Salary: $191,352.00 Annually
Location : Pierce County - Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number:Department: Attorney General's Office
Opening Date: 07/13/2026
Closing Date: 7/29/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
DescriptionThe Washington State Attorney General's Office is seeking an experienced attorney and outstanding leader to fill the position of Division Chief of the Tacoma DivisionThe Tacoma Division is a fast-paced litigation division, representing the Department of Children, Youth and Families in juvenile dependency, guardianship, and termination cases as well as licensing matters; litigating workers compensation, worker safety violations and other matters on behalf of the Department of Labor and Industries; and handling cases for the Employment Security Department and Department of Licensing. The Tacoma Division handles cases before various state and federal courts, the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals, and the Office of Administrative Hearings.
DutiesThe Tacoma Division Chief is a member of the Office's Leadership Team and is responsible for contributing to and supporting the overall mission and values of the Office. The attorney hired for this position will join a division that values providing high quality legal services in an environment that fosters recognition, teamwork, innovation and work-life balance. The division is composed of approximately 80 dedicated attorneys and professional staff. The division's culture is inclusive, respectful, and professional, and would be an excellent fit for someone who seeks to inspire camaraderie and mentor others within the division, as well as champion the division throughout the AGO and the Tacoma legal community. Tacoma also houses teams from the Torts, Discovery and Complex Litigation divisions.The Division Chief is responsible for the legal work of the division; coordinating and working collaboratively with other Division Chiefs, agency clients and community partners; managing the division budget and personnel; and handling various administrative functions. The Division Chief supervises two Section Chiefs who manage the day-to-day legal work and supervises and partners with the Administrative Office Manager on the operations of the division, including supervision of the Tacoma reception staff. The Division Chief also partners with team members to ensure the safety of staff and the operation of the building and engages frequently with the Director of Facilities, Safety and General Services. QualificationsIn addition to meeting the requirements to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, the successful candidate will demonstrate abilities and experience in the following areas:- Considerable experience practicing law, preferably including significant litigation experience and experience advising public sector clients. While experience with LNI or DCYF litigation is preferred, it is not required;
- Excellent judgment and strong oral and written communication skills;
- Ability to develop and carry out systemic approaches to legal services in response to changing client needs, as well as organizational and budget issues;
- Outstanding interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to collaborate and foster teamwork. This includes the cultivation of strong relationships not only across the division and Office, but with clients and the Tacoma legal community; and
- Leadership skills and competence in mentoring and supervising other employees. The ability to build trust and create a working environment that is respectful, collegial, inclusive, values professional development of all division members, and where recognition and constructive feedback are provided timely.
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 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.
Supplemental InformationSalary range for this position is $191,352 annually. Division Chief salaries are based on experience, qualifications and are commensurate with comparable positions in the AGO. This position is exempt from representation by the Association of Washington Assistant Attorneys General/Washington Federation of State Employees AFSCME Council28, AFL-CIO. 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.
Note: In accordance with WAC 162-12-140, the AGO will conduct permissible pre-employment inquiries of preferred candidates, to include the completion of a criminal conviction screening questionnaire.
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) that shows the date your JD was conferred; and
- Writing sample (no more than 10 pages).
If you have questions about this position or wish to learn more about it before applying, you are welcome to contact Deputy Attorney General Erika Uhl at 
