Section Chief - Labor and Personnel Division, Tumwater

Washington State

  • Tumwater, WA
  • $78,240-146,556 per year
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 13 days ago
DescriptionPersons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at . Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or .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 and view .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 - Managing AAG salaries are set between $78,240 and $146,556. The exact amount is set in accordance with Appendix B of the
The AGO will pay the general bar dues of someone who begins their assignment on or before January 31st per Article 10.8 of theFlex 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
*Are you interested in practicing employment and labor law in an environment that emphasizes teamwork and collaboration? The (LPD) of the WA State Attorney General's Office in Tumwater, WA seeks to fill a Section Chief position that involves a mix of client advice and litigation. The practice is dynamic, challenging and evolving, and requires the exercise of diplomatic skills as well as legal advocacy.DutiesLPD represents and advises all state agencies and most colleges and universities on labor and employment issues, including labor negotiations and arbitrations, anti-discrimination laws, wage laws, employee discipline, public disclosure laws, and state and federal family and medical leave laws. The division handles civil litigation related to wage and hour law, and public disclosure. Attorneys have significant client contact, and appear before administrative boards, independent arbitrators, and in state and federal courts.Specific responsibilities of the position include:
  • Supervise and manage the workload of the DOC team;
  • Meet with assigned clients who are often high level managers and directors of state agencies, and provide options based advice on all aspects of labor and employment law;
  • Prepare witnesses for hearings;
  • Craft motions and legal pleadings;
  • Conduct and direct necessary legal research;
  • Respond to discovery;
  • Mediate cases; and
  • Litigate cases.
The section chief manages five attorneys who provide advice and representation to DOC and a variety of agencies, boards and independently elected officials. This full-time position is located in Tumwater, WA and involves occasional travel, depending on client assignments and hearing locations.The attorney hired for this position will join a division composed of talented and dedicated colleagues, all of whom are determined to provide the best legal services for the clients and people they serve. At the same time, the Labor and Personnel Division, like the whole of the Attorney General's Office, is committed to creating and maintaining an atmosphere which is supportive, inclusive and collegial for its employees, with the shared goal of achieving a high level of personal and professional satisfaction.QualificationsIn addition to meeting the requirements to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, the successful candidate should have:
  • Supervisory or management experience (it is highly desirable);
  • At least three years' experience in litigation and client advice including but not limited to:
  • Drafting briefs, motions, and pleadings;
  • Interviewing and preparing witnesses for testimony;
  • Conducting hearings and/or oral arguments before administrative tribunals, the superior or federal courts;
  • Professionally interacting with and advising clients on substantial legal issues;
  • Excellent legal writing and advocacy skills;
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills; and a
  • Demonstrated ability to multi-task.
Labor and employment experience is preferred. Experience with labor contracts and advising human resources and upper level management are also desirable. Candidates who have less than three years' litigation and client advice experience, but who have substantial experience in human resources or labor relations will also be considered.
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 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 InformationThis position is not represented by the Association of Assistant Attorneys General/Washington Federation of State Employees AFSCME Council 28, AFL-CIO. Managing AAG salaries are set between $78,240 and $146,556. Ultimately, Managing AAG salaries are set in accordance with Appendix B of the . 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 .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 about this position and/or want to learn more about it before applying, please contact Division Chief Margaret McLean at or 360-664-4185.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 . Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or .

Washington State