Leave, Sick Leave, Military and Civil Leave and Paid Holidays
• Transparent salary schedule - MAAG1 salaries are set between $88,056 and $164,940. The exact amount is set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA
• The AGO will pay the general bar dues of someone who begins their assignment on or before January 31st per Article 10.8 of the AWAAG CBA
• Flex schedules and telecommuting options
• 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 is recognized for its excellence and efficacy by AGOs nationwide

The position reports directly to Spokane’s SHS Section Chief, Katie Christopherson, and will be one of three team leaders responsible for oversight of all legal services provided in Spokane, Stevens, Ferry, Whitman, Pend Oreille, Lincoln, Asotin, and Adams Counties. The position is a full case carrying position, is responsible for the direct supervision of five AAGs. The Team Leader is responsible for maintaining and applying a comprehensive knowledge of the law handled in this section. This position also requires mentoring and a willingness to actively engage in the professional development of not only AAGs but the professional staff in the section as well. The Managing AAG serves as a member of both the SHS and Spokane Division’s Management Team and is expected to actively contribute to both.

This position carries a full caseload. This caseload is often comprised of juvenile litigation cases that are, by their very nature, emergent and emotionally charged. However, the caseload may be comprised of work for any of our client agencies. The attorney will be required to work under pressure and stress and must often make prompt and timely evaluations of the known facts and evidence and prepare persuasive arguments quickly. The attorney is responsible for all aspects of the assigned caseload, including reviewing the file, preparing for hearings/trial, submitting and responding to discovery, submitting relevant briefs, motions and other pleadings, considering settlement options, keeping the client and other parties informed and meeting all case schedule deadlines.

This position also requires that the individual be able to assist other attorneys general in all forms of practice as needed by our client agencies. Cases assigned may also include contested adoptions under RCW Chapter 26.33, public disclosure/confidentiality issues, fair hearings appeals, administrative hearings, civil commitment hearings, etc. The position handles matters brought in Spokane, Stevens, Ferry, Whitman, Pend Oreille, Lincoln Asotin, and Adams Counties. This position advises and represents the Division of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) and the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) in court proceedings and through appeal, requiring familiarity and knowledge of applicable rules, statutes, and procedures.

In addition to meeting the requirements to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, the successful candidate should have demonstrated ability in juvenile dependency and terminations, have experience litigating cases at Superior Court, presenting and defending motions, interviewing and presenting witnesses, providing client advice, and arguing before the Court of Appeals. Additionally, this position requires familiarity with the Administrative Procedures Act (APA) and a demonstrated ability to foster teamwork and collaboration and promote a positive work environment that recognizes and respects all employees.

Employees in the Christine O. Gregoire Spokane Division work in a collaborative environment; thus the ability to work as a member of the team and to affirmatively contribute to the Divisions’ respectful and inclusive workplace is essential and required.

This Managing Assistant Attorney General position is represented by the Association of Washington Assistant Attorneys General (AWAAG) / Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) AFSCME Council 28, AFL-CIO. Managing AAG salaries are set between $88,056 and $164,940. The exact amount is set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA. 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. The health, safety and professional satisfaction of all AGO staff and volunteers is critical to fulfilling the mission of the AGO to provide exceptional legal services. Complementing and fostering this goal is a long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship, as evidenced in the AGO's environmental policies.

Note: In accordance with WAC 162-12-140, the AGO will conduct permissible pre-employment inquiries of preferred candidates, to include the completion of a criminal conviction screening questionnaire.

Interested applicants must apply by hitting the "apply" button above. In addition to the on-line application, one must upload, via the system and preferably as PDFs:

• A letter of interest;
• Resume;
• Law school transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable) showing the date law degree was conferred; and
• Writing sample (10 pages or less).

*************************

Honoring diversity, equity and inclusion means that as an agency, and as individuals, we are committed to ensuring that all employees and volunteers enjoy a respectful, safe and supportive working environment. Only by fostering the inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures and attributes, can AGO employees and volunteers achieve their fullest potential and best advance the goals and mission of the AGO.

The AGO is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at HREmployment@atg.wa.gov. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com.