Assistant Attorney General - Torts Division, Olympia/Tumwater
Posted 2025-08-15
Remote, USA
Full Time
Immediate Start
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 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
• * * * * * * * * * * *
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.
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.
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.
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 $74,520 and $139,572. 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 Brian.Baker@atg.wa.gov or (360) 586-6351. This position is open until filled and interviews will be scheduled throughout the duration of the recruitment thus you are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
• ************************
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 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. Apply tot his job
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 $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
• * * * * * * * * * * *
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.
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.
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.
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 $74,520 and $139,572. 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 Brian.Baker@atg.wa.gov or (360) 586-6351. This position is open until filled and interviews will be scheduled throughout the duration of the recruitment thus you are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
• ************************
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 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. Apply tot his job