Assistant Attorney General - Open Government & Public Records Unit, Olympia

Full Job Description

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.

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 - 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

* * * * * * * * * * * *

The newly formed Open Government & Public Records Unit (OPR) of the WA State Attorney General's Office seeks an attorney to serve as an Assistant Attorney General supporting the Local Government PRA Consultation Program (LGCP).

About the Division:

OPR guides and implements the AGO’s PRA practices and represents the AGO in Public Records Act (PRA) advice and litigation.

The Unit is comprised of three groups: Public Records and Constituent Services (coordinating PRA responses and information inquiries), Local Government PRA Consultation Program (providing guidance to local governments statewide on the PRA) and the Public Records Counsel (advising and representing the AGO in PRA matters.) OPR is led by the Chief Transparency Counsel.

Requirements

This position leads the LGCP providing services identified and developed by LGCP staff. It offers an opportunity to work and support local government customers proactively with government transparency.

The LGCP is a unique program supporting local government’s efforts in government transparency.

Assistance may include but is not limited to guidance on 1) responding to records requests, 2) seeking additional public and private resources for developing and updating technology information services, and 3) mitigating liability and costs of compliance.

Since 2018 the LGCP has supported local governments through a variety of means. LGCP consultants have responded to thousands of phone calls and email inquiries from local governments on the PRA.

Program consultants have trained hundreds of new public records officers on PRA fundamentals.

They have also provided training to public records officers and agency leaders to assure knowledge and understanding of the PRA’s current expectations and requirements.

Some of this work is completed virtually utilizing remote meeting tools but consultants also travel throughout the state providing direct services “locally” and speaking at conferences.

The LGCP commonly partners with statewide associations in these efforts.

The unit’s work has grown and evolved since 2018 based on identified needs and tracking trends through conversations with local government customers.

Qualifications

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

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 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.

Additional Information

This AAG 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 are set between $82,212 and $153,996. The exact amount is set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA.

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 and preferably as PDFs:

• A letter of interest;
• Resume;
• Law school transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable) with date law degree was conferred; and
• Writing sample (10 pages or less).

To learn more about this opportunity, you are encouraged to contact Unit Chief Morgan Damerow at Morgan.damerow@atg.wa.gov or 360-570-3418.

*************************

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 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 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.