Financial Legal Examiner 2-4

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 126,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Sick leave

Holidays

Telecommuting

Flexible hours

Work-life balance

Diversity, equity, inclusion

Professional development

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) seeks attorneys or recent law school graduates to join its Consumer Services Enforcement Unit as Financial Legal Examiner (FLE). The role involves drafting enforcement actions, negotiating settlements, managing investigations, and applying knowledge of the Consumer Loan Act, Mortgage Broker Practices Act, and other statutes.

Hybrid work at Tumwater.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA).
• Applicants encouraged if they sat for the February 2026 Washington State Bar Examination.

Responsibilities

• Draft administrative enforcement actions, including statements of charges and cease and desist orders critical to the agency’s statutory consumer protection duties.
• Negotiate and draft settlements of enforcement actions.
• Oversee multiple complaints and investigations and ensure cases progress in a timely fashion.
• Conduct research and gather evidence through drafting and executing investigation plans; drafting subpoenas; conducting interviews, taking testimony, and examining financial and legal records.
• Prepare legal memoranda and investigative reports.
• Make recommendations for enforcement action based upon your investigation findings, applicable laws and regulations.
• Assist the Attorney General’s Office in the preparation and presentation of administrative cases for hearing.
• Provide testimony in administrative hearings.
• Issue criminal referrals to local prosecutors when appropriate.
• Learn and maintain expertise in the evolving state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to financial institutions.

Education

J.D. (Law degree)

Job description

Attorney Opportunity Regulating Financial Service Providers and Protecting Consumers

* Are you an attorney or recent law school graduate who is interested in learning skills to pursue a career in investigating alleged violations of laws and regulations pertaining to financial service industries, prepare cases for administrative, civil, or criminal actions, and negotiate settlements of your cases?

* Are you interested in learning about emerging FinTech industries like those dealing in cryptocurrency or more established forms of money transmission, escrow, consumer lending, mortgage loans, student loans, payday loans, and loan servicing?

* Are you interested in protecting consumers, public service, or obtaining public service loan forgiveness?

* Would you like to work independently and in collaboration with other attorneys and examiners, Division staff, the Washington State Office of the Attorney General, and other state and federal regulators?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you seriously should consider applying for this position! We’re looking to hire experienced attorneys or recent law school graduates to join our team!

The Consumer Services’ Enforcement Unit is recruiting a Financial Legal Examiner (FLE), which may be filled at the 2, 3, or 4 level, depending on applicant qualifications.

Salary Ranges

FLE 2 - $6,708 – 9,019 per month

FLE 3 - $7,592 - $10,204 per month

FLE 4 - $8,374 - $11,266 per month

This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

Some of What You Will Do

• Draft administrative enforcement actions, including statements of charges and cease and desist orders critical to the agency’s statutory consumer protection duties.
• Negotiate and draft settlements of enforcement actions.
• Oversee multiple complaints and investigations and ensure cases progress in a timely fashion.
• Conduct research and gather evidence through drafting and executing investigation plans; drafting subpoenas; conducting interviews, taking testimony, and examining financial and legal records.
• Prepare legal memoranda and investigative reports.
• Make recommendations for enforcement action based upon your investigation findings, applicable laws and regulations.
• Assist the Attorney General’s Office in the preparation and presentation of administrative cases for hearing.
• Provide testimony in administrative hearings.
• Issue criminal referrals to local prosecutors when appropriate.
• Learn and maintain expertise in the constantly evolving state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to financial institutions of all sizes, including the Consumer Loan Act, Mortgage Broker Practices Act, Escrow Agent Registration Act, Uniform Money Services Act, Truth in Lending Act, Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, Equal Credit Opportunity Act, Dodd Frank Act, and the Administrative Procedures Act.

Required Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited law school. Active membership in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA). Candidates that sat for the February 2026 Washington State Bar Examination are encouraged to apply.

Benefits of working for DFI include

• Medical, dental, retirement, and generous paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Telecommuting and flexible work hours.
• Healthy work-life balance.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion where every person is recognized and valued.
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities, including DFI’s in-house CLE program and other training that ensures employees are successful.
• You may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

About Our Agency

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions' (DFI) mission is to protect consumers and advance the financial health of Washington State by providing fair regulation of financial services and educating consumers to make informed financial decisions. Collectively and independently, the Department's nearly 250 employees within its 5 divisions - Administration, Banks, Consumer Services, Credit Unions, and Securities - work together to create a stronger economic future and secure financial environment for Washington's consumers and businesses alike. DFI is self-supporting, in that none of its operating revenues come from the state's general tax funds. Its operating revenues are paid by the organizations and individuals it regulates. To learn more about the Department of Financial Institutions, please visit our website at www.dfi.wa.gov.

The DFI values diverse perspectives and life experiences. We employ and serve diverse people of all backgrounds including people of color, women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and Uniformed Services members and their spouses. This culture of respect promotes a professional and inclusive environment where maximizing potential through opportunity is achievable by everyone.

About The Division

In the Division of Consumer Services, consumer protection is at the heart of what we do, whether we are regulating emerging FinTech industries like those dealing in cryptocurrency or more established forms of money transmission, escrow, consumer lending, and loan servicing. We license and conduct examinations of the people and companies in those industries and take action against those who violate the law. We pride ourselves on helping people - by ordering refunds or restitution for consumers, by enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of state government, and by working to maintain robust, healthy financial industries.

Official Work Station

The Consumer Services Division Enforcement Unit employs a hybrid work schedule. Your official workstation will be the Tumwater headquarters office. This position works in person in the Tumwater office on Division Anchor days that occur on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Additional in-office attendance may be required on an as needed basis.

Application Process

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically on Careers.wa.gov. Submitting your application materials electronically will act as confirmation that the information submitted is complete and accurate to the best of your knowledge. Failure to provide all required application materials may result in disqualification.

Interested applicants should select the "Apply" button and attach the following materials to their application:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Three professional references* (provide contact name, phone number, email address, company name, and job title)
• Unofficial Law School College Transcripts

Note: Application review may begin immediately. DFI reserves the right and may exercise the option to close this recruitment and make a hiring decision at any time. It may be to the applicant’s advantage to submit application materials as soon as possible.

Background Investigation

Prior to a new hire, a background check including credit history and criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Contact Information

Tom Grant/360-725-7817 [e-mail]