Assistant Attorney General - Corrections Division, Spokane or Tumwater

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); Hybrid; USD 84,000 - 157,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation Leave

Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

Mentoring program

Health and wellness program

Training and career development

Job summary

Washington State Attorney General's Office seeks an accomplished attorney to join the Corrections Division in a role focused on habeas corpus and sentencing matters. The position supports collaborative work with the Department of Corrections and the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board, handling complex state and federal proceedings.

Applicants should have an ABA‑accredited law degree, be licensed in Washington, and bring experience in appellate practice, civil rights matters, and a commitment to

Qualifications

• Graduated from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in Washington state.
• Experience advising on sentencing and community custody issues with significant public safety implications.
• Appellate practice experience in state and federal court is valued.

Responsibilities

• Defend state criminal convictions and sentences in federal habeas corpus actions.
• Represent DOC and the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board in petitions and related proceedings.
• Advise on sentencing, community custody issues, and related constitutional principles.
• Review criminal sentences for legal errors and seek corrections in appellate courts.
• Advise on interstate matters such as supervision compacts and fugitive extradition requests.

Skills

Strong work ethic

Excellent judgment

Multitask effectively

Superior communication

Analytical skills

Persuasive writing

Oral advocacy

Education

ABA-accredited law school

Licensed to practice law in Washington

Job description

Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at [e-mail]. 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 $83,856 and $157,080. 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

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The Corrections Division's Habeas Corpus & Sentencing Unit has an opening for an attorney seeking to join a tight-knit, collaborative team that provides a host of litigation and advice services to the Washington Department of Corrections (DOC). Our work is challenging, rewarding, and consequential

This position can be located in Spokane or Tumwater, with preference for those willing to work in the Spokane office.

Here’s a sample of what we do:

• We defend state criminal convictions and sentences in federal habeas corpus actions filed by incarcerated individuals pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2254.
• We represent DOC and the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board in personal restraint petition proceedings in the Washington Court of Appeals. These petitions contest issues such as DOC’s sentence administration, the legality of community custody conditions, and decisions to deny or revoke an individual’s release to the community.
• We advise DOC officials on sentencing and community custody issues with significant public safety implications. This advice often requires interpretation of the Sentencing Reform Act, RCW Chapter 9.94A, and application of state and federal constitutional principles including procedural due process, search and seizure, and ex post facto.
• We review criminal sentences for legal errors and seek correction in the Washington Court of Appeals to ensure that DOC is not required to carry out an unlawful sentence.
• We advise DOC and the Governor’s Office on interstate matters such as supervision compacts and fugitive extradition requests.

Because we frequently litigate in the Ninth Circuit as well as the Washington Court of Appeals and Washington Supreme Court, this position is an excellent opportunity for an attorney interested in honing their legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.

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

• Strong work ethic and can-do attitude;
• Excellent judgment;
• The ability to multitask and independently manage a robust caseload, with appropriate supervision and mentorship;
• Superior communication and analytical skills;
• The ability to advance legal arguments by writing persuasively, concisely, and respectfully; and
• A commitment to constantly striving for improvement and professional growth and contributing to the professional growth of colleagues.

The Corrections Division is a collegial office that values the insight and contributions of every employee. While the ideal candidate for this position will have significant litigation experience, our team successfully mentors and trains newer attorneys. We welcome applicants of all levels of experience who want to work hard and achieve excellent results.

Although not required, if you have any of the following experience, please make sure to highlight it in your application materials:

• Experience practicing criminal law.
• Experience litigating personal restraint petitions in the Washington Court of Appeals.
• Experience litigating federal habeas corpus cases.
• Appellate practice experience in state and federal court.
• Experience litigating civil rights § 1983 cases in federal court.

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.

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 $83,856 and $157,080. The exact amount is set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CB. 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.

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 Nick Williamson or Habeas Unit Lead Greg Ziser at [phone].

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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.