Salary: $88,056.00 - $164,940.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number:
Department: Attorney General's Office
Opening Date: 07/16/2026
Closing Date: 7/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description

The Washington State Attorney General's Office's Social and Health Services Division in Tumwater, WA is seeking an experienced attorney to lead its Program Litigation Section (PLS) as Section Chief. 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. Our recent cases include challenges to state employee health benefits programs and a challenge to the adequacy of the state's mental health services.
We also handle a wide range of legal matters, including:

• 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!

Duties
Attorneys in the Program Litigation Section 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.
• Provide leadership and guidance to attorneys within the Program Litigation Section and Division.
• 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.

Qualifications
In 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.
• Experience leading, mentoring, and collaborating with attorneys and clients.
• The ability to manage complex, high-profile matters in a fast-paced environment.
• A commitment to ethical practice, public service, and exceptional client representation.

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
This MAAG1 position is represented by the Association of Washington Assistant Attorneys General (AWAAG) / Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) AFSCME Council 28, AFL-CIO. MAAG1 salaries are set between $88,056 and $164,940. 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. 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.

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.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for m