Deputy Solicitor General - Solicitor General's Office, Olympia or Seattle

State of Washington; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 92,000 - 173,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Vacation leave & paid holidays

Transparent salary schedule

General bar dues paid

Flex schedules & telecommuting

Mentoring program

Health and wellness program

Training and career development

Job summary

The Washington State Attorney General's Office seeks a Deputy Solicitor General to lead and coordinate affirmative litigation on behalf of Washington State, including high‑stakes matters and constitutional challenges. The role offers leadership on litigation teams, advisory work for state agencies, and opportunities to argue in state and federal courts.

Candidates must have ABA‑accredited law degree and WA state bar admission; mentoring capabilities and collaboration are valued in this

Qualifications

• Significant civil litigation experience in federal courts, incl. constitutional matters or APA at trial/appellate levels.
• Excellent analytical, brief writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Experience leading litigation teams and collaborating in a diverse environment.
• Ability to mentor others and provide constructive feedback.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coordinate, and support affirmative litigation on behalf of Washington State.
• Take leadership roles on high‑stakes litigation, including coalitions of states.
• Advise agencies on litigation strategy and handle select state/federal appeals.
• Draft opinions, amicus briefs, and participate in briefs/oral arguments.
• Coordinate with AGO attorneys to develop strategy and provide guidance.

Skills

Civil litigation

Constitutional litigation

Administrative Procedure Act

Oral advocacy

Team leadership

Mentoring

Education

ABA‑accredited law school

WA state bar admission

WSBA Rule 6 Law Clerk Program

Job description

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.

Benefits

• 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 – DSG salaries are set between $92,256 and $172,776. 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 31 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

Duties

The attorney selected for this position will serve as part of a team leading, coordinating, and supporting affirmative litigation brought on behalf of Washington State. The work will primarily focus on challenging federal actions to protect the rights and interests of Washingtonians. The attorney will take on leadership roles on litigation teams in high-stakes litigation, including litigation on behalf of a coalition of states, give advice concerning litigation strategy, and advise state agencies relating to challenged federal actions. The attorney will also handle select litigation and appeals (including briefing and oral argument) in state and federal courts; assist attorneys throughout the AGO with their appeals, including developing strategy, editing briefs, and coaching for oral argument; provide legal advice on a broad array of legal issues of statewide importance; advise state client agencies and state elected officials, draft state and federal amicus briefs; and prepare and review Attorney General Opinions and ballot measure materials.

Qualifications

In addition to meeting the requirements to serve as a Deputy Solicitor General, candidates should possess:

• Significant civil litigation experience in federal courts with specific experience handling constitutional litigation and/or actions under the Administrative Procedure Act at the trial and appellate levels;


• Excellent analytical, brief writing, and oral advocacy skills;


• Experience managing litigation teams and an affinity for working in an atmosphere where collaboration and teamwork are valued priorities;


• A demonstrated ability to work both independently and with people of diverse backgrounds, experience levels, and communication styles; and


• An interest in mentoring others, including providing constructive feedback.

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.

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.

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).

Supplemental Information

Deputy Solicitor General position is represented by the Association of Washington Assistant Attorneys General (AWAAG) / Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) AFSCME Council 28, AFL‑CIO. Deputy SG salaries are set between $92,256 and $172,776. The exact amount is set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA. The salary of an employee whose official duty station is Seattle would reflect an additional 5% King County Assignment Pay per legislative action. 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.

Contact

If you have questions about this position and/or want to learn more about it before applying, we welcome and encourage you to contact Cristina Sepe at [e-mail].

More Than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs. Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state. Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax‑deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long‑term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts. To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs. Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre‑tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses. Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction. The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well‑being of employees. State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer‑contributed retirement programs. Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre‑tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options. All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system. If you are employed by a government or not‑for‑profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Full‑time and part‑time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year. Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information. Full‑time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 non‑overtime hours during the month of the holiday, or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. Part‑time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro‑rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full‑time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave. Full‑time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. Sick leave accruals for part‑time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. Full‑time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357‑31‑165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full‑time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 non‑overtime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave. Part‑time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357‑31‑165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro‑rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. As provided in WAC 357‑58‑175, an employer may authorize a lump‑sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357‑31‑165. Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave. Leave Sharing. Parental Leave. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Leave Without Pay. Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits. Updated 01‑07‑2026.