State of Washington
Assistant Attorney General - Criminal Justice Division, SeattlePosted
1 week 2 days ago
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Job 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 - 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
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The Bob Keppel Criminal Justice Division of the Washington State Attorney General's Office has an opening in its downtown Seattle office for an experienced attorney to provide client advice and litigation services to its criminal justice client agencies, the Washington State Patrol and the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission. The selected candidate will be part of a three-attorney unit that provides legal support to these clients.
The Washington State Patrol is a general authority law enforcement agency budgeted for approximately 1,100 commissioned personnel. It is a diverse agency with a mission that extends beyond that of other law enforcement agencies. In addition to its patrol and enforcement responsibilities, the Patrol is the State's repository for criminal records, provides the State with crime and forensic laboratory services, is Washington's centralized point for firearms background checks, and also contains the State Fire Marshall's Office, among other responsibilities.
The Criminal Justice Training Commission is a state agency mandated to provide basic and advanced training to peace and corrections officers in the State of Washington. It also certifies Washington peace and corrections officers and has the authority to pursue corrective action or decertification when misconduct occurs.
Advice and litigation support for these client agencies is diverse and includes issues related to criminal procedures, criminal records, peace and corrections officer certification, firearms, contracts, rulemaking, public records, open public meetings, search and seizure, and other legal issues that arise within a state agency. The selected candidate may also at times serve as the legal advisor to a five-member hearing panel that determines whether police and corrections officers should have their certifications revoked for misconduct. The attorney will be assigned specific areas of responsibility and client assignments according to the needs of the client agencies and the office, as well as the skills, experiences, interests, and professional development needs of attorneys. [NOTE: Separate divisions of the Attorney General's Office handles labor and personnel issues and torts litigation arising within the client agencies].
In addition to meeting the qualifications to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, candidates must be highly motivated with a strong desire to independently provide sound options-based advice to our criminal justice clients and litigate cases. Successful candidates possess:
* At least three years' experience in litigation and/or client advice;
* Comfort in exercising independent judgment with dynamic legal issues;
* Ability to persuasively, concisely, and respectfully advance written and oral arguments;
* Ability to provide clear, concise, and sound options-based advice to high-level agency clients;
* Ability to coordinate and manage client advice requests of a diverse and potentially complex nature;
* Strong research, writing, and oral presentation skills;
* Flexibility and time-management skills to manage a robust client advice practice and litigation caseload; and
* Excellent interpersonal skills to interact with colleagues and clients and contribute to a collegial, inclusive, and positive work environment.
Criminal litigation experience or a background in law enforcement is desirable, but not required. Candidates who have less than three years' experience with litigation and client advice, but who have a substantial background in law enforcement will also be considered.
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.
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NOTE! The applicants selected will be required to submit to and pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check conducted by the Washington State Patrol, Criminal Records Division. The incumbent will submit to additional background checks as a condition of employment every five (5) years thereafter.
These Assistant Attorney General positions are 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 $76,752 and $149,508. The exact amount is set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA. Positions located in King County are eligible for 5% King County Assignment Pay. 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:
* A letter of interest;
* Resume;
* Law school transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable); and
* Writing sample.
If you have questions about this position and/or wish to learn more about it before applying, we welcome and encourage you to contact the Managing AAG Justin Kato at (206) 389-3075 or Justin.Kato@atg.wa.gov.
* 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.
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