Description

The Torts Section in the WA State Attorney General Office's Christine O. Gregoire Spokane Division has immediate openings for Assistant Attorney General positions.

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The positions advertised are based in Spokane, Washington. Spokane is a vibrant and beautiful city that enjoys four distinct seasons and provides residents and visitors with world class outdoor adventures, including: fishing and whitewater rafting in the Spokane River; biking the Centennial Trail; snow skiing at nearby Mt. Spokane, Lookout Pass, Silver Mountain, 49 Degrees North, or Schweitzer Mountain; and hiking, boating or fishing in a host of nearby lakes and nature preserves. Spokane also offers great indoor activities: theater, including Broadway shows; live music; multiple exhibits; and the opportunity to taste Washington's renowned grapes and hops at a number of local wineries and craft breweries.

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The Torts Division, the largest division in the Washington Attorney General’s Office, seeks trial attorneys eager to practice in state and federal courts throughout Washington. The Torts Division represents the State agencies and State employees who do the hard work of serving the citizens of Washington when they are sued for damages. Attorneys in the Torts Division, with support from professional staff, including paralegals and investigators, handle cases from inception through resolution, involving diverse clients and theories of liability, with continuous support, training, and development. If you are interested in growing and developing as an oral and written advocate, working on challenging issues and cases, and belonging to a dedicated and supportive team, then the Torts Division is the place for you.

The Torts Division has offices in Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia (Tumwater), and Spokane. The Torts Division also provides opportunities for telework in a hybrid work environment.

The Torts Division defends tort claims and lawsuits against all state agencies, officers, and employees arising from acts or omissions while performing, or in good faith purporting to perform, official duties. Torts attorneys also provide legal and risk management advice to the Office of Financial Management and state agencies on tort matters. The caseload for a Torts attorney typically includes a variety of cases involving different agencies and diverse theories of liability, including, for example, alleged failures to protect a child from abuse or neglect by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, alleged failures to supervise individuals released from incarceration by the Department of Corrections, alleged negligent road design or maintenance by the Department of Transportation, and false arrest or excessive use of force by the Washington State Patrol. Torts attorneys handle many other types of cases, as well, including premises liability, medical negligence, employment discrimination and retaliation, motor vehicle accidents, and maritime injuries on Washington State ferries. With hundreds of departments, agencies, boards, and commissions, and ever-developing theories of tort liability, there is always something new for the attorneys in the Torts Division! 

Attorneys in the Torts Division are responsible for maintaining and applying a comprehensive knowledge of procedural and substantive law, for working productively with client agencies, for developing and executing legal strategy, for engaging in all aspects of affirmative and defensive discovery, for timely and effective communication of case developments, for leading their trial team of professional staff, for conducting jury and bench trials, and for handling appeals. The work of the Torts Division is demanding, stimulating, and rewarding, and attorneys who enjoy working on leading-edge legal issues involving State liability thrive here. While their work is challenging, fast-paced, and diverse, Torts attorneys appreciate the balance afforded by a collegial team environment, dedicated professional support staff, and other litigation resources provided by the Torts Division and the AGO. 

If you have strong analytical, advocacy, and problem-solving skills, enjoy working with other professionals, have a good sense of humor, and believe that communication and respect are critical to success in any endeavor, then you have the attributes that the Torts Divisions values in its attorneys.

Requirements

In addition to meeting the qualifications to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, qualified applicants will offer the following: 

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills;
• Good problem-solving skills;  
• Excellent legal judgment; and
• The interest and ability to work well in a collaborative team environment with litigation support and investigative staff, client agencies and risk managers, the Office of Risk Management, and other attorneys in the Torts Division and the AGO. 
  

Ideal candidates will also offer experience in the following areas: 

• Five or more years of progressive legal experience, including a strong foundation in civil litigation;  
• Taking and defending depositions;
• Handling an active, civil motions practice;  
• Working with expert witnesses;
• Engaging in alternative dispute resolution;
• Trying cases in state and/or federal court;  
• Briefing and arguing cases on appeal;
• Interacting with high-level client representatives; and
• Working with people with diverse backgrounds, experience, and communication styles. 

Torts litigation experience, while advantageous, is not essential. Relevant subject matter experience is preferred but not required.