Description
Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact Tracy Robinson at 360-586-7693. 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.
The Attorney General is the chief legal officer for the state of Washington, and the Attorney General's Office serves more than 230 state agencies, boards, commissions, colleges and universities, as well as the Legislature and the Governor. In furtherance of its mission to deliver the highest quality professional legal services to officials, agencies, and people of the state of Washington, the AGO covers a remarkably diverse legal landscape, including social and health services, consumer protection, civil and administrative litigation, environmental law, torts, tribal law, labor law, appellate practice and criminal prosecution.
The agency is highly respected for the quality of its legal work and the professionalism and ethical standards of its staff and leadership. The AGO's dedicated team members of 600 attorneys and 600 professional staff often cite the AGO's broad mandate, offering challenging, diverse work in the public interest, as reasons to join the office - and opportunities for professional growth, along with a collegial atmosphere, as reasons to stay. 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.
For more information about the AGO, we encourage you to review the Office's newest Annual Report which can be found HERE 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 Washington State Attorney General's Office's Licensing and Administrative Law Division (LAL) seeks an attorney in its Olympia office to perform senior-level legal services. The LAL Division consists of 28 attorneys and professional staff based in Olympia and Seattle sections. Its work touches the lives of all Washingtonians and focuses on promoting public safety, protecting the economy, and preserving public integrity and trust. The division handles litigation and advice for the Department of Licensing (including its regulation of drivers and professionals and businesses in roughly 45 occupations), Employment Security Department (including its unemployment insurance and paid family and medical leave programs), Liquor and Cannabis Board, Lottery Commission, Board of Accountancy, Executive Ethics Board, Commission on Judicial Conduct, Sunshine Committee, Certified Professional Guardianship Board, Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals, Environmental and Land Use Hearings Office, and Columbia River Gorge Commission. The work of the division includes client advice and litigation before the Office of Administrative Hearings, professional licensing boards, Washington superior and appellate courts and federal courts, and ranges from entry-level to high-profile and cutting-edge. LAL prides itself as an energetic, collegial, and high-performing organization of professionals who strive to provide the most ethical and high-quality legal services to our clients. We enjoy our work, our colleagues, and our clients.
The attorney selected for this position will provide high-level advice and handle significant litigation for one or more division clients, including especially the Liquor and Cannabis Board, Sunshine Committee, and Lottery Commission. Specific client assignments will be based on a variety of factors, including the skills and aspirations of the successful applicant. Duties performed include: developing and maintaining healthy client relationships; managing all aspects of a varied litigation practice; assisting with rulemaking and defending rules challenges; advising on and litigating public records and open meetings issues; advising on and resolving disputes in procurement and contract management issues; drafting agency final adjudicative orders; defending appeals of agency actions in state superior and appellate courts; and, defending claims against agencies and officials in state and federal courts. The attorney will closely collaborate with, and provide mentorship to, other attorneys and staff.
Qualifications
The following competencies are required:
- Demonstrated excellence in litigation-including at the administrative, superior court, and appellate levels-and in consistently providing high-quality and high-level options-based risk assessment and client advice;
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills, understanding of one's audience, and strong interpersonal skills;
- Skill in identifying and resolving problems, including excellent research and analytical skills and ability to exercise appropriate judgment-paying attention to detail while aware of big picture perspective and the need for inclusion of others affected by decisions;
- Demonstrated ability to maintain productive working relationships across the division, section, and with clients and stakeholders, to meet administrative responsibilities, and to work collaboratively with team members and promote a positive work environment that recognizes and respects all employees; and,
- Ability to multitask and prioritize workload, stay organized, work independently, meet tight deadlines, and provide timely client services.
While not required, the following competencies are highly desired:
- A minimum of ten years of legal experience;
- Experience with LAL's caseload, with advising boards or commissions, and/or with practice under the Administrative Procedure Act;
- Experience with reviewing records and preparing adjudicative orders.
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
AGO salaries are based on experience, qualifications and are commensurate with comparable positions in the AGO. 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.
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 want to learn more about it before applying, we welcome and encourage you to contact Division Chief Eric Peterson at EricP1@atg.wa.gov or (206) 389-2799. The deadline to apply is April 30, 2018.
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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 Tracy Robinson at 360-586-7693. 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.