Assistant Attorney General - Environmental Protection Division, Seattle

State of Washington; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 84,000 - 157,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Mentoring program

Flexible schedules

Telecommuting options

Training and career development

Public service and mission driven work

Job summary

The Environmental Protection Division (EPD) of the WA State Attorney General’s Office seeks an attorney to initiate and lead the prosecution of environmental crimes, joining a team of dedicated, talented attorneys and professional staff.

This position may require travel and offers a comprehensive benefits package, mentoring, telecommuting options, and a strong commitment to public service and professional development.

Qualifications

• Five or more years of experience in criminal litigation.
• Knowledge of criminal law, criminal procedure, environmental law, ethics.
• Ability to foster teamwork and promote a positive work environment.
• Ability to build relationships with stakeholders to resolve problems.
• Strong analytical, research and writing skills.
• Excellent judgment; ability to handle multiple time-sensitive assignments.
• Commitment to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce.

Responsibilities

• Direct and assist investigations and case development.
• Develop creative litigation strategies for complex issues.
• Negotiate plea agreements with defense counsel.
• Draft pleadings, motions, and memoranda through post-judgment.
• Conduct all aspects of discovery.
• Appear at pre-trial hearings and try cases to jury or bench.
• Foster relationships with local, state, tribal, and federal partners.
• Represent the AGO in public settings on sensitive matters.

Skills

Criminal litigation

Legal research

Writing skills

Teamwork

Analytical thinking

Judgment

Time management

Diversity advocacy

Education

ABA-accredited law school

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 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 Environmental Protection Division (EPD) of the WA State Attorney General’s Office seeks an attorney to initiate and lead the prosecution of environmental crimes, joining a team of dedicated, talented attorneys and professional staff.

Duties typical of attorneys within the Division include:

• Directing and assisting in investigations and case development;
• Developing creative litigation strategies to address complex legal issues;
• Negotiating with defense counsel on potential plea agreements;
• Drafting pleadings, motions and memoranda from initial filing through post-judgment proceedings;
• Conducting all aspects of discovery;
• Appearing for pre-trial hearings, trying cases to jury or bench, and participating in post-trial proceedings including any appeals;
• Developing and fostering working relationships with local, state, tribal, and federal partners; and
• Representing the AGO in public settings on matters that may be of a sensitive or high-profile nature.

This position may require occasional travel, including overnight trips.

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

• Five or more years’ experience in criminal litigation;
• Demonstrated knowledge of the rules and procedures related to criminal law, criminal procedure, environmental law, administrative procedures, civil and criminal rules, evidentiary rules, rules of appellate procedure, and ethics;
• Demonstrated ability to foster teamwork and collaboration and promote a positive work environment that recognizes and respects all employees;
• Ability to maintain productive working relationships across the division and with stakeholders, helping to identify and resolve problems;
• Strong analytical, research, and writing skills;
• Excellent judgment;
• Experience successfully handling multiple time-sensitive assignments; and
• Commitment to help create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce and culture that encourages and celebrates differences.

Highly preferred qualifications include:

• Significant trial experience;
• Experience working with underrepresented or ethnically diverse communities or groups; and
• An ability to read, write or speak a language in addition to English.

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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.

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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.

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 CBA. Positions located in King County are eligible for 5% King County Assignment Pay. 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, please contact Section Chief Brad Roberts at [e-mail] or 206-389-2098.

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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 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].