Salary: $90,708.00 - $157,080.00 Annually
Location : Benton County - Kennewick, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number:
Department: Attorney General's Office
Opening Date: 06/29/2026
Closing Date: 7/21/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
Are you a recent law school graduate looking for an attorney position that offers extensive training, mentorship, and the opportunity to develop your litigation and client advice skills? The Washington State Attorney General's Office is excited to offer an opportunity to join our supportive and collaborative as an Assistant Attorney General with our Juvenile Litigation team. The successful candidate will receive training from our local subject matter experts, as well as participate in our statewide training and mentorship programs. While you will be primarily assigned to the Juvenile Litigation team, you will have the opportunity to expand your experience by also assisting with a wide variety of clients with new and varying issues.

Kennewick offers a variety of attractions as a place to live and work. Kennewick is one of the Tri-Cities in southeast Washington composing the cities of Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco, which when combined make the Tri-Cities the fourth largest city in the state and second largest in eastern Washington. With over 300 days of sunshine, the Tri-Cities offers affordable living, outdoor recreational opportunities adjacent to the Yakima, Snake and Columbia Rivers in a four-season climate and is located in the heart of Washington's wine country. For more information about the Tri-Cities, visit the

Benefits and Compensation Details

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:

• Competitive salary, which may be negotiable within the given salary range, beginning July 1 ($90,708 and $157,080).
• Salaries are set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA schedule set forth below.
• Longevity pay of 5% premium on top of base wages after 5 years with the Attorney General's Office.
• A competitive benefit package that includes:
  • Affordable medical plan options, including vision benefits,
  • Dental benefits covered 100%
  • Retirement plan (employee/employer contribution)
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• 11 paid holidays and 1 personal holiday
• 8 hours sick leave accrual per month
• 9.33 hours to start, then up to 16.67 hours of annual leave accrual per month (based on years of state service)
• Flex schedules and telecommuting options
• 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
• Qualifying Employer for Public Loan Forgiveness Program
• 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 provides CLE credits and is recognized for its excellence and efficacy by AGOs nationwide

Assistant Attorneys General Salary Schedule - A preferred candidate, for these positions, who graduated from law school in 2025 or 2026 would start no lower than Step 4 at $90,708.

Base Range Step Numbers

Graduation Year

AAG Range

Managing AAG 1 Range

Managing AAG 2 Range

Deputy Solicitor General Range

Step 2

2026

83,856

88,056

92,256

92,256

Step 3

2025

87,216

91,584

95,940

95,940

Step 4

2024

90,708

95,244

99,792

99,792

Step 5

2023

94,320

99,060

103,776

103,776

Step 6

2022

98,112

103,008

107,928

107,928

Step 7

2021

102,036

107,136

112,224

112,224

Step 8

2020

106,092

111,420

116,736

116,736

Step 9

2019

110,364

115,872

121,392

121,392

Step 10

2018

114,780

120,516

126,240

126,240

Step 11

2017

119,364

125,328

131,292

131,292

Step 12

2016

124,140

130,344

136536

136536

Step 13

2015

129,096

135,576

142,020

142,020

Step 14

2014

134,268

141,000

147,672

147,672

Step 15

2013

139,632

146,628

153,612

153,612

Step 16

2012

145,212

152,484

159,744

159,744

Step 17

2011

151,032

158,580

166,128

166,128

Step 18

2010

157,080

164,940

172,776

172,776
Duties
The Kennewick office represents state agencies and higher education institutions in Benton, Franklin, Columbia, Garfield, and Walla Walla counties. Agencies include Department of Children Youth and Families, Department of Social and Health Services, Department of Labor and Industries, Department of Licensing, Employment Security Department, Educational Service District #123, Columbia Basin College and Walla Walla Community College.

The primary emphasis for these positions are on representing DCYF in child welfare cases to protect abused and neglected children in dependency, guardianship, and termination of parental rights cases. The work is remarkably rewarding, while difficult at times. These cases directly influence the lives of children in our state, in a very meaningful way. Cases also involve advising the client regarding regulatory enforcement matters. The position will involve regular regional travel within Washington State.
In your role, representing the Department of Children Youth and Families, you will get to:

• Evaluate evidence to determine legal sufficiency to support court intervention;
• Apply the Indian Child Welfare Act and the Washington Indian Child Welfare Act to the juvenile cases;
• Review relevant petitions and other documents;
• Consult with social workers and other agency employees;
• Submit and respond to discovery;
• Prepare witnesses and evidence for hearing or trial;
• Review reports submitted to the court;
• Perform research and analysis;
• Submit relevant briefing to the court;
• Communicate frequently with other attorneys and guardians ad litem to resolve issues related to underlying cases;
• Consider settlement options; and
• Take all other actions related to these matters.

Qualifications
In addition to meeting the qualifications to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, specific qualifications for these positions include the ability to quickly adapt to a practice that involves assignment of cases in a fast-paced litigation environment, and the ability to shift from one type of work to another during a given week or day.

The ability to communicate with a variety of client agency representatives efficiently and effectively, as well as with attorney and non-attorney colleagues within the office, is critical to success in the position. These positions provide significant opportunities to quickly develop and exercise independent judgment within the context of a large law office striving to provide consistent representation to client agencies in locations throughout the state.

Demonstrated ability to independently manage time, to identify and prioritize tasks necessary to complete, and to maintain a well-organized practice under significant case load demands are essential.

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 Information
These AAG positions are represented by the Association of Washington Assistant Attorneys General (AWAAG) / Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) AFSCME Council 28, AFL-CIO. Beginning July 1, AAG salaries are set between $83,856 and $157,080 however, the salary for these positions are set between $90,708 and $157,080. Preferred candidates for this position, who graduated from law school in 2025 or 2026 would start no lower than Step 4 at $90,708. 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.
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 date JD 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, we welcome and encourage you to contact Section Chief Bryan Ovens at [email protected].

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. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring 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.