Team Leader - Gov. Compliance & Enforcement 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 - MAAG1 salaries are set between $86,328 and $161,700. 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 WA State Attorney General’s Office’s Government Compliance and Enforcement Division (GCE) seeks an attorney to serve as a Team Leader providing advice and representation to the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB).

The Team Leader reports to the Section Chief for GCE’s Enforcement Section and serves as a member of the division’s management team.

GCE includes 58 attorneys and professional staff located on the Capitol Campus with direct access to downtown Olympia and the beautiful State Capitol grounds.

GCE provides legal services to over 40 state agencies, boards, and commissions, including those that protect citizens by regulating a variety of professions and industries.

We offer a professional and inclusive work environment where teamwork, high quality legal service, and work-life balance are highly valued.

Requirements

The selected candidate will lead a team of four attorneys that provides advice and representation to the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) in its effort to promote public safety by enforcing the state’s liquor, cannabis and tobacco laws and regulations in cases involving licensed businesses.

The team appears before administrative forums, while also handling some cases in Superior Court and the state’s appellate courts under the judicial review provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA).

Typical legal work within the section involves writing, presenting and responding to motions, interviewing and presenting witnesses, providing client advice related to the litigation, and appearing for status conferences or hearings.

The candidate may also serve as a backup to other Enforcement Section client agencies, which include the Department of Financial Institutions and the Gambling Commission.

The Team Leader provides legal counsel and representation as the lead litigation attorney for LCB.

To be successful in this assignment, one must demonstrate legal competency, solid organizational skills, flexibility, open communication, good judgment, and a respect for people’s diverse experiences, skills, and areas for professional growth.

The management functions of this position include:

• Coaching, mentoring, and supporting staff;
• Assigning cases;
• Tracking caseloads;
• Ensuring critical event deadlines are met;
• Implementing management plans and policies;
• Evaluating employee performance & providing feedback; and
• Coordinating with the Section Chief or Division Chief as needed.

Qualifications

In addition to meeting the requirement to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, we seek an attorney who has:

• A minimum of five years of experience as a practicing attorney;
• Experience with the APA;
• A demonstrated commitment to public service;
• Litigation experience at the administrative, state and/or federal level;
• Strong interpersonal, analytical, and writing skills; and
• The ability to develop and maintain strong client relationships.

Prior supervisory or management experience is desirable but is not required if the candidate can demonstrate other relevant leadership experience, qualities, and/or training. This is a full-time position that involves occasional travel, depending on hearing locations.

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 Managing 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.

MAAG1 salaries are set between $$86,328 and $161,700. 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;
• Law school transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable) showing the date law degree was conferred; and
• Writing sample (10 pages or less).

If you have questions about this position and/or want to learn more about it before applying, we welcome and encourage you to contact Division Chief Chad Standifer at Chad.Standifer@atg.wa.gov or 360-586-3650.

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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.

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.