Managing Assistant Attorney General - Civil Rights Division

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Managing Assistant Attorney General - Civil Rights Division

Salary

Depends on Qualifications

Location

King County - Seattle - Downtown Business, WA

Job Type

Exempt

Job Number

2021-11087

Department

Attorney General's Office

Division

Civil Rights - Seattle

Opening Date

10/05/2021

Closing Date

11/7/2021 11:59 PM Pacific

Description

Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact Kalea Muigai at 360-586-7698.  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.


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 and view THIS VIDEO.

All staff in the AGO are guided by the following core values:
  1. We will deliver high quality legal services and remember that we serve the people of Washington.
  2. We will conduct ourselves with integrity, professionalism, civility and transparency.
  3. We will promote a collegial, inclusive and diverse workplace that values, respects and supports our employees.
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
  • A formal AAG mentoring program that complements the AGO's inherently collegial and supportive environment
  • Health and wellness program
  • Training and development program that is recognized for its excellence and efficacy by AGOs nationwide
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The Wing Luke Civil Rights Division of the Washington State Attorney General’s Office has a leadership and management opportunity for an attorney with a demonstrated commitment to civil rights and public service. The Civil Rights Division is hiring a Managing Assistant Attorney General to supervise case teams, manage attorneys, and develop and litigate cases to further civil rights and social justice for all Washingtonians.


Duties

This new position results from the Civil Rights Division’s growth and increased litigation docket. The Civil Rights Division has led some of the most visible and cutting-edge enforcement matters the office undertakes, including Washington's challenges to the federal government's Travel Ban, Transgender Military Service Ban, and repeal of DACA. We challenge labor practices at the Northwest Detention Center and in industries ranging from aerospace to agriculture. 
 
The team protects the rights of Washingtonians to live and participate in our communities without discrimination on the bases of race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, immigration status, gender identity, veteran status, or disability. We take on unconstitutional police practices and challenge discrimination by nationwide companies like Motel 6, Greyhound, and Facebook. During the COVID-19 crisis, we have played an active role in enforcing Governor Inslee’s moratorium on evictions, ensuring compliance by housing developers, affordable housing providers, and a national sorority. 
 
Interested candidates are encouraged to review the Division’s full list of cases and amicus briefs.
 

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The MANAGING ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL is a leadership position with the Civil Rights Division and reports to the Division Chief. The Managing AAG will lead and manage teams, lawyers, and staff working on fast-paced, high-profile affirmative enforcement matters. The Managing AAG supervises the day-to-day work of other attorneys and staff, including reviewing work product, mentoring, and conducting performance reviews. The Managing AAG will also take on significant division-wide management and leadership responsibilities, including assisting with the development of Division enforcement priorities and case strategy. The Managing AAG should expect regularly to advise senior AGO leadership on sensitive, urgent, and high-profile legal issues that carry elevated media interest.
 
In addition to management duties, the Managing AAG will personally handle a robust caseload, including developing, filing, and litigating cases involving civil rights and the protection of vulnerable communities. The Division's cases are litigated in state trial and appellate courts across the state, and federal trial and appellate courts nationwide. The Managing AAG's casework will include all phases of investigation and litigation, including fact development, case filing, discovery, motions practice, trial, and appeal. The Managing AAG is expected not only to meet—but to model—the Division’s expectation that attorneys work with a sense of urgency and initiative to advance their assigned matters toward resolution.
 
Another core part of the Managing AAG’s work will be public outreach, stakeholder engagement, intra-agency and intra-governmental coordination, and community education on matters affecting the public interest. Like all Division lawyers and staff, the Managing AAG will contribute to the Division’s work to promote vibrant governmental, stakeholder, and community partnerships. 
  
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The Wing Luke Civil Rights Division is located in Seattle and consists of fourteen attorneys, two investigators, and five professional staff members. Each member of our team is committed to the highest-quality work. We value collaboration, diversity, creativity, and collegiality.
 
This position requires statewide travel, including overnight trips. Out-of-state travel may also be required.

Qualifications

In addition to meeting the requirements to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, this Managing AAG position requires the following qualifications:

  • Six or more years of civil litigation experience in courts that follow the rules of evidence and civil procedure;
  • Strong analytical, research, and writing skills and the ability consistently to produce high-quality work; 
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability successfully to handle competing, time-sensitive assignments; 
  • Exceptional and positive interpersonal and communication skills, including demonstrated cultural competence and experience working with individuals from diverse cultural, language, educational, and geographic backgrounds; 
  • A high level of motivation with the ability to work independently, be a team player, and devote whatever time is necessary to complete our work; and 
  • Demonstrated discretion, excellent judgment, and the ability to work well as a member of a larger team that is often working under pressure.
Other, preferred, qualifications include:
  • Experience advising government leaders or government clients; and
  • The ability to read, write, and/or speak a language in addition to English.

To serve as an Assistant Attorney General, one 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.

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WORKING CONDITION 
Per AGO Policy, as a condition of employment, existing employees and volunteers of the Washington State Attorney General's Office (AGO) must be fully vaccinated. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID vaccine regime. If you are selected to serve within the AGO as an employee or volunteer, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination before you are able to begin work. You may request an accommodation if you are unable to meet the requirement due to a medical or religious necessity. Currently all staff, whose duties permit, are teleworking, though AGO plans to re-open its offices for visitors and staff beginning January 18, 2022. 

Supplemental Information

This position, classified as a Managing AAG one, is represented by the Association of Washington Assistant Attorneys General (AWAAG) / Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) AFSCME Council 28, AFL-CIO. Managing AAG salaries start at $72,864. Ultimately, Managing AAG salaries are set in accordance with the AWAAG CBA. If the official duty station of the person hired is King County, that salary will reflect an additional 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.

