Assistant Attorney General - Criminal Justice Division's SVP Team, Seattle

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Flex schedules

Mentoring program

Paid holidays

Health & wellness program

Job summary

The Bob Keppel Criminal Justice Division of the Washington State Attorney General’s Office seeks attorneys to prosecute civil commitments of sexually violent predators under RCW 71.09 in a hybrid in-office/remote Seattle setting.

Applicants must have a JD from an ABA-accredited school, WA bar admission or pursuing admission, and at least three years of litigation experience with strong writing and oral advocacy skills.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from ABA-accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in Washington State.
• Strong litigation, writing and advocacy abilities.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute SVP civil commitments and handle related cases.
• Practice in Superior Court and occasionally in appellate courts.
• Provide superior courtroom advocacy and legal writing.
• Collaborate in a collegial, inclusive environment within the OCDJ.

Skills

Litigation experience

Legal writing

Oral advocacy

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Complex litigation skills

Education

Juris Doctor degree (ABA-accredited)

Job description

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

The Bob Keppel Criminal Justice Division (CRJ) of the Washington State Attorney General’s Office has an opening in the Seattle office for attorneys interested in prosecuting the civil commitment of sexually violent predators under RCW 71.09.

Sexually violent predators are generally persons who are releasing from prison who meet specific criteria under Washington law, to include a history of sexually violent offense(s) and a mental condition that makes the person likely to commit predatory acts of sexual violence if released to the community. SVP's are housed at the Special Commitment Center on McNeil Island unless court-approved for restricted release to the community. By identifying and interrupting those offenders most likely to commit new crimes, SVP Prosecutors make a unique and direct impact on community safety.

Duties

We seek attorneys with demonstrated courtroom experience, exceptional legal writing, and oral advocacy skills to do this important work. Our attorneys practice in Superior Court and handle appellate cases in the Washington State Court of Appeals, Washington State Supreme Court, and federal courts on an occasional basis. SVP cases are civil in nature, but some aspects of criminal law come into play.

Work in the SVP Unit is demanding but rewarding. The selected candidates will contribute to a collegial and inclusive work environment that includes attorneys, paralegals, and investigators dedicated to safer communities. History has shown that the high-level skills, experiences, and opportunities obtained from serving as an AAG in the Criminal Justice Division result in candidates well qualified for future opportunities—within the AGO and elsewhere.

Qualifications

The position is open to candidates able to work a hybrid in-office and remote work schedule in the downtown Seattle AGO office, but travel around the state for court hearings is sometimes required.

In addition to meeting the qualifications to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, preferred candidates will possess:

• A minimum of three years of litigation experience.
• Excellent writing and oral advocacy skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills to work well with others in an inclusive, collegial setting;
• Superior motivation and organizational skills; and
• The ability and desire to develop complex litigation skills.

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.

NOTE! The applicants selected will be required to submit to and pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check conducted by the Washington State Patrol, Criminal Records Division. The incumbent will submit to additional background checks as a condition of employment every five (5) years thereafter.

Supplemental 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 $83,856 and $157,080. This position is located in King County and is thus eligible for 5% King County Assignment Pay. 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 wish to learn more about it before applying, we welcome and encourage you to contact CJ Murray at [e-mail] or 206-389-3876.

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 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 [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.

For questions regarding the application process, please contact [e-mail]. If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at 855-524-5627 or [e-mail].