Assistant Attorney General - Tacoma Division's Labor & Industries Section

State of Washington
State of Washington

Legal

Tacoma, WA, USA

USD 82,212-153,996 / year

Posted on Jun 12, 2026

Description

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.

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 $82,212 and $153,996. 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

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The Washington State Attorney General's Office's Tacoma Division has an immediate opening for an Assistant Attorney General (AAG) in the Labor and Industries (L&I) Section.

Duties

Tacoma’s L&I Section handles a variety of litigation on behalf of the Department of Labor and Industries, the Employment Security Department and the Department of Licensing. In representing these clients, attorneys practice in almost every legal forum, including the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals, the Electrical Board, the Plumber Board, the Office of Administrative Hearings, Superior Court in Pierce and Kitsap Counties, as well as federal, and appellate courts. In representing the Department of Labor and Industries, the attorney will be responsible for matters that present complex legal and medical issues relative to the provision of benefits to injured workers under Title 51 RCW, crime victims under Chapter 7.68 RCW, safety and health of workers (WISHA) under Chapter RCW 49.14, and wage & labor standards under Title 49 and Chapter RCW 39.12.The AAG will represent the Department of Licensing in implied consent license revocation and suspension matters. Finally, the attorney will represent the Employment Security Department in unemployment benefit matters on appeal.


Duties typical of AAGs in the Section include:

  • Analyzing case files;

  • Evaluating cases for settlement possibilities;

  • Conducting discovery;

  • Consulting witnesses;

  • Preparing and responding to motions; and

  • Issuing briefs and memoranda within a relatively short time-frame.

The Section is comprised of 12 AAGs, 4 mediation paralegals, 2 litigation paralegals, 7 support paralegals, and 1 legal assistant. This position provides the opportunity to work in an environment where teamwork and diversity are highly valued. Division members consistently strive to deliver high quality legal services; conduct themselves with integrity, professionalism, civility, and transparency; and, promote a collegial and diverse workplace that values, respects, and supports each other.


The position is located in Tacoma, Washington; a welcoming and affordable city that offers a rich history and vibrant cultural opportunities.

Qualifications

In addition to meeting the requirements to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, the successful candidate in this position will have the following qualifications:

  • Experience litigating cases in Superior Court and administrative forums;
  • Experience presenting and defending motions;
  • Experience interviewing and presenting witnesses;
  • Experience providing client advice;
  • Familiarity with the Washington Civil Rules and Washington Rules of Evidence, and the Administrative Procedures Act; and
  • A demonstrated ability to foster teamwork and collaboration and promote a positive work environment that recognizes and respects all employees.

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.

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 $82,212 to $153,996. 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.

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) showing the date law degree was conferred; and
  • A Writing sample (10 pages or less).

If you have questions about this position and/or want to learn more about it before applying, you are welcome and encouraged to contact Section Chief Oscar Chaves at (253) 593-6165 or Oscar.Chaves@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 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 1-800-676-3777or www.washingtonrelay.com.

For questions regarding the application process, please contact HREmployment@atg.wa.gov. If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at 855-524-5627 or support@neogov.com.
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