Important Note: Redact from any document social security numbers, and do not include documents that are password protected.


If you have questions about this position and/or wish to learn more about it before applying, we encourage and welcome you to contact Division Chief Colleen Melody at Colleen.Melody@atg.wa.gov or (206) 464-5342. The deadline to apply is November 7, 2021. 
 

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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 Kalea Muigai at 360-586-7698.  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.

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. 

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

01
Your preferred name:
02
Your pronoun(s):
03
Do you read, write, and speak any language(s) in addition to English? If so, please list and, for each, indicate whether your language skills are at a beginner, intermediate, or advanced level.
04
Have you ever worked or volunteered for the Washington State Attorney General's Office? If yes, indicate dates and positions in which you served. If "NO", you will need to indicate "NO" or "N/A" in order to proceed with your application.
05
List all activities or community involvement, past or present, that demonstrate a commitment to public service.
06
Are you a current member of the Washington State Bar Association?
  • Yes
  • No
07
What is your Washington State Bar Association number?
08
It is important to note that to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, one must be a licensed attorney with the WSBA. If seeking admission to the WSBA via reciprocity, score transfer, motion or other means, please explain IN DETAIL when you applied for admission, current status of the application and expected date of admission?
09
Have you ever been subject to discipline or censure by a Bar Association or other licensing organization? If "YES" provide a full explanation for each disciplinary action. If the answer is "NO" you must indicate this by typing "NO" in order to proceed with your application.
10
Is there any Bar disciplinary proceeding pending against you? If "YES", provide a full explanation. If the answer is "NO", you must indicate this by typing "NO" in order to proceed with your application.
11
Have you ever been held in contempt or sanctioned by any state or federal court or administrative agency? If "Yes", provide a full explanation for each action. If the answer is "No" you must indicate this by typing "No" in order to proceed with your application.
12
Have you ever been fired, asked to resign, or resigned in lieu of termination from any position? If "YES", you must provide a full explanation for each termination. If the answer is "NO", you must indicate this by typing "NO" in order to proceed with your application.
13
Have you participated, whether as an attorney, paralegal, legal assistant, or in any other capacity, in the representation of any party in a matter where the party's interest was materially adverse to that of the State, its agencies, or its officers or employees? If "YES", please identify all such matters, including the parties to the matter, the court and cause number of the matter, and your role in the matter. If "NO", you must indicate this by typing "NO" in order to proceed with your application. If you require additional space, please attach additional sheets and indicate your attachment here.
14
Have you participated as a judge, arbitrator, mediator, adjudicative officer, or as a law clerk to such a person, in a matter in which the State or any of its agencies, officers, or employees were a party? If YES, please identify all such matters, including the parties to the matter, the court and cause number of the matter, and your role in the matter. If "NO", you must indicate this by typing "NO" in order to proceed with your application. If you require additional space, please attach additional sheets and indicate your attachment here.
15
Is there any other matter, person, entity, or personal interest that might present a conflict of interest or otherwise limit your ability to perform work for the Attorney General's Office or represent a state agency, officer, or employee? If YES, please identify such matters, persons, entities, or personal interests with sufficient detail to allow the Attorney General's Office to understand the nature of the potential conflict of interest. You are not required to disclose any pending or contemplated complaint or dispute for which the law allows you to remain anonymous; however, you are responsible for not accepting assignments that would violate conflict of interest or confidentiality provisions of the Rules of Professional Conduct or other laws with regard to such matters. If "NO", you must indicate this by typing "NO" in order to proceed with your application. If you require additional space, please attach additional sheets and indicate your attachment here.
16
Please be advised that the AGO thoroughly checks references, including one's current employer. HOWEVER, it is very important to note that references are ONLY checked after at least one interview. Any concerns about checking references can be discussed during any interview. For the sake of efficiency, we ask that you proactively provide a release by responding affirmatively to the following statement. I authorize the Washington State Attorney General's Office (AGO) to contact any or all of my former or present employers, or organizations for which services have been provided, for the purposes of verification and reference. This may include information of a confidential nature, to include but is not limited to reviewing my personnel file, contacting any references, and/or contacting anyone else who might be familiar with my past job performance. I knowingly and voluntarily release the state of Washington, the AGO, its individual employees, and all my former or present employers, and their individual employees, from any and all known and unknown claims for damages or other relief arising out of the AGO's request for and receipt of employment information, unless my current or former employer is prohibited by state or federal law from disclosing the information that the AGO requests. PLEASE TYPE YOUR FULL NAME IN RESPONSE TO THIS SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTION TO PROVIDE SUCH AUTHORIZATION.
17
Have you uploaded all of the required material (i.e., letter of interest, resume, law school transcript and writing sample) with this application?
  • Yes
  • No
18
Per AGO Policy, as a condition of employment, existing employees and volunteers of the Washington State Attorney General's Office (AGO) must be fully vaccinated. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID vaccine regime. If you are selected to serve within the AGO as an employee or volunteer, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination before you are able to begin work. You may request an accommodation if you are unable to meet the requirement due to a medical or religious necessity. Currently all staff, whose duties permit, are teleworking, though AGO plans to re-open its offices for visitors and staff beginning January 18, 2022. Applicants or candidates being considered for employment shall not share their vaccination status with hiring managers or interview panels. PLEASE TYPE YOUR INITIALS IN RESPONSE TO THIS SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTION TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ THIS STATEMENT REGARDING WORKING CONDITIONS.

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