Paralegal 1

Full-time

No

State of Washington
Attorney General's Office
invites applications for the position of:
Assistant Attorney General - Torts Division, Olympia/Tumwater

SALARY: $71, - $134, Annually

OPENING DATE: 11/04/22
 
CLOSING DATE: Continuous
 

DESCRIPTION:
Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service .
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 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 $71,652 and $134,208. The exact amount is set in accordance with Appendix B 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


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The Washington State Attorney General’s Office’s Torts Division in Olympia/Tumwater, WA is searching for a lawyer with five-plus years of practice experience, including a strong foundation in civil litigation, to join its employment law team as an assistant attorney general (AAG). The work of the Torts Division is demanding, stimulating, and rewarding. Lawyers who enjoy working on cutting-edge legal issues involving the defense of state agencies and employees thrive here.
 

DUTIES:

The duties of the attorneys of the Torts Division include:

 

Drafting pleadings, motions and memoranda;
Conducting all aspects of discovery;
Engaging in motions practice and trials; and
Participating in post-trial proceedings including appeals.

While Torts AAGs practice in federal courts and superior courts statewide, the typical caseload for a Torts AAG in Olympia/Tumwater involves defending state agencies and employees in the southwest region of the state. Torts AAGs expect to defend cases involving employment discrimination, personal injury, civil rights, and other torts claims. This position will focus on issues relating to civil rights, constitutional law, and the Washington Law Against Discrimination, and will represent a variety of clients including the Department of Corrections; Department of Social & Health Services; Department of Children, Youth, and Families; Department of Transportation; Department of Natural Resources; and state colleges and universities. The challenges of this fast-paced, diverse work are more than offset by the collegial team environment, the dedicated professional support staff, and other litigation resources provided by the Torts Division.

 

The lawyer selected for this position will work on a team focused on employment and civil rights litigation, but will be expected to litigate a wide variety of tort lawsuits. The lawyer will be responsible for maintaining and applying a comprehensive knowledge of procedural and substantive law, working productively with agency clients, developing and executing legal strategy, conducting and answering discovery, bringing and answering motions, engaging in alternative dispute resolution, negotiating settlements as appropriate, and managing and executing all aspects of case preparation and presentation in jury and bench trials, primarily, although not exclusively, in Western Washington.

 

The successful candidates can also expect to handle appeals that may arise in their cases, including briefing and oral argument. 
 

QUALIFICATIONS:

If you have strong analytical, advocacy, and problem-solving skills; enjoy a collegial team environment; and believe that communication and respect are pivotal to success in any endeavor; you have the attributes we seek. 

In addition to meeting the requirements to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, applicants must possess:

Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills;
Good problem-solving skills;
Excellent legal judgment; and
The interest and ability to work well in a collaborative team environment with the litigation support and investigative staff, the client agencies and agency Risk Managers, the Office of Risk Management, and other Torts Division attorneys.

 Ideal candidates will also have strong experience:

Interviewing witnesses and conducting and responding to discovery;
Taking depositions;
Drafting briefs;
Handling an active motion practice;
Working with expert witnesses;
Interacting with high level client representatives;
Conducting trials in state and/or federal court; and
Working with people who have diverse backgrounds, experience, and communication styles.

Tort litigation experience is preferred but is not required. Relevant subject matter experience is advantageous but is not 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.   
* * * * * * * * * * * *

Per AGO Policy, employees and volunteers of the AGO must be fully vaccinated as a condition of employment. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. Effective March 14, 2022, the AGO announced pursuant to its policy, that employees and volunteers must also receive a booster shot as a condition of or volunteers who are not eligible to receive the booster before their start date, due to required waiting times after receiving their initial vaccine(s), must provide confirmation of the vaccine type and date received so the AGO can calculate the date by which they must receive the booster. If you are selected to serve within the AGO as an employee or volunteer, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination and booster (if already received) before you are able to begin work. You may request an accommodation if you are unable to meet the requirement due to a medical or religious necessity. 
 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

This 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. AAG salaries are set between $71,652 and $134,208. 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.

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

A letter of interest;
Resume;
Law school transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable); and
Writing sample.

If you have questions about this position and/or want to learn more about it before applying, please contact AAG Team Leader Brian Baker at or . This position is open until filled, however, first review will be November 18th and ongoing after that. Interviews will be scheduled throughout the duration of the recruitment thus you are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible.    

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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 race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation/gender identity, age, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, retaliation or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service . 

 

Assistant Attorney General - Torts Division, Olympia/Tumwater Supplemental Questionnaire
 
1. Your preferred name:


2. Your pronoun(s):


* 3. Have you ever worked or volunteered for the Washington State Attorney General's Office? If yes, indicate dates and positions in which you served. If "NO", you will need to indicate "NO" or "N/A" in order to proceed with your application.


* 4. List all activities or community involvement, past or present, that demonstrate a commitment to public service.


