AAG - Criminal Justice Division's Sexually Violent Predator Unit, Seattle/Spokane

State of Washington

Multiple Locations Statewide, WA

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 foundHERE.

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 theAWAAG CBA
The AGO will pay the general bar dues of someone who begins their assignment on or before January 31st perArticle 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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TheBob Keppel Criminal Justice Division of the Washington State Attorney General’s Office has an opening in the Seattle or Spokane office for attorneys interested in prosecuting the civil commitment of sexually violent predators under RCW 71.09.

Sexually violent predators are generally those persons releasing from prison who meet specific criteria under Washington law, to include a history of sexually violent offense(s) and a mental condition that makes the person likely to commit predatory acts of sexual violence if released to the community. SVP's are housed at the Special Commitment Center on McNeil Island unless court-approved for restricted release to the community. By identifying and interrupting those offenders most likely to commit new crimes, SVP Prosecutors make a unique and direct impact on community safety.

We seek attorneys with demonstrated courtroom experience and exceptional legal writing and oral advocacy skills to do this important work. Our attorneys primarily practice in superior court, but also handle appellate cases in the Washington State Court of Appeals, Washington State Supreme Court and federal courts on an occasional basis. SVP cases are civil in nature but some aspects of criminal law come into play. Litigation duties therefore include discovery practice under the civil rules, taking and defending depositions, submitting and responding to interrogatories and requests for production, jury and/or bench trials, and extensive motion practice.

Work in the SVP Unit is demanding but rewarding. The selected candidates will contribute to a collegial and inclusive work environment that includes attorneys, paralegals, and investigators dedicated to safer communities. History has shown that the high-level skills, experiences, and opportunities obtained from serving as an AAG in the Criminal Justice Division result in an extremely qualified candidates for future opportunities, both within the AGO and elsewhere.

The positions are located in downtown Seattle or Spokane, depending on the needs and interest of the person hired to fill this role. The AGO provides some flexibility with respect to schedules and telecommuting, consistent with the needs of the Office,but travel around the state for court hearings is sometimes required.

In addition to meeting the qualifications to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, preferred candidates will possess:

Significant courtroom experience and/or experience clerking in an appellate court or other appellate experience;
Excellent writing and oral advocacy skills;
Strong interpersonal skills to work well with others in an inclusive, collegial setting;
Superior motivation and organizational skills; and
The ability and desire to develop complex litigation skills.

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 areactivelypursuing 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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NOTE! The applicants selected will be required to submit to and pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check conducted by the Washington State Patrol, Criminal Records Division. The incumbent will submit to additional background checks as a condition of employment every five (5) years thereafter.

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 $82,212 to $153,996. The exact amount is set in accordance withAppendix B of the AWAAG CBA. Positions located in King County are 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'senvironmental policies.

Interested applicants must apply by hitting the "apply" button above. In addition to the on-line application, one must upload, via the system and 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 wish to learn more about it before applying, we welcome and encourage you to contact the SVP Prosecution Section Chief CJ Murray at (206) 389-3876 or cj.murray@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 visitwww.uscis.gov.
For awareness, The AGO complies with employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal employment eligibility verification form, I-9, and the selected candidate for these roles, on the first day of employment, must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the Unities States consistent with the requirements of form I-9. In order to proceed in the consideration process at AGO, you will need to provide work authorization that would not require the AGO to sign a cooperative education agreement with a school. If you have any questions about this requirement, please contact the Talent Acquisition Consultant assigned to this recruitment.

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 orwww.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.