state of washington
section chief - consumer protection division, seattleking county,wa
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5 days ago
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Location -
king county, waJob Description
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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 - MAAG salaries are set between $80,592 and $156,996. 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 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
* * * * * * * * * * * *
The Washington State Attorney General's Office seeks an experienced litigator, manager and outstanding leader to serve as a Litigation Section Chief in the Consumer Protection (CP) Division in downtown Seattle.
The Division is one of the largest in the AGO and has long been recognized as a national leader in safeguarding consumers. The Litigation Section Chiefs supervise the daily work of the Division's more than 40 attorneys as they investigate and litigate cases against companies and individuals that take advantage of consumers in violation of the law. Whether protecting seniors from scams, holding companies accountable for false advertising and hidden fees, or combatting unfair practices related to privacy, the work of the Consumer Protection Division makes a real and tangible difference to all Washingtonians.
This position is within the Consumer Protection Division (Division or CP) and with the other Section Chiefs directly supervises the legal work of the Division's Litigation Section to ensure efficient and effective enforcement of state and federal consumer protection laws. Consumer protection litigation takes place in state superior courts, state appellate courts, federal district courts, and federal appellate courts. The Division also manages manufactured housing, Lemon Law issues, and public utility matters in administrative forums. The Division frequently partners with the AGO's policy and legislative teams on matters related to the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), and with other affirmative litigation divisions.
The Litigation Section Chiefs hold a key role in Division leadership and assist the Division Chief with all Assistant Attorney General (AAG) hiring decisions, performance management, case assignment, case management, briefing senior management on Division enforcement activities, and ensuring that Division cases are properly handled at all levels. The position requires advanced litigation experience including discovery, motions practice, and trial practice; knowledge of consumer protection law; a thorough knowledge of and familiarity with court rules and procedures; excellent judgment; a demonstrated respect for diversity; and an appreciation of and respect for people's diverse experiences and viewpoints.
The Litigation Section Chief will work with the Division Chief and the other Section Chiefs to ensure the Division's enforcement efforts are handled diligently and professionally. Section Chiefs in the CP Division will also be required to advise the Attorney General's leadership and policy staff on consumer protection issues and provide public education and outreach on consumer protection issues. The attorney hired for this role can expect to:
* Supervise Assistant Attorney General Team Leaders and, through these managers, supervise attorneys in the Division.
* Be responsible for the daily management of the Division's litigation, including regular meetings with attorneys and professional staff on tactical and strategic decisions regarding investigations and filed cases, reviewing important motions, mentoring staff on litigation practice and assisting teams preparing for trial.
* Serve on the Division's case selection group.
* Assist in developing and implementing training materials and programs.
* Assist in developing new legislative and policy initiatives stemming from the Division's work.
* Be responsible for ensuring the Division's investigations and cases in litigation are pushed forward with a sense of urgency.
The Litigation Section Chiefs are also responsible for supervising and coordinating Division contributions across the Agency, specifically:
* Legislation. In consultation with the CP Division Chief and other Division managers, Section Chiefs may serve as the Division's primary point of contact on legislative issues, including fielding inquiries from Legislative staff and the AGO's Legislative Director, coordinating with CP attorneys and professional staff to support, identify, and develop legislative initiatives, and managing Division bill analysis and fiscal note requests.
* Policy. In consultation with the CP Division Chief and other Division managers, Section Chiefs may serve as the Division's primary AAG point of contact on policy issues, including responding to inquiries from Policy staff and the AGO's Director of Policy, and coordinating and working with CP attorneys and professional staff to support, identify, and develop policy positions.
* Division policies. In consultation with the CP Division Chief and other Division managers, Section Chiefs are responsible for developing, maintaining, and amending Division internal policies to ensure compliance with AGO directives.
* Division practices. In consultation with the CP Division Chief and other Division managers, Section Chiefs are responsible for overseeing the Division's Public Records Act compliance and constituent communication processes, including streamlining Division procedures where possible while ensuring compliance with AGO directives.
* Division positions. In consultation with the CP Division Chief and other Division managers, Section Chiefs work with CP attorneys to ensure consistency of legal positions and statutory arguments across CP's work units and cases. They participate in working groups across other AGO Divisions and work units to promote consistent legal positions across the agency, to advance the development of CPA case law, and to advise on novel CPA legal issues.
* Division reporting. In consultation with the CP Division Chief and other Division managers, Section Chiefs assist with tracking and reporting data and other managerial administrative functions as assigned.
* Growth and development. Section Chiefs take an active role in mentoring, sharing expertise with, and participating in training of CP attorneys engaged in investigation or litigation. Section Chiefs may need to serve on litigation teams where necessary and appropriate - typically on a short-term basis.
* Programs and outreach. In consultation with the CP Division Chief and other Division managers, Section Chiefs are responsible for overseeing AAG participation in various statutory programs that are entrusted to the Division, and for assisting with public outreach and education efforts related to the CPA.
* Other duties as assigned. Section Chiefs may be asked to take on special projects for the benefit of the Division or to cover for other managers as needed.
THE DIVISION:
Attorneys can expect to participate in high-profile consumer protection litigation such as State v. Navient (student lending), State v. Providence (charity care violations), State v. Google (unlawful privacy practices), State v. Chuck's Towing (failure to comply with Service members' Civil Relief Act), State v. CA Certificate Services (government imposter), State v. Federal Way Discount Guns (unlawful sale of large capacity magazines), State v. Puppyland (predatory lending), State v. CLA Estate Services,Inc., et al. (financial exploitation of seniors), and State v. LuLaRoe (misrepresentations regarding profitability).
In addition to enforcing consumer protection laws through investigations and litigation, the Division also includes work units responsible for administering the state's Lemon Law program, the Manufactured/Mobile Home Dispute Resolution Program and the Consumer Resource Center, which is responsible for handling tens of thousands of consumer complaints and engaging in proactive dispute resolution with businesses. The Division also houses the Public Counsel Unit, which represents customers of state-regulated, investor-owned utility companies in matters before the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, state courts, and the legislature.
In addition to meeting the requirements to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, the person hired to serve as Litigation Section Chief must have:
* 7 or more years of active litigation experience in courts that follow the evidence rules and civil rules of procedure;
* Experience trying cases in state or federal court;
* Superior interpersonal skills, including the demonstrated ability to mentor and supervise attorneys, foster teamwork and collaboration, and promote a positive work environment that recognizes and respects all employees;
* Significant litigation experience, including leading or managing complex civil cases;
* Excellent judgment;
* The ability to consistently produce high-quality work;
* Strong organizational skills and the ability to successfully handle competing, time-sensitive assignments;
* Superior communication skills including writing and oral advocacy skills; and
* Excellent analytical skills.
To serve as an Assistant Attorney General, one 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 by motion 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 Managing 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. MAAG salaries are set between $80,592 and $156,996. 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 (no more than 10 pages).
If you have questions about these positions and/or wish to learn more about them before applying, you are welcome and encouraged to contact Division Chief Laura Clinton at Laura.Clinton@atg.wa.gov. The deadline to apply is January 22, 2025.
* 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, metal, or physical disability or the use of a trained 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.
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