Assistant Attorney General - Regional Services Division, Multiple Locations

Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at ... . Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at ... or www.washingtonrelay.com . The WA State Attorney General's Office's Regional Services Division (RSD) is excited to offer a unique opportunity to serve as a litigator focused on child welfare cases in counties throughout the State of Washington. Location preference is for the Tri-Cities (Kennewick, Pasco and Richland) or surrounding areas; however, an alternative worksite may be possible at any of the offices of the RSD. RSD offices are located in Bellingham, Everett, Port Angeles, Vancouver, Kennewick, Yakima and Wenatchee. The position is part of our supportive and collaborative litigation teams based in the Kennewick Office. For an attorney located outside of the Kennewick area, the trial preparation and motion practice can be handled remotely, while the trials will require travel and in-person appearance in court. The attorney will enjoy a fast-paced litigation practice with the support and collaboration from other AAGs throughout the state. While the position will be primarily responsible for dependency, termination of parental rights, and guardianship trials; there will also be an opportunity to gain additional experience with the wide variety of clients RSD serves with new and varying issues. * * * * * * * * * * * * All employees and volunteers of the Washington State Attorney General's Office serve a crucial role in the protection of the state, its people and resources, thereby providing an incomparable degree of job satisfaction. The AGO is composed of diverse, collegial and supremely talented legal professionals who are resolute in their commitment to public service and share the common goal of advancing the public interest. For more information about the AGO, we encourage you to review the Office's Annual Report which can be found HERE . Benefits and Compensation Details 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: Competitive salary - the salary for this position is set between $88,932 and $153,996 . Salaries are set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA schedule set forth below. Longevity pay of 5% premium on top of base wages after 5 years with the Attorney General's Office. A competitive benefit package that includes: 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 per Article 10.8 of the AWAAG CBA 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 Assistant Attorneys General Salary Schedule - 2024 and 2025 grads are welcomed to apply. No applicant for this position will be placed lower than step 4 on the schedule. Base Range Step Numbers Graduation Year AAG Range Managing AAG 1 Range Managing AAG 2 Range Deputy Solicitor General Range Step 2 2025 82,212 86,328 90,444 90,444 Step3 2024 85,500 89,784 94,056 94,056 Step4 2023 88,932 93,372 97,836 97,836 Step5 2022 92,472 97,116 101,736 101,736 Step6 2021 96,192 100,992 105,816 105,816 Step7 2020 100,032 105,036 110,028 110,028 Step8 2019 104,016 109,236 114,444 114,444 Step9 2018 108,204 113,604 119,016 119,016 Step10 2017 112,524 118,152 123,768 123,768 Step11 2016 117,024 122,868 128,712 128,712 Step12 2015 121,704 127,788 133,860 133,860 Step13 2014 126,564 132,912 139,236 139,236 Step14 2013 131,640 138,240 144,780 144,780 Step15 2012 136,896 143,748 150,600 150,600 Step16 2011 142,368 149,496 156,612 156,612 Step17 2010 148,068 155,472 162,876 162,876 Step 18 2009 153,996 161,700 169,392 169,392 The primary emphasis for this position is on representing DCYF in child welfare cases to protect abused and neglected children and achieve permanency through guardianship, and termination of parental rights. The work is remarkably rewarding and offers an opportunity to engage in fast paced litigation. These cases directly influence the lives of children in our state, in a very meaningful way. The position will involve regular regional travel within Washington State. In your role, representing the Department of Children Youth and Families, you will get to: Evaluate evidence to determine legal sufficiency to support court intervention; Apply the Indian Child Welfare Act and the Washington Indian Child Welfare Act to the juvenile cases; Review relevant petitions and other documents; Consult with social workers and other agency employees; Submit and respond to discovery; Prepare witnesses and evidence for hearing or trial; Consider settlement options; and Take all other actions related to these matters. In addition to meeting the requirements to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, preferred candidates will have: At least two years of experience practicing as a licensed attorney; or one year of experience practicing as a juvenile litigation attorney; Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills; Excellent legal judgment; and The ability to work independently, ensuring deadlines are met, AGO and client policies are followed and cases are well-prepared for trials. Ideal candidates will also offer experience in the following areas: Progressive legal experience, including a strong foundation in litigation; Advising and preparing a client for trial; Handling an active, civil motions practice; Working with expert witnesses; Trying cases in state court; Interacting with client representatives; and Working with people with diverse backgrounds, experience, and communication styles. The ability to communicate with a variety of client agency representatives efficiently and effectively, as well as with attorney and non-attorney colleagues within the office, is critical to success in the position. The position offers an opportunity to quickly develop significant opportunities to exercise independent judgment within the context of a large law office striving to provide consistent representation to client agencies in locations throughout the state. Demonstrated ability to independently manage time, to identify and prioritize tasks necessary to complete, and to maintain a well-organized practice under significant case load demands are essential. 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 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. The AGO greatly encourages, celebrates and values diversity, appreciating that a workforce composed of those from different backgrounds and experiences creates an inclusive environment, strengthens positive relationships with the local community and brings new perspectives and approaches to fulfill its mission of providing excellent, independent and ethical legal services to the State of Washington and protecting the rights of its people. This AAG position is represented by the Association of Washington Assistant Attorneys General (AWAAG) / Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) AFSCME Council 28, AFL-CIO. Salary is set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA , however, the salary for this position is set between $88,932 and $153,996. A preferred candidate, for this position, who graduated from law school in 2024 or 2025 would start no lower than Step 4 at $88,932 . 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 . 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 date law degree was conferred; and A Writing sample (10 pages or less). If you have questions about this position and/or want to learn more about it before applying, we welcome and encourage you to contact Division Chief Jennifer Mankowski Dixon at ... . ************************* The Washington State Office of the Attorney General does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov . 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 ... . Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at ... or www.washingtonrelay.com . For questions regarding the application process, please contact the recruitment team at ... . If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at ... or ... .