* 5. Are you a current member of the Washington State Bar Association?
Yes Yes No No
 
6. What is your Washington State Bar Association number?


7. It is important to note that to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, one must be a licensed attorney with the WSBA. If seeking admission to the WSBA via reciprocity, score transfer, motion or other means, please explain IN DETAIL when you applied for admission, current status of the application and expected date of admission?


* 8. Have you ever been subject to discipline or censure by a Bar Association or other licensing organization? If "YES" provide a full explanation for each disciplinary action. If the answer is "NO" you must indicate this by typing "NO" in order to proceed with your application.


* 9. Is there any Bar disciplinary proceeding pending against you? If "YES", provide a full explanation. If the answer is "NO", you must indicate this by typing "NO" in order to proceed with your application.


* 10. Have you ever been held in contempt or sanctioned by any state or federal court or administrative agency? If "Yes", provide a full explanation for each action. If the answer is "No" you must indicate this by typing "No" in order to proceed with your application.


* 11. Have you ever been fired, asked to resign, or resigned in lieu of termination, from any position? If "YES", you must provide a full explanation for each termination. If the answer is "NO", you must indicate this by typing "NO" in order to proceed with your application.


* 12. Have you participated, whether as an attorney, paralegal, legal assistant, or in any other capacity, in the representation of any party in a matter where the party's interest was materially adverse to that of the State, its agencies, or its officers or employees? If "YES", please identify all such matters, including the parties to the matter, the court and cause number of the matter, and your role in the matter. If "NO", you must indicate this by typing "NO" in order to proceed with your application. If you require additional space, please attach additional sheets and indicate your attachment here.


* 13. Have you participated as a judge, arbitrator, mediator, adjudicative officer, or as a law clerk to such a person, in a matter in which the State or any of its agencies, officers, or employees were a party? If YES, please identify all such matters, including the parties to the matter, the court and cause number of the matter, and your role in the matter. If "NO", you must indicate this by typing "NO" in order to proceed with your application. If you require additional space, please attach additional sheets and indicate your attachment here.


* 14. Is there any other matter, person, entity, or personal interest that might present a conflict of interest or otherwise limit your ability to perform work for the Attorney General's Office or represent a state agency, officer, or employee? If YES, please identify such matters, persons, entities, or personal interests with sufficient detail to allow the Attorney General's Office to understand the nature of the potential conflict of interest. You are not required to disclose any pending or contemplated complaint or dispute for which the law allows you to remain anonymous; however, you are responsible for not accepting assignments that would violate conflict of interest or confidentiality provisions of the Rules of Professional Conduct or other laws with regard to such matters. If "NO", you must indicate this by typing "NO" in order to proceed with your application. If you require additional space, please attach additional sheets and indicate your attachment here.


* 15. Please be advised that the AGO thoroughly checks references, including one's current employer. HOWEVER, it is very important to note that references are ONLY checked after at least one interview. Any concerns about checking references can be discussed during any interview. For the sake of efficiency, we ask that you proactively provide a release by responding affirmatively to the following statement. I authorize the Washington State Attorney General's Office (AGO) to contact any or all of my former or present employers, or organizations for which services have been provided, for the purposes of verification and reference. This may include information of a confidential nature, to include but is not limited to reviewing my personnel file, contacting any references, and/or contacting anyone else who might be familiar with my past job performance. I knowingly and voluntarily release the state of Washington, the AGO, its individual employees, and all my former or present employers, and their individual employees, from any and all known and unknown claims for damages or other relief arising out of the AGO's request for and receipt of employment information, unless my current or former employer is prohibited by state or federal law from disclosing the information that the AGO requests. PLEASE TYPE YOUR FULL NAME IN RESPONSE TO THIS SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTION TO PROVIDE SUCH AUTHORIZATION.


* 16. Have you uploaded all of the required material (., letter of interest, resume, law school transcript and writing sample) with this application?
Yes Yes No No
 
* 17. Per AGO Policy, employees and volunteers of the AGO must be fully vaccinated as a condition of employment. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. Effective March 14, 2022, the AGO announced pursuant to its policy, that employees and volunteers must also receive a booster shot as a condition of employment. Employees or volunteers who are not eligible to receive the booster before their start date, due to required waiting times after receiving their initial vaccine(s), must provide confirmation of the vaccine type and date received so the AGO can calculate the date by which they must receive the booster. If you are selected to serve within the AGO as an employee or volunteer, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination and booster (if already received) before you are able to begin work. You may request an accommodation if you are unable to meet the requirement due to a medical or religious necessity. Applicants or candidates being considered for employment shall not share their vaccination status with hiring managers or interview panels. PLEASE TYPE YOUR INITIALS IN RESPONSE TO THIS SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTION TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ THIS STATEMENT REGARDING WORKING CONDITIONS.


* Required Question

Legal