Director of Legal Services

State of Washington$101K — $149K *
Legal & Accounting
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Current member of the Washington State Bar Association with a law degree from an accredited law school.
  • At least 4 years of legal experience in government or private practice, focusing on governmental procurements, administrative law, contract law, or finance.
  • Experience in at least three of the following areas: testifying before legislative committees, attending executive meetings, drafting legislation, negotiating with stakeholders, or working with the Governor's policy staff.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with senior managers to provide legal and operational guidance on department programs.
  • Advise on legal, operational, contractual, and policy matters for the agency.
  • Build relationships with legislators, government officials, and stakeholders for policy development.
  • Review agency rules and statutes for compliance and adherence to administrative requirements.
  • Manage public records requests to ensure timely and accurate fulfillment.
  • Draft and review complex contracts and oversee procurement processes.
  • Develop and execute the agency's legislative strategies and analyze proposals for legal implications.

Benefits

  • Flexible/hybrid remote work options available.
  • Opportunity to impact public policy and operational strategy in a state agency.
  • Work within a collaborative management team.
Full Job Description
Salary: $101,779.00 - $149,724.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number:
Department: Washington's Lottery
Division: Legal Services
Opening Date: 08/20/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

Description
This posting will remain open until filled. The first screening will begin on September 2, 2026, and the posting may close at any time.This position is expected to work in the office at least three days per week.

The Opportunity:
Bring your legal expertise to the table and help shape the future of Washington's Lottery. As Director of Legal Services, you'll advise executive leadership on high-impact legal, operational, policy, and risk matters while serving as the agency's Ethics Officer and legislative liaison. This is a unique opportunity to combine legal leadership, strategic influence, and public service to make a meaningful impact across the organization and throughout Washington.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Serves as a member of the Management Team collaborating with other senior managers to provide advice, direction, cross-program continuity, and unity of approach on all department programs.
  • Advise the agency on agency legal, operational, contractual, and policy matters.
  • Establish and maintain relationships and communication between Washington's Lottery and legislators, elected officials, work groups, tribal governments, government agencies, citizen groups, the media, and other stakeholders to promote effective policy development and partnerships.
  • Serve as the Rules Officer, review the agency's rules and statutes for adherence and ensuring all administrative requirements are met.
  • Serve as the Public Records Officer, ensuring all record requests are timely and accurately fulfilled.
  • Serve as the agency Contracts Officer, drafting and reviewing complex contracts and coordinating procurement.
  • Develop and implement agency legislative strategy.
  • Analyze all legislative proposals and related policies and provide legal analysis of potential legislation.
Required Qualifications:
  • Must be current member of the Washington State Bar Association and possess a law degree from an accredited law school.
Required Competencies:
  • Ability to take action to learn and grow.
  • Ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
Desired Qualifications:
  • At least 4 years of legal experience in government or private practice, with emphasis in one or more of the following areas:
    - Governmental procurements
    - Administrative law
    - Contract law
    - Finance
  • In addition, at least one year of experience in at least three of the following areas (experience may be gained concurrently):
    - Testifying before legislative committees,
    - Attending executive meetings with specific legislators and legislative staff,
    - Drafting and reviewing legislation,
    - Negotiating with stakeholders, vendors, and other agencies, and
    - Experience working with the Governor's policy staff.

Application Requirement:
  • You are required to list all relevant experience in the "Work Experience" section of the application. Experience not included in this section will not be considered. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute.
  • Submit a cover letter that addresses why you are interested in this role.
  • Submit a resume.
Please submit only the required document(s) as noted above and ensure all Personal Identifying Information (PII) such as Social Security numbers etc. are edited out of your materials for privacy.
Supplemental Information
Apply online at www.careers.wa.gov. Search for Director of Legal Services then click Apply.

We will begin reviewing applications right away and may make a hiring decision at any time. Submitting your application as early as possible is encouraged.

If you have questions or would like more information, please call 360-890-5610.
  • A background check, including criminal history, will be conducted prior to hire. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
  • Lottery employees and family members living in the same household are legally prohibited from participating in Lottery games. Family members living in the same household may not be employed by a Lottery vendor.
  • Washington's Lottery Headquarters and Warehouse buildings are a chemical-free/scent-free environment. Employees are expected to refrain from using scented products when at those locations.

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