Section Chief - Torts Division, Seattle

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 - Managing AAG salaries are set between $78,240 and $146,556.  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 Seattle, WA has an opportunity for an experienced attorney to join the Division as the Section Chief.

The Seattle Torts Section presently has two teams consisting of a total of 13 attorneys (including the Section Chief), 17 paralegals, six investigators, and two legal office assistants. The Section Chief leads one of the teams themselves and supervises the team leader of the other team. All attorneys in Torts must have the ability to litigate contested matters, interview witnesses, conduct all forms of discovery, including depositions, retain and prepare experts, develop effective trial strategy, employ alternative dispute resolution tools, and conduct trials. Attorneys must be familiar with both state and federal rules of civil procedure. Torts attorneys also typically handle appeals from their cases. The Section Chief is expected to actively mentor and direct attorneys of varying levels of expertise as they carry out these functions on a daily basis. The Section Chief also carries their own mix of diverse and complex cases.

The Section Chief supervises and evaluates the attorneys and supervising paralegals for the Seattle Torts Section, and provides input on the work performed by the professional staff to their supervisors and the administrative office manager.  The Section Chief is a member of the Torts Division management team. The Section Chief assists the Torts Division Chief and other members of the Torts management team in developing and communicating division-wide goals and strategies for enhancing client representation and staff professional development. The Section Chief serves as a client liaison for cases handled by the Seattle section of Torts. The holder of this position must be adaptable and flexible and must possess strong lawyering, communication, and management skills.

In addition to meeting the requirements to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, the successful candidate will have:

• An expressed interest in the practice of public sector law;

• Excellent writing and oral advocacy skills;

• Excellent organizational skills;

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;

• Judgment and discretion in handling sensitive issues; and

• Significant litigation experience, preferably with jury trial and extensive discovery work.

Employees in the Seattle Division and in the Torts Division work in a collaborative environment; thus, the ability to work as a member of the team and to affirmatively contribute to the Division's respectful and inclusive workplace is essential and required.

Supervisory experience is preferred, but is not required.

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 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. Managing AAG salaries are set between $78,240 and $146,556. The exact amount is set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA. This position is located in King County and is thus 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, 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 wish to learn more about it before applying, we encourage and welcome you to contact Division Chief Scott Barbara at Scott.Barbara@atg.wa.gov or 206-389-2033.

• 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.