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State of Washington

Assistant Attorney General - Tacoma Division's Torts Section

State of Washington, Tacoma, Washington, us, 98417

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Overview

Join the Torts Division – Defending Those Who Serve the People of Washington Everyday Do you want the opportunity to try civil cases to juries? Do you want a diverse trial and appellate practice in state and federal court? Do you want to practice on the cutting edge of torts law in Washington? If you answered “yes” and are interested in joining a collaborative team of dedicated attorneys, paralegals, and investigators, then you should apply to the Torts Division today! The Tacoma Section of the Torts Division has an immediate opening for a trial attorney eager to practice in state and federal courts throughout Washington. The Torts Division represents State agencies and State employees who do the hard work of serving the citizens of Washington when they are sued for damages. Attorneys in the Torts Division, with support from professional staff and investigators, handle cases from inception through resolution, involving diverse clients and theories of liability, with continuous support, training, and development. If you are interested in growing and developing as an oral and written advocate, working on challenging issues and cases, and belonging to a dedicated and supportive team, then the Torts Division is the place for you. The Torts Division’s Tacoma Office is located at Pacific Plaza. Additionally, the Torts Division has offices in Seattle, Olympia (Tumwater), and Spokane. The Torts Division also provides opportunities for telework in a hybrid work environment. 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. Benefits and Compensation

The AGO offers a competitive benefits package and a salary schedule. Base salary ranges and related compensation are described below, along with benefits and professional development opportunities. Base Salary Range: $82,212 - $153,996 (salary steps and corresponding years are listed in the AGO/AWAAG CBA schedule; exact amount is negotiable). Longevity pay: 5% premium after 5 years of state service. Benefits: affordable medical plans (including vision), dental benefits (100% coverage), retirement plan (employee/employer contributions), Deferred Compensation Plan, 11 paid holidays and 1 personal holiday, sick leave accrual, annual leave accrual, flex schedules and telecommuting options. AAG bar dues paid for assignments begun on or before January 31st per the CBA. Public Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility. Mentoring, health and wellness program, and training/CLE opportunities recognized nationwide. Work environment: collaborative, supportive, with opportunities for professional development and work-life balance. Salary schedule

(base ranges and step progression are provided in the agency table below). The AGO does not include a table-based layout in this refined description; details are available in the original posting or via the CBA documents referenced. Position and Responsibilities

The Torts Division defends tort claims and lawsuits against all state agencies, officers, and employees arising from acts or omissions while performing, or in good faith purporting to perform, official duties. Torts attorneys provide legal and risk management advice to the Office of Financial Management and state agencies on tort matters. Typical caseload includes diverse theories of liability, with a focus on inquisitive and complex civil litigation, including, for example, alleged failures to protect a child from abuse or neglect, alleged failures to supervise individuals released from incarceration, alleged negligent road design or maintenance, false arrest or excessive use of force, premises liability, medical negligence, employment discrimination and retaliation, motor vehicle accidents, and maritime injuries on Washington State ferries. The work involves handling cases from inception through resolution, with support from professional staff and investigators, and ongoing training and development. Attorneys maintain and apply comprehensive knowledge of procedural and substantive law, work productively with client agencies, develop and execute legal strategy, engage in all aspects of discovery, communicate case developments timely and effectively, lead trial teams, conduct jury and bench trials, and handle appeals. The environment is fast-paced, challenging, and collaborative, with a strong emphasis on public service and the public interest. Qualifications and Ideal Candidate

If you have strong analytical, advocacy, problem-solving skills, enjoy collaborating with professionals, and value communication and respect, you may fit well in the Torts Division. In addition to meeting the qualifications to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, qualified applicants will offer the following: Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills Good problem-solving skills Excellent legal judgment Ability to work well in a collaborative team with litigation support, investigative staff, client agencies, risk managers, and other ATTORNEYS in the Torts Division Experience preferred

(not mandatory): five or more years of progressive legal experience in civil litigation; taking and defending depositions; handling an active civil motions practice; working with expert witnesses; engaging in ADR; trying cases in state/federal court; briefing and arguing appeals; interacting with high-level client representatives; and working with diverse backgrounds and communication styles. Note: Torts and civil litigation experience is advantageous but not essential. Applicants must have graduated from an ABA-accredited law school or completed the WSBA Rule 6 Law Clerk Program and be licensed to practice in Washington state. Applicants who meet other qualifications and are actively pursuing admission by motion will be considered. The AGO values diversity and an inclusive environment that strengthens the public service mission. Application Process

Interested applicants must apply by hitting the "apply" button above. In addition to the online application, upload (preferably as PDFs): Letter of interest Resume Law school transcript (unofficial copy acceptable) Writing sample (no more than 10 pages) If you have questions about this position, contact Tacoma Torts Section Chief Garth Ahearn at

garth.ahearn@atg.wa.gov . Equity, Diversity, and Compliance

The Washington State Office of the Attorney General is an equal opportunity employer. Diversification of the workforce enhances the agency’s mission by bringing diverse perspectives and approaches to public service. The AGO does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, veteran or military status, disability, or the use of a service animal. Reasonable accommodation requests during the application process can be directed to the recruitment team at HREmployment@atg.wa.gov. For accommodations for hearing impairment, contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or visit www.washingtonrelay.com. The AGO does not use the E-Verify system and notes about OPT/STEM or other immigration-related information are included in the original posting for applicants to reference.

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