Managing Assistant Attorney 1 - Criminal Justice Division's Signature Projects Section, Seattle

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 88,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Flexible work schedules/telecommuting

Mentoring program

Health and wellness program

Job summary

Washington State Attorney General’s Office seeks an experienced attorney to serve as Managing Assistant Attorney General in the Criminal Justice Division’s Signature Projects Section (SPS). You will oversee the SAIST team, supervise investigators and analysts, and work on prosecutorial support for criminal cases at state and federal levels.

The role requires strong leadership, legislative analysis, and collaboration with multiple AGO divisions and external partners.

Qualifications

• Must have graduated from a law school accredited by the ABA or completed WSBA Rule 6 Law Clerk Program.
• Must be licensed to practice law in Washington State.

Responsibilities

• Oversee SAIST and staff; supervise investigators, analysts, data consultants, attorneys, and other professionals.
• Support anti-human trafficking work; assist in related criminal litigation.
• Draft analyses for the Attorney General on proposed legislation impacting the criminal justice system.
• Manage and complete other long- and short-term criminal justice projects as directed by the Section Chief.
• Occasionally assign cases for review; assist in grant applications to support SAIST work.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Oral advocacy

Staff management

Project management

Collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor

Bar licensed in Washington

Tools

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 - MAAG1 salaries are set between $88,056 and $164,940. 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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Bob Keppel Criminal Justice Division of the Washington State Attorney General’s Office seeks an experienced attorney to fill the role of Managing Assistant Attorney General in CRJ’s Signature Projects Section (SPS).

Duties

This position oversees the Sexual Assault Investigations Support Team (SAIST) and staff dedicated to SAIST projects. SAIST provides data collection, investigative support, and prosecutorial support on criminal cases and criminal justice issues. This position is responsible for supervising and directly supporting investigators, analysts, data consultants, attorneys, and other professionals within SAIST. This role also directly supports the anti-human trafficking work within the Criminal Justice Division, including performing some attendant criminal litigation before state and federal courts. The position works collaboratively with the Section Chief and the Attorney General and his staff; other AGO Divisions; federal, state and local criminal justice agencies; and community partners.

In addition to its supervisory role, this position is responsible for managing and completing other long and short-term criminal justice projects that the Section Chief may direct. The position serves as a subject matter expert for AGO policymakers on Washington State’s criminal justice system, the AGO’s role in that system, and other criminal justice issues/projects of interest to the Attorney General. This position drafts analysis for the Attorney General to review when legislation is proposed that impacts the criminal justice system. The position reports progress on projects to the Section Chief and/or the Administration Division, including the Attorney General, as needed.

Periodically, the Section Chief may assign this position cases for review for criminal charges and/or prosecution as workload allows. This position will assist in the application and management of grants to support the work of SAIST.

Work is primarily performed in a traditional office environment in a high‑rise building at the Attorney General’s Office in downtown Seattle with the opportunity for flex schedule and telecommuting, pursuant to AGO policy. The position occasionally requires working an unpredictable schedule, which may include day‑long or overnight travel away from the assigned workstation and can often require working more than forty (40) hours per week. Periodic travel is required in this position.

Qualifications

In addition to meeting the qualifications to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, preferred candidate is someone who:

• Has excellent judgment;
• Has strong research, writing, and oral presentation skills;
• Communicates effectively verbally and in writing with coworkers, constituents, opposing counsel and others;
• Accurately, effectively and independently handles workload assigned;
• Engages in timely and effective problem solving;
• Demonstrates the highest degree of ethics and professionalism;
• Has exceptional interpersonal skills to mentor and manage staff and contribute to the effectiveness and positivity of the division and agency;
• Has flexibility and time‑management skills to manage staff and a robust, project‑based workload;
• Has an exceptional ability to collaborate with other criminal justice partners in government and the community;
• Has an exceptional ability to develop and deliver clear, concise, and sound options‑based advice to high‑level AGO management and divisional clients;
• Is knowledgeable or has a desire to learn about grant processes, government processes, policies, procedures, and laws governing the AGO; and
• Is committed to initiating work on behalf of the AGO to improve our statewide service within the criminal justice system.

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.

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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.

Supplemental Information

This Managing 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. MAAG1 salaries are set between $88,056 and $164,940. 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, we welcome and encourage you to contact Maggi Qerimi at [e-mail].

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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 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].