Assistant Attorney General - Regional Services Division, Kennewick or Yakima

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 91,000 - 157,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedules and telecommuting

Public loan forgiveness program

Training and career development

Health and wellness program

Job summary

Washington State Attorney General’s Office is seeking an Assistant Attorney General for Juvenile Litigation. The role includes extensive training, mentorship, and opportunities to represent DCYF in child welfare matters.

The position may involve travel within Washington to Benton, Franklin, Columbia, Garfield, and Walla Walla counties, with a strong emphasis on public service and professional development. AAGs receive a comprehensive benefits package, competitive salary, and a supportive,

Qualifications

• Graduate from ABA-accredited law school and be licensed to practice in Washington.
• Ability to adapt to fast-paced litigation and switch between different case types.
• Strong communication with client agencies and colleagues is essential.
• Commitment to public service and diversity within a large state office.

Responsibilities

• Represent DCYF in child welfare cases to protect abused and neglected children.
• Advise client agencies and guardians regarding regulatory enforcement matters.
• Prepare witnesses and evidence for hearing or trial.
• Review petitions and court documents; respond to discovery.
• Communicate with social workers and agency staff.
• Submit relevant briefing to the court and coordinate with guardians ad litem.
• Conduct research and analysis; manage caseload with independence.
• Support work-life balance and professional development within the AGO.

Education

ABA-accredited law school graduate

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.

Are you a recent law school graduate looking for an attorney position that offers extensive training, mentorship, and the opportunity to develop your litigation and client advice skills? Are you an experienced attorney looking for an opportunity to work for an agency supporting work/life balance? The Washington State Attorney General’s Office is excited to offer an opportunity to join our supportive and collaborative office as an Assistant Attorney General with our Juvenile Litigation team.

The successful candidate will receive training from our local subject matter experts, as well as participate in our statewide training and mentorship programs. While you will be primarily assigned to the Juvenile Litigation team, you will have the opportunity to expand your experience by also assisting with a wide variety of clients with new and varying issues.

The successful candidate can be located in either the Yakima or Kennewick office and will primarily represent the Department of Children, Youth and Families in Benton, Franklin, Columbia, Garfield, and Walla Walla counties. These communities offer affordable living costs, 300 days a year of sunshine, and ample opportunities for outdoor sports and activities.

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.

Benefits and Compensation Details

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:

• Competitive salary within the given salary range $90,708 and$157,080.


• Salaries are set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA schedule set forth below.


• Longevity pay of 5% premium on top of base wages after 5 years with the Attorney General’s Office.


• A competitive benefit package that includes:

• Deferred Compensation Plan


• 11 paid holidays and 1 personal holiday


• 8 hours sick leave accrual per month


• 9.33 hours to start, then up to 16.67 hours of annual leave accrual per month (based on years of state service)


• Flex schedules and telecommuting options


• 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


• Qualifying Employer for Public Loan Forgiveness Program


• 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 provides CLE credits and is recognized for its excellence and efficacy by AGOs nationwide

Assistant Attorneys General Salary Schedule – A preferred candidate, for this position, who graduated from law school in 2025 or 2026 would start no lower than Step 4 at $90,708.

Assistant Attorneys General Salary Schedule – Step and Graduation Year Grids

• Base Range Step Numbers | Graduation Year | AAG Range | Managing AAG 1 Range | Managing AAG 2 Range | Deputy Solicitor General Range


• Step 2 | 2026 | 83,856 | 88,056 | 92,256 | 92,256


• Step 3 | 2025 | 87,216 | 91,584 | 95,940 | 95,940


• Step 4 | 2024 | 90,708 | 95,244 | 99,792 | 99,792


• Step 5 | 2023 | 94,320 | 99,060 | 103,776 | 103,776


• Step 6 | 2022 | 98,112 | 103,008 | 107,928 | 107,928


• Step 7 | 2021 | 102,036 | 107,136 | 112,224 | 112,224


• Step 8 | 2020 | 106,092 | 111,420 | 116,736 | 116,736


• Step 9 | 2019 | 110,364 | 115,872 | 121,392 | 121,392


• Step 10 | 2018 | 114,780 | 120,516 | 126,240 | 126,240


• Step 11 | 2017 | 119,364 | 125,328 | 131,292 | 131,292


• Step 12 | 2016 | 124,140 | 130,344 | 136,536 | 136,536


• Step 13 | 2015 | 129,096 | 135,576 | 142,020 | 142,020


• Step 14 | 2014 | 134,268 | 141,000 | 147,672 | 147,672


• Step 15 | 2013 | 139,632 | 146,628 | 153,612 | 153,612


• Step 16 | 2012 | 145,212 | 152,484 | 159,744 | 159,744


• Step 17 | 2011 | 151,032 | 158,580 | 166,128 | 166,128


• Step 18 | 2010 | 157,080 | 164,940 | 172,776 | 172,776

Duties

Regional Services Division AAGs represent state agencies and higher education institutions. AAGs representing clients in Benton, Franklin, Columbia, Garfield, and Walla Walla counties represent the Department of Children Youth and Families, Department of Social and Health Services, Department of Labor and Industries, Department of Licensing, Employment Security Department, Educational Service District #123, Columbia Basin College, and Walla Walla Community College.

The primary emphasis for this position is representing DCYF in child welfare cases to protect abused and neglected children in dependency, guardianship, and termination of parental rights cases. The work is remarkably rewarding, while difficult at times. These cases directly influence the lives of children in our state, in a very meaningful way. Cases also involve advising the client regarding regulatory enforcement matters. The position will involve regular regional travel within Washington State. In your role, representing the Department of Children Youth and Families, you will get to:

• Evaluate evidence to determine legal sufficiency to support court intervention


• Apply the Indian Child Welfare Act and the Washington Indian Child Welfare Act to the juvenile cases


• Review relevant petitions and other documents


• Consult with social workers and other agency employees


• Submit and respond to discovery


• Prepare witnesses and evidence for hearing or trial


• Review reports submitted to the court


• Perform research and analysis


• Submit relevant briefing to the court


• Communicate frequently with other attorneys and guardians ad litem to resolve issues related to underlying cases


• Consider settlement options


• Take all other actions related to these matters

Qualifications

In addition to meeting the qualifications to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, specific qualifications for this position include the ability to quickly adapt to a practice that involves assignment of cases in a fast‑paced litigation environment, and the ability to shift from one type of work to another during a given week or day.

The ability to communicate with a variety of client agency representatives efficiently and effectively, as well as with attorney and non‑attorney colleagues within the office, is critical to success in the position. This position provides significant opportunities to quickly develop and exercise independent judgment within the context of a large law office striving to provide consistent representation to client agencies in locations throughout the state.

Demonstrated ability to independently manage time, to identify and prioritize tasks necessary to complete, and to maintain a well‑organized practice under significant case load demands are essential.

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.

Supplemental Information

This AAG 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. Positions in the Yakima and Kennewick sections are eligible for a salary within the given salary range ($90,708 and $157,080). 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.

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 Jennifer Mankowski Dixon at [e-mail].

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 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 [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].