The Washington State Attorney General's Office's Tacoma Division has an immediate opening for an Assistant Attorney General (AAG) in the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) Section. 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 - AAG salaries are set between $83,856 and $157,080. 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
The Tacoma office is a great place to work! The DCYF section operates in a team environment, is supportive of one another, and fosters collegiality. The Tacoma DCYF section is comprised of 26 AAGs, 24 paralegals, and 7 support staff. The Tacoma office handles cases in Pierce and Kitsap Counties but all positions are located in Tacoma. Tacoma is a welcoming and affordable city that offers a rich history and vibrant cultural opportunities.
Tacoma DCYF section is looking for an attorney who is dedicated to protecting children, enjoys court work, litigation, and client advice. The work of the DCYF section is fast-paced, emotionally charged, and demanding but also very rewarding.
This position advises and represents the Division of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) in court proceedings up to and including appeals, requiring familiarity and knowledge of applicable rules, statutes, and procedures. There are opportunities to handle cases involving public disclosure/confidentiality issues and other DCYF licensing cases at administrative hearings.
In addition to meeting the requirements to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, candidates with experience in high volume litigation practices and a demonstrated ability to quickly learn new areas of the law will be considered. Juvenile litigation cases involve factual and legal issues regarding the physical and mental health and safety of children in situations where DCYF initiates dependency, guardianship and termination of parental rights actions under RCW Title 13. The attorney in this position advises and represents DCYF in litigation and on appeal, requiring familiarity with applicable rules and procedures.
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.
This 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. AAG salaries are set between $83,856 and $157,080. The exact amount is set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA. 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. Complementing and fostering this goal is a long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship, as evidenced in the AGO's environmental policies.
If you have questions about this position and/or want to learn more about it before applying, we welcome and encourage you to contact Jason Dayley via email at Jason.Dayley@atg.wa.gov.
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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 trained 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 HREmployment@atg.wa.gov. 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.
