Team Leader - Criminal Justice Division's Sexually Violent Predator Unit, Seattle

State of Washington$88K — $164K *
Legal & Accounting
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • At least five years of trial experience.
  • Admission to practice in Washington state courts.
  • Experience litigating SVP cases (preferred).
  • Management experience (preferred).
  • Excellent writing and oral advocacy skills (preferred).
  • Strong interpersonal skills for a collegial setting (preferred).
  • Superior motivation and organizational skills (preferred).

Responsibilities

  • Supervise a trial team of 3 to 4 attorneys in SVP prosecutions.
  • Manage and evaluate the performance of supervised attorneys.
  • Assist and mentor attorneys in trial preparation.
  • Develop training programs for less-experienced attorneys.
  • Litigate SVP civil commitment cases through various court phases.
  • Prepare and conduct pretrial discovery activities.
  • Undertake a limited caseload of SVP cases alongside supervisory duties.

Benefits

  • Flexible/Hybrid remote work options.
  • Choice of medical/dental insurance plans.
  • Retirement benefits.
  • Life insurance and basic long-term disability insurance.
  • A collaborative and supportive work environment.
  • Opportunities for professional development and work-life balance.
  • Commitment to environmental stewardship and safety for staff.
Full Job Description
Salary: $88,056.00 - $164,940.00 Annually
Location : King County - Seattle - Downtown Business, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number:
Department: Attorney General's Office
Opening Date: 08/31/2026
Closing Date: 9/14/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description

The Bob Keppel Criminal Justice Division of the Washington State Attorney General's Office has an exciting opportunity in its Seattle office for attorneys interested in supervising a team of attorneys who prosecute the civil commitment of sexually violent predators. The attorney selected for this position will serve as a Trial Team Leader and supervise other attorneys in the Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) Unit of the Criminal Justice Division. The attorney will also handle a lesser caseload of SVP civil commitment cases in addition to supervisory duties. The SVP Unit prosecutes civil commitment cases throughout Washington's 39 counties.

Duties
We seek an attorney with significant litigation experience to lead and supervise a trial team of 3 to 4 attorneys who prosecute SVP cases. The selected candidate will report to the SVP Section Chief. The selected candidate will work with other attorneys, paralegals, legal assistants and investigators to successfully prosecute SVP cases. The selected candidate is responsible for managing attorneys under their supervision, evaluating attorney performance, assisting/mentoring attorneys in trial preparation, and assisting in the development of training for less-experienced trial attorneys.

SVP caseloads consist of civil commitment and post commitment trial work in the superior courts, as well as appeals that arise from these cases in both state and federal courts. SVP cases are civil in nature. Trial litigation duties include pretrial discovery under the civil rules such as depositions, interrogatories and requests for production. Duties also include litigating SVP cases through all phases of the SVP proceedings, including filing decisions, initial commitment trials (both bench and jury), post commitment proceedings (including bench and jury release trials), and some appeals. The selected candidate will supervise trial attorneys performing these tasks while also carrying a lesser SVP caseload.

Work in the SVP Unit is demanding but rewarding. The selected candidate will join a staff of experienced attorneys and professional staff dedicated to safer communities. The selected candidate must contribute to a collegial and inclusive work environment. The position is located in downtown Seattle, but travel around the state for trial preparation and court hearings/trial is required.

Qualifications
In addition to meeting the qualifications to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, qualifications for this position include:
  • At least five years of trial experience; and
  • Admission to practice in Washington state courts.

The preferred candidates possess:
  • Experience litigating SVP cases.
  • Management experience
  • Considerable litigation experience in either civil or criminal law;
  • Excellent writing and oral advocacy skills;
  • Strong interpersonal skills to work well with others in an inclusive, collegial setting;
  • Superior motivation and organizational skills;
  • The ability and desire to coordinate and lead complex litigation; and
  • Superior advocacy skills required to bring cases to a successful resolution.

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 areactivelypursuing 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.

NOTE! The applicants selected will be required to submit to and pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check conducted by the Washington State Patrol, Criminal Records Division. The incumbent will submit to additional background checks as a condition of employment every five (5) years thereafter.

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 $88,056and $164,940. The exact amount is set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA. This position is located in King County and is thus eligible for 5% King County Assignment Pay. 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 call SVP Section Chief CJ Murray at 206-389-3876.

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