The University of Washington (UW) Division of the Office of the Attorney General is seeking an experienced attorney, preferably with a background in information technology, employment benefits, tax, commercial law, and general business contracting, and a demonstrated interest in higher education law, to join the Division’s General Practice Team.


Duties

The attorney sought for this position will represent and advise the UW in connection with a variety of matters that is anticipated to include some combination of the following:   

• Reviewing, negotiating and/or drafting complex information technology contracts.
• Advising the division of the University Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), which deals with cybersecurity.
• Employment benefits issues, including state retirement plans.
• Commercial law issues, including those related to state/federal taxation, financing, public bonds, and investments.
• Review of a variety of contracts and agreements various UW departments seek to execute.

 
The attorney sought for this position will also serve as the primary advisor to the University’s:

• Information Technology Group & CISO
• Employment Benefits Office
• Treasurer
• Investment Company (UWINCO)
• Tax Director
   

It is not expected that an applicant will have significant expertise in all of these areas, but the successful candidate will be willing and able to learn new areas of law quickly with on-going support from other division members.

Qualifications

In addition to meeting the qualifications to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, well-qualified candidates will have at least five years of relevant legal experience and the following qualifications:

• An ability to provide sound and practical legal advice to high level and sophisticated clients, both in writing and verbally; 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• Demonstrated legal acumen and practical problem-solving abilities;
• An ability to coordinate and manage client advice requests of a diverse and complex nature;
• An ability to exercise excellent independent judgment; 
• A willingness and ability to learn new areas of law quickly; and
• A strong interest in practicing higher education law.

 
 Preference will be given to candidates who have significant experience with 

• Contract drafting and review;  
• Advising on complex business and information technology issues;
• Experience in one or multiple practice areas relevant to the position (i.e. Information Technology, Employment Benefits, Commercial Law, Tax, Public Bonds, and Investment); and 
• Experience representing and advising an institution of higher education, a public or governmental entity, or a large institutional entity.

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. 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 protect the rights of its people.

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WORKING CONDITION

COVID Vaccination Requirement:  Employees and volunteers of the Washington State Attorney General’s Office (AGO) must be fully vaccinated no later than October 18, 2021, as a condition of employment. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. If you are selected to serve within the AGO as an employee or volunteer, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination before you are able to begin work. You may request an accommodation if you are unable to meet the requirement due to a medical or religious necessity. Currently all staff, whose duties permit, are teleworking, though the AGO plans to re-open its offices for visitors and staff beginning November 29, 2021.


Supplemental Information

This Assistant Attorney General position is represented by the Association of Washington Assistant Attorneys General (AWAAG) / Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) AFSCME Council 28, AFL-CIO. AAG salaries start at $69,396. Ultimately, AAG salaries are set in accordance with the AWAAG CBA. The position's location is King County and thus the person hired would be eligible for 5% King County Assignment pay per legislative action.  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, as well as a long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship, is 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:

• A letter of interest;
• Resume;
• Law school transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable); and
• Writing sample.

Important Note: Redact from any document social security numbers, and do not include documents that are password protected.

If you have questions about this position, please contact General Practice Team Leader, James Buder, at james.buder@atg.wa.gov, or Division Chief, David Kerwin at david.kerwin@atg.wa.gov.  The deadline to apply is October 7, 2021.

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Honoring diversity, equity and inclusion means that as an agency, and as individuals, we are committed to ensuring that all employees and volunteers enjoy a respectful, safe and supportive working environment.  Only by fostering the inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures and attributes, can AGO employees and volunteers achieve their fullest potential and best advance the goals and mission of the AGO.  
 
The AGO is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation/gender identity, age, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, retaliation or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact Kalea Muigai at 360-586-7698.  Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com.