Assistant Attorney General – Regional Services Division (Kennewick or Yakima)

The Position

The primary emphasis of this position is representing the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) in child welfare cases to protect abused and neglected children in dependency, guardianship, and termination of parental rights cases. The work is rewarding, while difficult at times, and directly influences the lives of children in Washington. The attorney will also advise the client regarding regulatory enforcement matters.

Responsibilities include evaluating evidence to determine legal sufficiency to support court intervention; applying the Indian Child Welfare Act and Washington Indian Child Welfare Act; reviewing petitions, documents, and court reports; consulting with social workers and other employees; submitting and responding to discovery; and preparing witnesses and evidence for hearings or trials.

The Assistant Attorney General in this position will perform legal research and analysis, submit briefing to the court, communicate frequently with other attorneys and guardians ad litem to resolve issues related to underlying cases, and consider settlement options.

The position involves regular regional travel within Washington State. The successful candidate may be based in Kennewick or Yakima and will primarily represent DCYF in Benton, Franklin, Columbia, Garfield, and Walla Walla counties. Candidates based in Yakima will travel for court appearances. State vehicles are available for travel purposes.

Opportunities & Priorities

Litigation Practice: While the work involves client advice, this position is primarily litigation focused, with opportunities to engage in regular motion and trial practice. The attorney must adapt quickly to a fast-paced litigation environment and shift from one type of work to another during a given week or day.

Training and Mentorship: The AGO provides significant training and mentorship tailored to each attorney's experience level and professional goals. The successful candidate will learn from local subject matter experts and participate in statewide training and mentorship programs.

Broader Practice Experience: While primarily assigned to the Juvenile Litigation team, the attorney will have opportunities to assist a variety of clients with new and varied issues. Attorneys in the Kennewick office can learn other practice areas, including higher education and administrative law, and develop appellate skills with support from the experienced appellate unit.

The Ideal Candidate

The AGO seeks applicants committed to public service, as demonstrated by their background, talents, attitude, and enthusiasm for public law practice. The ability to communicate efficiently and effectively with a variety of client agency representatives, as well as attorney and nonattorney colleagues, is critical to success.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to independently manage time, identify and prioritize tasks, and maintain a well-organized practice under significant caseload demands. The position provides opportunities to develop and exercise independent judgment within a large law office striving to provide consistent representation to client agencies throughout the state.

Education & Experience

Applicants must have graduated from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association or completed the Washington State Bar Association'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 Washington admission will also be considered, including out-of-state attorneys. Washington licensure is required to serve as an Assistant Attorney General.

Compensation

The annual salary range for this position is $90,708 - $157,080 DOQ. Salaries are set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG collective bargaining agreement. A preferred candidate for this position who graduated from law school in 2025 or 2026 would start no lower than Step 4 at $90,708. This position is represented by the Association of Washington Assistant Attorneys General (AWAAG) / Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE), AFSCME Council 28, AFL-CIO.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage; basic life and long-term disability insurance.
• Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and optional Deferred Compensation Program.
• 11 paid holidays and one personal holiday annually.
• Eight (8) hours of sick leave accrual per month.
• Annual leave accrual starting at 9.33 hours and increasing to 16.67 hours per month, based on years of state service.
• A 5% longevity premium on base wages after five years with the AGO.
• Hybrid work and flexible schedule options.
• General bar dues paid for attorneys who begin their assignment on or before January 31, under Article 10.8 of the AWAAG agreement.
• Qualifying employment for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, subject to program eligibility requirements.
• Formal AAG mentoring and training and career development programs offering CLE credits.
• Employee assistance and health and wellness programs. Qualifying employment for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, subject to program requirements.
• Formal mentoring, training and career development with CLE credits, and employee assistance and wellness programs.