Salary: $83,856.00 - $157,080.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number:Department: Attorney General's Office
Opening Date: 09/25/2026
Closing Date: 10/11/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
DescriptionThe Washington State Attorney General's Office's Social and Health Services Division in Tumwater, WA seeks an experienced attorney to join its Program Litigation Section (PLS). This position offers the opportunity to provide strategic legal representation and advice on complex, high-impact litigation involving state agencies that serve Washington residents.Our team of 44 attorneys and 28 professional staff works at the heart of Washington's social safety net. We provide legal support for five state agencies, including the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and the Health Care Authority (HCA), to provide benefits, protection, and care to some of our state's most vulnerable and disenfranchised residents.
Our cases range from large federal court class action cases to individual administrative appeals. Recent cases include responding to requests for various writs against State officers, constitutional challenges brought by institutionalized individuals, and challenges to the adequacy of the state's behavioral health services.
The broad range of subject matter involved may also include:
- Seeking protections for vulnerable adults at risk of abuse or neglect;
- Defending lawsuits brought by legal advocacy groups organizations on behalf of Medicaid recipients and individuals with disabilities;
- Complex civil rights challenges by residents of the Special Commitment Center for sexually violent predators;
- Civil and felony commitment hearings and trials;
- Contract disputes with medical providers and managed care organizations; and
- Appeals related to eligibility for medical services.
Our division is dedicated to fostering a positive and supportive workplace. We prioritize employee growth through a culture that recognizes hard work and provides active support for career advancement. Regular social events help us connect and strengthen our collaborative team dynamic - join us!
DutiesAttorneys in the Program Litigation Section support the Division's other sections with litigation expertise, and represent and advise the Division's clients, including the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and the Health Care Authority (HCA), on a wide variety of litigation matters. The section also provides litigation support across the agency, including the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to address complex legal issues and emerging programmatic challenges.This position offers the opportunity to:- Serve as lead or consulting attorney on complex, high-profile, and programmatic litigation.
- Assist sections with significant litigation demands and collaborate across practice areas to support Division clients.
- Represent state agencies in state and federal trial and appellate courts, including Washington Superior Courts, the Washington Court of Appeals, the Washington Supreme Court, the U.S. District Courts, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the U.S. Supreme Court, and administrative tribunals.
This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney who enjoys challenging litigation, collaborative problem-solving, and mentoring others while advancing the important public service missions of Washington's health and human services agencies. QualificationsIn addition to meeting the requirement to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, desirable qualities and experience include: - Strong litigation, legal analysis, and decision-making skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
- The ability to manage complex, high-profile matters in a fast-paced environment.
- A commitment to ethical practice, public service, and exceptional client representation.
This position involves litigation in a variety of settings, as described above. 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 AAG 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 $83,856 and $157,080. 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.
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) with 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 Division Chief Natalie King at or 360.586.6485. 
