Division Chief - Torts Division

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

• The AGO will pay the general bar dues of someone who begins their assignment on or before January 31st

• 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 Office of the Attorney General seeks an attorney with significant management and legal experience to lead the Torts Division.  

Attorneys in the division, working with teams of professional staff, defend claims and cases for money damages against all state agencies, boards, commissions and their employees in state and federal court.  The work of the Torts Division is demanding, yet stimulating, and rewarding. Lawyers who enjoy working on challenging legal issues thrive here. The collegial team environment, the dedicated professional support staff, and litigation resources provided by the Torts Division, including investigation, discovery, early resolution, and appellate experts, enhance the challenges of this defense work.

The Division Chief is responsible for the overall management of the division’s people and work.  The position ensures delivery of high quality legal services to the range of client agencies and employees, and leads the attorneys and professional staff (185 positions (63 attorneys and 122 staff for which the division is budgeted) in four office locations (Tumwater, Tacoma, Seattle, and Spokane) across the state.  The Division Chief serves as legal advisor on risk management issues related to the work of agencies, boards, and commissions and may be called upon to advise the Attorney General and the Governor's Office on issues within the scope of the division's work. The Division Chief is also a member of the Leadership Team of the Attorney General's Office, and is responsible for contributing to and supporting the overall mission of the office. The position may be located in any of the four office locations where the division has a presence, plus additional travel around the state is expected. 

In addition to meeting the requirements to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, the successful candidate will have: 

• Significant experience in civil litigation defense and risk management client advice, especially as it relates to defense of government agencies and the liabilities unique to government agency programs;   
• Demonstrated leadership skills and competence in mentoring and supervising other attorneys and professional staff; 
• An affinity for working in a highly collaborative team environment that includes other Torts Division attorneys, litigation support and investigative staff, the client agencies and agency Risk Managers, and the Office of Risk Management;
• Demonstrated competence executing the litigation responsibilities inherent in civil defense work, including conducting trials in state and/or federal courts;
• Excellent problem solving skills, strong attention to detail, and strong time management skills; 
• Excellent judgment;
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills;
• Experience and poise in interacting with high level client representatives; and
• Interest in, and ability to work well with, people who have diverse backgrounds, experiences, and communication styles. 

Salary range for this position is $155,000 - $160,000.  However, Division Chief salaries are based on experience, qualifications and are commensurate with comparable positions in the AGO.  This position is exempt from representation by the Association of Washington Assistant Attorneys General/Washington Federation of State Employees AFSCME Council 28, AFL-CIO. IF the official duty station of the person selected is King County, salary would be 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. Complementing and fostering this goal is a long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship, as evidenced in the AGO's environmental policies. 

Interested applicants must apply by hitting the "apply" button above.  In addition to the on-line application, one must upload, via the system, preferably as PDFs:

• A letter of interest;
• Resume;
• Law school transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable); and
• Writing sample.

If you have questions regarding this position, please contact Deputy Jennifer Meyer at Jennifer.Meyer@atg.wa.gov  or Deputy Erika Uhl at Erika.Uhl@atg.wa.gov. 

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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 race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation/gender identity, age, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, retaliation 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.