Assistant Attorney General - Torts Division, Seattle

Description Those requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or 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 1-800-676-3777 or 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” to any of those questions and are interested in joining a collaborative team of dedicated attorneys, paralegals, and investigators, then you should apply to the Torts Division today! The Seattle 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 Seattle Office is located in the Bank of America Fifth Avenue Plaza building in downtown Seattle. The Torts Division also has offices in Tacoma, Olympia (Tumwater), and Spokane. The Division provides opportunities for telework in a hybrid work environment. Duties 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. The caseload includes a variety of cases involving different agencies and diverse theories of liability, 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. Attorneys handle many other types of cases as well, including premises liability, medical negligence, employment discrimination and retaliation, motor vehicle accidents, and maritime injuries on Washington State ferries. With hundreds of departments, agencies, boards, and commissions, there is always something new for the attorneys in the Torts Division. Attorneys are responsible for maintaining and applying a comprehensive knowledge of procedural and substantive law, working productively with client agencies, developing and executing legal strategy, engaging in all aspects of affirmative and defensive discovery, timely and effective communication of case developments, leading trial teams, conducting jury and bench trials, and handling appeals. The work is demanding, stimulating, and rewarding, and attorneys who enjoy leading-edge legal issues involving State liability thrive here. The environment is collegial, with dedicated professional support staff and other litigation resources. If you have strong analytical, advocacy, and problem-solving skills, enjoy working with other professionals, have a good sense of humor, and believe that communication and respect are critical to success, you will fit well in the Torts Division. Qualifications 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; and The ability to work well in a collaborative team environment with litigation support and investigative staff, client agencies and risk managers, the Office of Risk Management, and other attorneys in the Torts Division and the AGO. Ideal candidates will also offer experience in the following areas: Five or more years of progressive legal experience, including a strong foundation in civil litigation; Taking and defending depositions; Handling an active civil motions practice; Working with expert witnesses; Engaging in alternative dispute resolution; Trying cases in state and/or federal court; Briefing and arguing cases on appeal; Interacting with high-level client representatives; and Working with people with diverse backgrounds, experience, and communication styles. Torts and civil litigation experience, while advantageous, is not essential. 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 qualifications and are actively pursuing admission by motion will also be considered. The AGO values diversity and is committed to an inclusive environment that strengthens relationships and supports the mission of providing excellent, independent, and ethical legal services to the State of Washington. 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. The AAG salary will be set between $82,212 and $153,996, in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA. Positions located in King County are eligible for 5% King County Assignment Pay. A competitive state benefits package includes medical/dental plans, retirement, life and long-term disability insurance, and non-financial benefits such as professional development and work-life balance. The AGO emphasizes environmental stewardship in its policies. Interested applicants must apply online and upload, preferably as PDFs, the following: a letter of interest, resume, law school transcript (unofficial copy acceptable), and a writing sample (no more than 10 pages). If you have questions about this position, contact Seattle Torts Section Chief Jenna Robert at . Additional Information The Washington State Office of the Attorney General does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, visit The AGO is an equal opportunity employer and 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 presence of a service animal. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation may contact the recruitment team at . Those with a hearing impairment may contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-23