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 (Download PDF reader) and view THIS VIDEO.

The position is located in Olympia, Washington. Olympia offers a diverse, affordable and safe community. Living and working here offers unparalleled opportunities to pursue a rewarding career while living in an historically rich and vibrant area. It is ideally situated between the northwest’s two largest cities (Seattle and Portland) and exploring either is but a short drive away. If exploring Washington State’s natural features is your passion, know that hiking, skiing and sailing opportunities are easily accessible. But you needn’t stray from home for an adventure, as Olympia offers lush parks and trails, walkable neighborhoods, and exceptional dining, shopping and cultural experiences. Families and individuals will benefit from Olympia’s excellent schools, from elementary through college.

Duties

The Public Lands and Conservation Division seeks to fill an Assistant Attorney General position in the Fish, Wildlife & Parks Section. The Public Lands and Conservation Division provides a broad spectrum of client advice, dispute resolution, and litigation services to agency clients in legal matters before state and federal courts and administrative tribunals. The division represents the Commissioner of Public Lands, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Board of Natural Resources, the Forest Practices Board, the Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), and the State Parks and Recreation Commission (Parks). The Public Lands and Conservation Division is a new AGO division merging the former Natural Resources and Fish, Wildlife & Parks Divisions.

This position reports to the Fish, Wildlife & Parks Section Chief. The Section provides legal services to WDFW and Parks on a broad and complex array of natural resource and land management issues, criminal matters arising from client agency enforcement actions, and assisting local prosecutors in charging violations of the state Fish and Wildlife Code. Client agency issues include hunting and fishing regulation, endangered species, habitat protection, rule adoption, hydropower licensure, law enforcement, risk management, real property transactions and management, public works, concessions, and other contracts. The Section deals extensively with tribal hunting and fishing issues and cultural resource issues. 

Duties typical of attorneys within the division include:

• Providing option-based client advice, both oral and written;
• Motions practice, trials, and participating in post-trial proceedings including any appeals;
• Conducting all aspects of discovery;
• Representing the AGO in public settings on matters that may be of a sensitive or high-profile nature; and
• Directing and assisting in investigations.

This position may require travel, including overnight trips. The Office is currently working remotely; it is likely that that will still be the case when this position is filled.Qualifications

Requirements for the position include:

• Three or more years of legal experience are required;
• Litigation experience in state and federal courts and administrative proceedings;
• Experience in complex natural resource or environmental advice and litigation;
• Strong analytical, research, and writing skills;
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to handle competing, time-sensitive assignments; 
• Demonstrated ability to foster teamwork and collaboration and promote a positive work environment that recognizes and respects all employees; and
• Ability to maintain productive working relationships within the division and with clients and stakeholders, helping to identify and resolve problems.

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. 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 protect the rights of its people.

Supplemental Information

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 start at $69,396. Ultimately, AAG salaries are set in accordance with the AWAAG CBA. A competitive state benefits package is also offered which includes a choice of medical/dental insurance plans, retirement, and 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, as well as a long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship, is 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 please contact Division Chief Patricia O’Brien at patricia.obrien@atg.wa.gov or 360-586-3288. The deadline to apply is January 5, 2021.

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If you have questions or concerns about this recruitment in light of COVID emergency, please contact Linda Nakamura at Linda.Nakamura@atg.wa.gov.

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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 Kalea Muigai at 360-586-7698.  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.