Special Counsel - Antitrust Division

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Special Counsel - Antitrust Division

Salary

$71,652.00 - $134,208.00 Annually

Location

King County - Seattle - Downtown Business, WA

Job Type

Exempt

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2021-12698

Department

Attorney General's Office

Division

Antitrust

Opening Date

06/21/2022

Closing Date

Continuous

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 (AGO) 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.
 
 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 $71,652 and $134,208. The exact amount is set in accordance with Appendix B 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 
 
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The Antitrust Division has an exciting opportunity for an experienced litigation and trial attorney interested in bringing antitrust enforcement actions to ensure a fair and competitive marketplace. The Division is hiring a Special Counsel for Litigation who will be an integral part of the Division’s high-stakes litigation seeking monetary recovery on behalf of Washington’s consumers and state agencies.

Duties

The Special Counsel for Litigation is a staff Assistant Attorney General position that will report directly to the Division Chief. The Special Counsel will work with teams of attorneys and professional staff litigating contentious cases in which Washington is the sole plaintiff, and may serve as lead trial counsel in these matters. In addition, the Special Counsel will work closely with staff on investigations that are likely to result in litigation. The Special Counsel will also personally handle a caseload as well, including all phases of investigation and litigation.
 
In addition to partnering with Division staff to vigorously litigate matters, the Special Counsel for litigation will have primary responsibility for litigation and trial training for staff, as well as developing trial training resources for the Division generally.

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The Antitrust Division enforces state and federal antitrust laws. We investigate and litigate matters seeking injunctive and monetary relief for consumers and the State of Washington. The Antitrust Division of the Washington State Attorney General’s Office is among the largest and most active state antitrust enforcers in the country. We litigate complex, high stakes cases in a wide array of industries that affect the daily lives of all Washingtonians, including pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and food products and in recent years we have recovered over $100 million for consumers and the State in price-fixing lawsuits against CRT manufacturers, and LCD manufacturers. In addition, the Division has been a pioneer in the intersection of the antitrust laws and labor, and has brought cutting-edge enforcement matters to eliminate the use of no-poach agreements nationwide, as well as actions to prevent overbroad non-compete agreements in the food service and healthcare industries.
 
The Antitrust Division is a member of the National Association of Attorneys General Antitrust Task Force and has an active multistate investigation and litigation practice. In addition, we frequently conduct joint investigations with the Federal Trade Commissioner and the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice on significant competition matters affecting the people of the State of Washington.
 
In addition to its enforcement activities, the Division regularly engages in competition advocacy and provides advice and training to state agencies and external stakeholders on competition-related matters. It also administers a notification program that requires hospitals, hospital systems, and providers to notify the Attorney General's Office 60 days in advance of any merger, acquisition, or contracting affiliation, to enable the Division to review the transaction for potential anti-competitive effects.
 
Interested candidates are encouraged to review our cases and amicus briefs.

Qualifications

In addition to meeting the qualifications to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, candidates MUST offer the following:

  • 12 or more years of complex commercial litigation experience in state and federal courts of general jurisdiction, including experience with all phases of discovery, motions practice, trial and appeal;
  • Strong analytical, research, and writing skills and the ability consistently to produce high-quality work; 
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to handle competing, time-sensitive assignments; 
  • Exceptional and positive interpersonal and communication skills;
  • 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.
Prior antitrust experience, while a plus, is not required.

To qualify and 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. 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 protect the rights of its people.

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Per AGO Policy, employees and volunteers of the AGO must be fully vaccinated as a condition of employment. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen.  Effective March 14, 2022, the AGO announced pursuant to its policy, that employees and volunteers must also receive a booster shot as a condition of employment.  Employees or volunteers who are not eligible to receive the booster before their start date, due to required waiting times after receiving their initial vaccine(s), must provide confirmation of the vaccine type and date received so the AGO can calculate the date by which they must receive the booster.  If you are selected to serve within the AGO as an employee or volunteer, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination and booster (if already received) 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. 

Supplemental Information

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 $71,652 and $134,208. The exact amount is set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA. This position is located in King County and is thus 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.
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 or wish to learn more about it before applying, please contact Division Chief Jonathan Mark at Jonathan.Mark@atg.wa.gov or (206) 389-3806.  This position is open until filled, applications, however, will be reviewed and interviews scheduled throughout the duration of the recruitment thus you are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible.   

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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 and that your priority is making sure 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. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information.

Insurance Benefits
 
Employees and 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.
 
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.
 
Vacation (Annual Leave)
 
You begin accruing vacation starting your first month of employment. Since we value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Vacation accrues for full-time employees per WAC 357-31-165.
 
Holidays
 
Full-time employees are entitled to twelve* paid holidays:
 
HOLIDAY
DATE
 
New Year's Day
January 1
 
Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday
Third Monday in January
 
Presidents' Day
Third Monday in February
 
Memorial Day
Last Monday in May
 
Juneteenth
June 19

Independence Day
July 4
 
Labor Day
First Monday in September
 
Veterans' Day
November 11
 
Thanksgiving Day
Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
 
Christmas Day
December 25
 
Personal Holiday
Employee's selection each calendar year

*Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
 
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.
 
Sick Leave
 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave may be used for reasons included in WAC 357-31-130.
 
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information.

01
Your preferred name:
02
Your pronoun(s):
03
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.
04
List all activities or community involvement, past or present, that demonstrate a commitment to public service.
05
Are you a current member of the Washington State Bar Association?
  • Yes
  • No
06
What is your Washington State Bar Association number?
07
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?
08
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.
09
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.
10
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.
11
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.
12
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.
13
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.
14
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.
15
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.
16
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
17
Per AGO Policy, employees and volunteers of the Washington State Attorney General's Office (AGO) must be fully vaccinated as a condition of employment. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. 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. 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.

Required Question

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