Assistant Attorney General

The Christine O. Gregoire Spokane Division has an immediate opening for an Assistant Attorney General in the Labor & Industries Section.

Spokane L&I Section is comprised of 8 attorneys, 12 paralegals and one legal office assistant. The Spokane L&I Section handles a variety of litigation on behalf of the DLI including litigating workers compensation claims, building trades litigation, fraud cases, wage and hour cases, and Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act violations. Section attorneys practice in almost every legal forum – from the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals (BIIA) and Office of Administrative Hearings to state appellate courts.

Spokane is a vibrant and beautiful city that enjoys four distinct seasons and provides residents and visitors with world class outdoor adventures, including: fishing and whitewater rafting in the Spokane River; biking the Centennial Trail; snow skiing at nearby Mt. Spokane, Lookout Pass, Silver Mountain, 49 Degrees North, or Schweitzer Mountain; and hiking, boating or fishing in a host of nearby lakes and nature preserves.

Spokane also offers great indoor activities: theater, including Broadway shows; live music; multiple exhibits; and the opportunity to taste Washington's renowned grapes and hops at a number of local wineries and craft breweries.

This position serves the Department of Labor and Industries (DLI) and the people of the state by providing quality legal advice and strategic representation with the highest standards of excellence, ethics and effectiveness.

The attorney in this position represents the Department of Labor and Industries before the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals (BIIA) and superior courts in industrial insurance cases and occasionally in industrial insurance premium assessment and collection cases. Industrial insurance cases present complex legal and medical issues regarding the provision of benefits to injured workers under Title 51 RCW. Proceedings at the BIIA are conducted following Washington Civil Rules and Washington Rules of Evidence.

The cases require testimony from medical and vocational experts, as well as lay witnesses. Most cases are tried within three to eight months of the date of assignment.

The attorney hired for this opening will represent DLI in cases involving the Washington Industrial Insurance Act and/or the Washington Safety and Health Act. The cases handled by this position will be primarily out of the Benton, Franklin and Walla Walla Counties with an emphasis on jury trials. Regular travel will be required.

Successful applicants can expect to have a great deal of responsibility for and control over their daily work while also working with teams of attorneys who complement and support each other. Attorneys independently handle all aspects of civil litigation, including discovery, motion practice, and resolving cases through hearing, trial, or negotiated settlements. Typical responsibilities of the Spokane L&I Section litigation attorneys include:

• Conducting direct and cross‑examination in hearings and depositions;
• Effectively handling motion practice and discovery;
• Conducting legal research and writing briefs and pleadings;
• Interacting with outside parties and stakeholders;
• Negotiating resolutions;
• Presenting arguments orally and in writing; and
• Engaging in superior court practice, including jury trials.

This position provides the opportunity to work in an environment where teamwork and diversity are highly valued. Section members consistently strive to conduct themselves with integrity, professionalism, civility and transparency, and promote a collegial and diverse workplace that values, respects, and supports each other. We all share the same commitment to serving the public by providing excellent legal services in support of our client's mission to: protect workers, preserve the industrial insurance accident fund, and help injured workers heal and return to work.

The Spokane L&I Section offers great mentors, a team atmosphere, and supports and encourages flexibility and creativity.

In addition to meeting the requirements to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, the successful candidate should offer:

• Demonstrated and expressed interest in the practice of public sector law;
• Strong writing and oral advocacy skills;
• An ability to manage an active caseload, identify and prioritize tasks, and meet short deadlines;
• An interest in civil litigation, including engaging in discovery, drafting motions and briefs, negotiating with other…