Assistant Attorney General - Torts Division's Torts Appellate Program

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 $76,752 and $149,508. 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 Washington State Attorney General’s Office’s Torts Division has an opening for an attorney who is interested in practicing appellate law with the Torts Appellate Program (TAP). The position may be located in Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, or Tumwater, depending upon the mutual needs and interests of the selected candidate and the Division. Further, depending on position location, some travel to Seattle and/or Tacoma will be required.
The Torts Division defends state agencies, officials, and employees when sued in tort and in some civil rights matters. The work of the Torts Division is demanding, stimulating, and rewarding. Lawyers who enjoy working on cutting-edge legal issues thrive here. The Torts Division consists of an outstanding group of 49 attorneys and 112 professional staff. This supportive, inclusive, and collegial group is passionate about providing excellent, ethical, and comprehensive legal services to its clients. The division also recognizes the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, taking time to help colleagues with tough issues and workload, and keeping perspective even under pressure. In addition to extensive litigation resources, the Torts Division provides progressive training by seasoned professionals that allows attorneys to assume responsibility for increasingly complex and difficult cases.

QUALIFICATIONS

In addition to meeting the requirements to serve as an AAG, the successful candidate for this TAP position must have:

• Five or more years of significant litigation experience;
• A substantial background in appellate practice and civil litigation;
• Excellent analytical, research, writing, and oral advocacy skills, including creativity in constructing persuasive arguments;
• Attention to detail, both factual and legal, as well as an ability to understand the big picture;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to guide and provide constructive feedback to others; and
• Aptitude for working well with people who have a diverse background, experience, and communication styles.

TAP ATTORNEYS HANDLE APPEALS AS THE PRIMARY APPELLATE ATTORNEY OR SERVE AS THE ASSIGNED APPELLATE ADVISOR WHEN THE APPEAL REMAINS WITH THE PRIMARY TRIAL ATTORNEY. ALL TAP ATTORNEYS HANDLE A MIX OF CASES WHERE THEY ARE EITHER THE LEAD ATTORNEY OR THE APPELLATE ADVISOR. THE RANGE OF APPELLATE RESPONSIBILITIES THUS INCLUDES:

• Strategizing issues on appeal with the trial team;
• Advising on preparation of the appellate record and briefing;
• Light to substantial editing of briefs and appellate motions;
• Preparing the appellate advocate for oral argument;
• Participation on moot court panels;
• Liaising with members of the Solicitor General’s Office during the appeal’s duration; and
• When needed, taking over a case while on appeal by learning the record, writing the initial through final brief, and handling oral argument.