Assistant Attorney General (Section Chief) - Labor and Industries Division in Olympia/Tumwater
The Attorney General is the chief legal officer for the state of Washington, and the Attorney General's Office serves more than 230 state agencies, boards, commissions, colleges and universities, as well as the Legislature and the Governor. In furtherance of its mission to deliver the highest quality professional legal services to officials, agencies, and people of the state of Washington, the AGO covers a remarkably diverse legal landscape, including social and health services, consumer protection, civil and administrative litigation, environmental law, torts, tribal law, labor law, appellate practice and criminal prosecution.
The agency is highly respected for the quality of its legal work and the professionalism and ethical standards of its staff and leadership. The AGO's dedicated team members of 500 attorneys and 700 professional staff often cite the AGO's broad mandate, offering challenging, diverse work in the public interest, as reasons to join the office -- and opportunities for professional growth, along with a collegial atmosphere, as reasons to stay. 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 protect the rights of its people.
The position is located in Tumwater, Washington. Olympia/Tumwater is a diverse, affordable and safe community. Living and working in Olympia offers unparalleled opportunities to pursue a rewarding career while living in an historically rich and vibrant area. Olympia is ideally situated between the northwest's two largest cities (Seattle and Portland) and exploring either is but a short drive away. If exploring Washington State's natural features is your passion, know that hiking, skiing and sailing opportunities are easily accessible. But you needn't stray from home for an adventure, as Olympia offers lush parks and trails, walkable neighborhoods, and exceptional dining, shopping and cultural experiences. Families and individuals will benefit from Olympia's excellent schools, from elementary through college.
Duties
The Washington State Attorney General's Office's Labor and Industries Division is seeking an attorney to fill the Section Chief position of its Tumwater Section. The LNI division consists of 104 attorneys and professional staff housed in Tumwater and Seattle sections. The division handles litigation and advice for the Department of Labor and Industries in a broad array of areas including: Industrial Insurance, Worker Health and Safety, Employer Audits, Employment Standards, Wage Theft, Building Trades and Crime Victim's Compensation. The workload includes client advice and high-volume, fast-paced litigation before the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals and the Office of Administrative Hearings, Washington Superior Courts and Courts of Appeal and Federal Courts.
The Section Chief partners with the Division Chief and other division leaders to provide exceptionally-professional legal services and foster and maintain a collaborative workplace environment that is supportive, productive and innovative. The Tumwater Section Chief leads four attorney team leaders and sixteen talented attorneys who advise and represent the Department of Labor and Industries regarding a variety of matters including: wage and hour, workers' compensation, industrial safety and health, building trades, APA, public records and public contracting. The Section Chief coaches and mentors; listens actively to team members regarding resource needs, workload balance, client needs, and professional development interests; assists with attorney and professional staff recruitment; facilitates section meetings; and provides input into performance evaluations of section attorneys, in collaboration with attorney team leaders. The Section Chief will handle client program assignments in addition to supervisory responsibilities.
This position will join a group of individuals committed to providing excellent legal services. The division offers great mentors, a team atmosphere, and supports flexibility and creativity.
Qualifications
The successful candidate must have:
Demonstrated ability to foster teamwork and collaboration and promote a positive work environment that recognizes and respects all employees;
The ability to maintain productive working relationships across the division, section and with the client;
Superior interpersonal and communication skills;
A demonstrated leadership ability (while management experience is not required, prior experience in efficiently managing the resources, workload issues and organization of a work group or team are a plus);
Experience developing practical solutions, exhibiting proactive and creative problem-solving skills and maintaining perspective;
The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues in a dynamic, fast-paced environment;
Litigation experience as a practicing attorney before a tribunal involving the Washington Rules of Evidence, Civil Rules and/or Rules of Appellate Procedure.
Experience representing and advising public or private clients in workers' compensation, wage and hour, industrial safety and health, building trades, insurance defense, or related litigation matters is ideal.
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. 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 protect the rights of its people.
Supplemental Information
AGO salaries are based on experience, qualifications and are commensurate with comparable positions in the AGO. 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.
Interested applicants must apply by hitting the "apply" button above. In addition to the on-line application, one must upload, via the system:
A letter of interest;
Resume;
Law school transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable); and
Writing sample.
For information about the position, please contact Division Chief Steve Reinmuth at 360-586-7730. The deadline for receipt of all application material is November 13, 2016.
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This Office 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 may contact Tracy Robinson at 360-586-7693 or Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com
