Assistant Attorney General - Spokane Division's Social & Health Services Section

at  State of Washington Attorney Generals Office

DESCRIPTION

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.
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 (Download PDF reader) and view THIS VIDEO.

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 - AAG salaries are set between $74,520 and $139,572. 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

This position is based in Spokane, Washington. Spokane is a vibrant and beautiful city that enjoys four distinct seasons and provides residents and visitors with world class outdoor adventures, including: fishing and whitewater rafting in the Spokane River; biking the Centennial Trail; snow skiing at nearby Mt. Spokane, Lookout Pass, Silver Mountain, 49 Degrees North, or Schweitzer Mountain; and hiking, boating or fishing in a host of nearby lakes and nature preserves. Spokane also offers great indoor activities: theater, including Broadway shows; live music; multiple exhibits; and the opportunity to taste Washington’s renowned grapes and hops at a number of local wineries and craft breweries.

The Christine O. Gregoire Spokane Division has an immediate opening for an Assistant Attorney General in the Social and Health Services (SHS) Section. The SHS Section is comprised of 22 attorneys, 16 paralegals, 2 legal assistants and 2 legal office assistants.

IN ADDITION TO MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS TO SERVE AS AN ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

• An expressed interest in the practice of public sector law;

• Strong writing and oral advocacy skills;

• Excellent organizational skills;
• The ability to handle a heavy caseload through multi-tasking in cases involving often difficult subject matter; and
• Experience communicating or working with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• A willingness to practice independently in Eastern Washington counties outside of Spokane either sporadically or on a consistent basis.

OTHER SKILLS THAT ATTORNEYS IN THESE POSITIONS USE ON A DAILY BASIS INCLUDE THE ABILITY TO SUCCESSFULLY NEGOTIATE CONTESTED MATTERS, INTERVIEW WITNESSES, REVIEW DISCOVERY, AND PROVIDE EFFECTIVE CLIENT ADVICE. THIS POSITION FAMILIARITY NOT ONLY WITH STATE AND FEDERAL LAWS GOVERNING CHILD WELFARE CASES, BUT ALSO WITH THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ACT. WHILE LITIGATION EXPERIENCE OR EXPERIENCE IN JUVENILE LAW IS A PLUS, THEY ARE NOT REQUIRED. THE CANDIDATE SELECTED WILL ALSO NEED TO HAVE THE ABILITY TO WORK IN A FAST-PACED TEAM ENVIRONMENT AND THE DESIRE TO PROMOTE A POSITIVE WORK ENVIRONMENT BASED UPON MUTUAL RESPECT AND PROFESSIONALISM.

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.

Please refer the Job description for details