Assistant Attorney General - Social & Health Services Division, Tumwater

Full Job Description

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.

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 Washington State Attorney General’s Office’s Social and Health Services Division in Tumwater, WA has an immediate opening for an Assistant Attorney General in its Aging and Disability Services (ADS) Section.

Our team of 44 attorneys and 28 professional staff works at the heart of Washington’s social safety net.

We provide legal support for five state agencies, including the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and the Health Care Authority (HCA), to provide benefits, protection, and care to some of our state’s most vulnerable and disenfranchised residents.

Our cases range from large federal court class action cases to individual administrative appeals. Our recent cases include challenges to state employee health benefits programs and a challenge to the adequacy of the state’s mental health services.

We also handle a wide range of legal matters, including:

• Seeking protections for vulnerable adults at risk of abuse or neglect;
• Defending lawsuits brought by legal advocacy groups organizations on behalf of Medicaid recipients and individuals with disabilities;
• Complex civil rights challenges by residents of the Special Commitment Center for sexually violent predators;
• Civil and felony commitment hearings and trials;
• Contract disputes with medical providers and managed care organizations; and
• Appeals related to eligibility for medical services.

Our division is dedicated to fostering a positive and supportive workplace. We prioritize employee growth through a culture that recognizes hard work and provides active support for career advancement. Regular social events help us connect and strengthen our collaborative team dynamic - join us!

Requirements

This position is part of the Social & Health Services Olympia Division (SHO), Aging and Disability Services (ADS) Section, which provides legal advice and representation to the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and its programs serving Washington’s aging and disabled populations.

The ADS Section represents the Home and Community Living Administration of DSHS, including:

• Adult Protective Services Division;
• Home and Community Services Division;
• Developmental Disabilities Community Services Division;
• WA Cares Fund;
• Residential Care Services Division; and
• 24/7 facilities serving individuals with developmental disabilities.

Attorneys in this section handle a wide variety of litigation and legal matters, appearing before administrative tribunals, Washington State Superior Courts, The Washington Court of Appeals and Supreme Court, U.S.

District Courts (Western and Eastern Districts of Washington), the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court

ADS attorneys provide advice and representation in complex and meaningful cases that affect the safety, rights, and well-being of vulnerable adults and individuals with disabilities. In addition to managing individual caseloads, attorneys may also collaborate on multi-attorney trial teams or assist with matters for other clients within the Division as needed.

Qualifications

In addition to meeting the requirement to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, desirable qualities and experience include:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Ability and interest in working in a team setting;
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with competing demands;
• Ability to multitask and willingness to provide coverage for others;
• Comfortable working in settings around people with mental illness who are being treated against their will; and
• Respect and collegiality toward support staff and attorneys, contributing to our highly valued positive work environment.

This position involves litigation in a variety of settings, as described above. As a result, some litigation experience is desired, but it is not required. If you do not have litigation experience, but are enthusiastic about getting this experience, we encourage you to apply.

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.

Additional 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 are set between $82,212 and $153,996. The exact amount is set in accordance with Article 10.8 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, preferably as PDFs:

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

If you have questions about this position and/or wish to learn more about it before applying, we encourage and welcome you to contact Division Chief Allie King at Natalie.King@atg.wa.gov or 360-586-6485.

This position is open until filled with a first review on December 2, 2025. The Washington State Office of the Attorney General reserves the right to close this announcement at any time without notice.

Interviews will be scheduled throughout the duration of the recruitment, thus you are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

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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 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 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 orwww.washingtonrelay.com.