Assistant Attorney General - Wing Luke Civil Rights Division

Posting number: 2026-07314

Department: Attorney General's Office

Job classification: EXEMPT

Posting type: Open

Categories: Legal, Investigative, Attorney

Summary

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.

Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at

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 $83,856 and $157,080. 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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TheWing Luke Civil Rights Divisionof the Washington State Attorney General’s Office seeks attorneys with a demonstrated commitment to civil rights and public service to join the Division’s affirmative civil rights team. This recruitment will be used to fill up to TWO attorney vacancies: an ATTORNEY position and a SPANISH-SPEAKING ATTORNEY position.

These two Assistant Attorney General positions will undertake affirmative investigation and litigation to enforce the constitutional and civil rights of Washingtonians. The Civil Rights Division works to protect the rights of Washingtonians to live and participate in our communities without discrimination. The Division regularly takes action to protect Washingtonians’ right to be free from discrimination on the bases of protected characteristics including: race, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or military status, disability, or use of a service animal by a person with a disability. We challenge unconstitutional police practices, unfair practices by low-income housing providers targeting senior citizens, and discrimination engaged in by nationwide companies like Motel 6, Greyhound, Facebook, and O’Reilly Auto Parts. We have successfully challenged unfair employment practices at the Northwest Detention Center and in industries ranging from aerospace to agriculture. When necessary, we also challenge federal overreach, including the federal government’s attempt to do away with birthright citizenship and to ban gender-affirming care.

We work closely with the Solicitor General’s Office, Consumer Protection Division, and other AGO divisions and state agencies to enforce Washington laws in state and federal courts. For example, we partnered to challenge a janitorial franchisor's unfair and deceptive business practices that promised largely immigrant, low-wage workers the independence of business ownership but left them earning less than minimum wage. We represent the Washington State Human Rights Commission in enforcement matters under the Washington Law Against Discrimination. The Division also enforces the Healthy Starts Act’s requirements regarding workplace pregnancy accommodations and the Fair Chance Act’s prohibition on job advertisements and hiring policies and practices that unfairly exclude applicants because of criminal history.

Interested candidates are encouraged to review the Division’s full list of cases and amicus briefs.

Beyond investigation and litigation duties, attorneys contribute to the Division’s amicus and policy work on matters affecting the public interest. The Division engages in significant public outreach and education on civil rights topics and serves as a resource on civil rights issues within state government. Our attorneys advise the Attorney General, Legislative Director, and Policy Director on issues impacting civil rights and social justice, including proposed legislation. Civil Rights Division attorneys are routinely asked to represent the AGO in public or media settings on matters that may be sensitive, high-profile, and that carry elevated media interest. And like all Division lawyers and staff, this position will contribute to the Division’s work to promote vibrant, anti-racist, and inclusive community and governmental partnerships.

Examples of duties

TheATTORNEYposition primarily handles investigations and litigation and is assigned a docket that is fast-paced, varied, and complex. Duties include:

• Identifying and developing possible enforcement matters under the statutes the Division enforces;
• Locating and interviewing witnesses;
• Obtaining and reviewing relevant documentary evidence;
• Conducting factual and legal analysis to determine whether a matter merits formal enforcement proceedings; and
• Litigating cases as part of a litigation team.

The Civil Rights Division’s cases are litigated in state and federal courts, both trial and appellate. As plaintiff-side litigators working on behalf of the public, attorneys in the Division are expected to show initiative and advance their assigned matters expeditiously towards resolution. For cases that proceed to litigation, the position requires full-scope litigation, from the preparation and filing of the initial complaint through post-judgment briefing. This can include propounding and responding to written discovery, taking and defending depositions, briefing dispositive and non-dispositive motions, negotiation, preparing pre-trial motions, trying cases, and participating in post-trial proceedings including any appeals. The Division works with witnesses from all walks of life, including expert witnesses.

In addition to AGO-initiated enforcement work, this position will represent the Washington State Human Rights Commission in enforcement matters under the Washington Law Against Discrimination. These matters are prosecuted in the Office of Administrative Hearings and in superior court. Like our enforcement work at the direction of the Attorney General, representing the Human Rights Commission involves litigating cases from start to finish, including preparing and filing the complaint, conducting the full scope of civil discovery, presenting evidence and argument at trial, and prosecuting any appeals. This position will also handle complaints received and enforce the Healthy Starts Act’s provisions requiring reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees, and the Fair Chance Act’s prohibition on job advertisements and hiring policies and practices that unfairly exclude applicants because of criminal history.

TheSPANISH-SPEAKING ATTORNEYposition engages in the same role and duties as the Attorney position while also being called upon to primarily handle investigations and litigation in which the impacted individuals are primarily Spanish speakers.

The Wing Luke Civil Rights Division is located in Seattle and consists of sixteen attorneys, five investigators, and ten professional staff members. Each member of our team is committed to the highest-quality work. We value collaboration, diversity, creativity, and collegiality.

These positions require 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, the strongest candidates for the ATTORNEY position will have:

• Five or more years of civil litigation experience, including experience with written discovery and depositions, working with witnesses including experts, the full range of non-dispositive and dispositive motions, and presenting evidence in an administrative or courtroom setting;
• Exceptional and positive interpersonal and communications skills, including experience working with individuals from diverse cultural, language, educational, and geographic backgrounds;
• Commitment to race equity and social justice;
• Strong analytical, research, and writing skills and the ability consistently to produce high-quality work; and
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability successfully to handle competing, time-sensitive assignments;

For the SPANISH-SPEAKING ATTORNEY position, the strongest candidates will have:

• Three or more years of civil litigation experience;
• Experience with multiple phases of civil litigation, including initial pleadings, written discovery, and motions;
• The ability to fluently read, write, and speak in Spanish and English;
• Exceptional and positive interpersonal and communication skills, including experience working with individuals from diverse cultural, language, educational, and geographic backgrounds;
• Commitment to race equity and social justice;
• Strong analytical, research, and writing skills and the ability consistently to produce high-quality work;
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability successfully to handle competing, time-sensitive assignments;
• A high level of motivation with the ability to work independently, be a team player, and devote the time necessary to complete the work; and
• Demonstrated discretion, excellent judgment, and the ability to work well as a member of a litigation team that is working under pressure.

Other, preferred, qualifications include:

• Experience with depositions, working with witnesses including experts, the full range of non-dispositive and dispositive motions, and presenting evidence in an administrative or courtroom setting.

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 activelypursuing 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. We encourage interested applicants to review the Diversity section of our website to learn more about our office’s commitment to diversity.

Supplemental information

These Assistant Attorney General positions are 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 $83,856 and $157,080. The exact amount is set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA. Note that the position's location is King County, thus the person hired would be eligible for 5% King County Assignment pay per legislative action. The Spanish-Speaking Attorney position will receive 5% Dual Language 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.

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
• Writing sample (10 pages or less).

If you have questions about this position and/or wish to learn more about it before applying, we encourage and welcome you to contact Managing AAG Teri Healy at Teri.Healy@atg.wa.gov or 206-254-0565.

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 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 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 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 atHREmployment@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.

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