🚀 Assistant Attorney General - Corrections Division, Tumwater

About the Washington State Attorney General's Office

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.

For more information about the AGO, we encourage you to review the Office's Annual Report which can be found HERE .

Benefits

• 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 $82,212 and $153,996. 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

Corrections Division Overview

Are you interested in working on a tight-knit and collaborative team of attorneys representing and advising the Department of Corrections on a wide variety of legal issues? The Corrections Division of the WA State Attorney General's Office is looking for an attorney interested in working as an Assistant Attorney General in an advice and civil litigation practice. The attorneys in Corrections work in two primary units, the Civil Rights Unit and the Habeas Corpus and Sentencing Unit. This position would perform work for both units as assigned by unit managers.

The Civil Rights Unit defends the Department of Corrections and its employees in civil rights actions, Public Records Act cases, and personal restraint petitions related to prison conditions. In addition, attorneys in the Unit serve as client contacts and legal advisers for the Department of Corrections and frequently work closely with DOC officials. The Habeas Corpus & Sentencing Unit represents the state in all federal habeas corpus cases filed by offenders in state custody who challenge their convictions or sentences pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2254. Habeas unit attorneys also represent the Department in a significant number of personal restraint petitions and advise DOC on a variety of sentencing and community custody issues. The unit also advises the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board and represents the Board in personal restraint proceedings.

In the Corrections Division, attorneys and professional staff pride themselves on working together in a collegial and fun environment to provide high quality legal services on challenging and interesting issues.

Responsibilities

• Drafting pleadings, motions, and briefing in civil matters in state and federal courts, including appeals
• Discovery practice
• Filing post-sentence petitions on behalf of DOC in the Washington State Court of Appeals pursuant to RCW 9.94A.589(7)
• Appearing in court for motions practice, trials, and appellate arguments
• Working with Community Corrections Officers to prosecute community supervision violations at hearings held throughout the State
• Working closely with professional staff to accomplish litigation goals and meet all deadlines
• Working closely with Department of Corrections employees to investigate claims and gather evidence; and
• Communicating with incarcerated individuals and opposing counsel about their claims and litigation against the State

Qualifications

• Strong work ethic and can-do attitude
• Excellent judgment
• A desire to litigate on behalf of the Department of Corrections
• The ability to multitask and independently manage a robust caseload, with appropriate supervision and mentorship
• Superior communication and analytical skills
• Working knowledge of the state and federal rules of civil procedure
• Ability to advance legal arguments by writing persuasively, concisely, and respectfully; and
• Commitment to constantly striving for improvement and professional growth and contributing to the professional growth of colleagues

Application Process

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.

Interested applicants must apply by hitting the apply button above. In addition to the on-line application, one must upload preferably as PDFs: a letter of interest; resume; law school transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable); and a writing sample (10 pages or less).

EEO Statement

The Washington State Office of the Attorney General is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability 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 Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at or