Assistant Attorney General - Utilities & Transportation Division, 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 Washington State Attorney General’s Office seeks an attorney to serve in its Utilities and Transportation Division.

The Utilities and Transportation Division (known as “the UTC”) is one of the smaller divisions in the AGO, with seven attorneys and three paralegals.

The division’s small size fosters a very collegial and collaborative working environment where attorneys communicate constantly and share workload as best as possible.

Requirements

The UTC provides comprehensive legal services to the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, which regulates the rates, services, and practices of the companies that provide the backbone of modern life: investor-owned utilities (electric, natural gas, water, and telecommunications companies) and common carriers (railroads, household goods carriers, bus companies, solid waste collection companies, private ferries, marine pilots, and pipeline companies).

The UTC represents the Commission or its staff in state and federal administrative, trial, and appellate matters.

These include representing the Commission’s regulatory and consumer protection staff in hearings before the Commission as well as representing the Commission itself before various federal agencies (including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Federal Communications Commission, and the Surface Transportation Board) and state and federal trial and appellate courts.

The UTC’s client advice work involves assisting the Commission implement the provisions of state law that it administers (mainly Titles 80 and 81 RCW, but also chapters in Title 19 RCW) as well as helping it navigate the interplay between state and federal law.

The law governing utilities and common carriers is evolving rapidly at the state level, especially in the energy sector, as evidenced by Washington’s Clean Energy Transformation Act and Climate Commitment Act.

Qualifications

In addition to meeting the requirements to apply and serve as an Assistant Attorney General, the successful applicant should have the following qualifications:


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.

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If you meet the qualifications, share our vision, and have a desire to do important work that makes a difference for our community, then we invite you to apply!

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 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, preferably as PDFs:

• A letter of interest;
• Resume;
• A list of three professional references;
• Law school transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable) showing date JD conferred; 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 Jeff Roberson at jeff.roberson@utc.wa.gov or (360) 709-4852.

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The Washington State Office of the Attorney General does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

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.