Assistant Attorney General - Social & Health Services Division, Behavioral Health Section, Tumwater

Assistant Attorney General – Behavioral Health Section

Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process may contact the recruitment team . Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1‑800‑676‑3777 or

• A competitive benefit package that includes affordable medical plan options, dental benefits and retirement plans
• Vacation Leave, Sick Leave, Military and Civil Leave and Paid Holidays
• Transparent salary schedule – AAG salaries set between $82,212 and $153,996 (see Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA)
• The AGO will pay the general bar dues of someone who begins assignment on or before January 31st (Article 10.8 of the AWAAG CBA)
• Flex schedules and telecommuting options
• Formal AAG mentoring program
• Health and wellness program
• Training and career development program recognized nationally

The Washington State Attorney General’s Office Social and Health Services Division in Tumwater, WA has an immediate opening for an Assistant Attorney General in its Behavioral Health Section. The division has 44 attorneys and 28 professional staff providing legal support for DSHS and HCA, protecting vulnerable residents, handling class‑action, administrative appeals, civil rights, and public safety matters.

• Civil and forensic mental health issues (confinement of sexually violent predators, not guilty by reason of insanity, involuntary commitment)
• Legal matters related to state psychiatric institutions and treatment facilities

• Handling civil commitment hearings in Pierce County Superior Court (bench and jury)
• Representing SCC in federal and state litigation regarding conditions of confinement
• Managing contempt hearings, guardianship cases, public records litigation, and appeals
• Providing client advice on constitutional law, health care, reimbursement, patient rights, and facility operations
• Assisting on federal class actions and complex litigation

• Graduated from an ABA‑accredited law school or completed the WSBA Rule 6 Law Clerk Program and licensed to practice law in Washington state (actively pursuing admission by motion will also be considered)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability and interest in working in a team setting
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment with competing demands
• Ability to multitask and provide coverage for others
• Comfortable working with people with mental illness who are being treated against their will
• Respect and collegiality toward support staff and attorneys

Applicants must upload, preferably as PDFs: a letter of interest; a resume; law school transcript (unofficial copy acceptable); a writing sample (10 pages or less). Submit the application through the online portal.

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. The AGO is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability.

Contact for questions:
Division Chief Allie King g.gov or 360‑586‑6485.