Assistant Attorney General - Labor and Personnel Division in Olympia

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 Personnel Division in Olympia has an opening for an attorney interested in practicing labor and employment law, with a mix of litigation and client advice work.

We represent and advise all state agencies and most colleges and universities on labor and employment issues, including labor negotiations and arbitrations, anti-discrimination laws, wage laws, public disclosure laws, and state and federal family and medical leave laws. We also handle civil litigation related to wage and hour law, and public disclosure. Our attorneys have significant client contact, and also appear before administrative boards, independent arbitrators, and in state and federal courts. Our practice is dynamic and challenging, and requires the exercise of diplomatic skills on top of legal advocacy.

This full-time position is located in Tumwater, and involves occasional travel, depending on client assignments and hearing locations.

The Labor & Personnel Division provides superb legal services in the areas of employment and labor law. We collaborate with each other and our clients in a workplace where teamwork and humor are highly valued.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will have:

• An expressed interest in the practice of public sector law;
• Excellent writing and oral advocacy skills;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Possesses significant experience in the following areas:

o Interviewing and preparing witnesses for hearing;

o Interacting with and advising clients on substantive legal issues; and

o Litigation experience (which may include hearings in administrative fora, arbitrations, and/or courts).

While not required, experience in the labor or personnel area is preferred. Experience with contracts, immigration law, and human resources are also desirable.

Employees in the Labor and Personnel Division work in a collaborative environment; thus the ability to work as a member of the team and to affirmatively contribute to the Division's respectful and inclusive workplace is essential and required.

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 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 L&P Division Chief Valerie Petrie at ValerieP@atg.wa.gov or 360-664-4185. The deadline for receipt of all application material is November 10, 2016.

**********

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.