What are the responsibilities and job description for the Team Leader - Public Counsel Unit, Seattle position at State of Washington Attorney General's Office?
Description
All employees and volunteers of the Washington State Attorney General's Office serve a crucial role in the protection of the state, its people and resources, thereby providing an incomparable degree of job satisfaction. The AGO is composed of diverse, collegial and supremely talented legal professionals who are resolute in their commitment to public service and share the common goal of advancing the public interest. For more information about the AGO, we encourage you to review the Office's Annual Report which can be found HERE and view THIS VIDEO.
The Office appreciates the benefits of a healthy life-work balance as well as a respectful, inclusive and diverse workplace. Successful candidates will join an Office in which every person is committed to providing exceptional legal services and where individual professional development is encouraged and supported. The exceptional benefits of joining the AGO include:
- 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 - MAAG salaries are set between $80,592 and $156,996. The exact amount is set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA
- The AGO will pay the general bar dues of someone who begins their assignment on or before January 31st per Article 10.8 of the AWAAG CBA
- Flex schedules and telecommuting options
- A formal AAG mentoring program that complements the AGO's inherently collegial and supportive environment
- Health and wellness program
- Training and career development program that is recognized for its excellence and efficacy by AGOs nationwide
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The Office’s Consumer Protection Division in downtown Seattle, WA is seeking an experienced attorney to fill the role of a Team Leader to supervise the Public Counsel Unit (PCU), which advocates on behalf of customers in front of the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC).
Duties
As a PCU attorney, you will get the opportunity to serve as an advocate for millions of consumers during the transition from a fossil fuel economy to clean energy. With the passage and implementation of the 2019 Clean Energy Transformation Act, the 2021 Climate Commitment Act, and 2024 Decarbonization Act, the Washington UTC is at the forefront of practical and essential solutions to greenhouse gas emissions. Your work will have a direct, measurable impact on millions of Washingtonians and help pioneer how the nation can address climate change.
The successful candidate for this position must be interested in leadership and mentorship in a fast-paced, high-profile law office. The PCU Team Lead supervises the day-to-day work of two attorneys, four regulatory analysts, and three staff positions in administrative hearings, rulemaking proceedings, UTC policy dockets, and superior court administrative appeals. The position is responsible for assigning cases, ensuring critical event deadlines are met, implementing management plans and policies, and evaluating employee performance. With the support of staff, the Team Lead oversees a $4.6 million biannual budget, including managing multiple expert witness contracts and a training budget. Collaborating and coordinating with local community organizations and advocates and with national utility advocate organizations, the PCU Team Lead has significant interactions with the larger utility community. The PCU Team Lead also advises Attorney General’s leadership and policy staff on utility related issues and legislation. Finally, this position reports to a Consumer Protection Litigation Section Chief and is part of the Consumer Protection Division management team.
In addition to management duties, the successful candidate will manage an administrative caseload in front of the UTC in electric, natural gas, telecommunication water, solid waste, and transportation utility rate cases, policy dockets, and rulemaking proceedings.
Candidates must be highly motivated, have a strong desire to advocate on behalf of utility consumers, and possess the ability to inspire others to do the same.
Qualifications
In addition to meeting the requirements to serve as an Assistant Attorney General, the ideal candidate must be detail-oriented, creative, have a strong work ethic, and enjoy working within a team-oriented community. A commitment to public service is a must.
The Public Counsel Unit also seeks applications who have:
- Five or more years of litigation experience in administrative or judicial proceedings.
- Superior writing and oral advocacy skills.
- Excellent analytical skills.
- The demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and creatively with colleagues and stakeholders.
- The ability to travel on occasion, if necessary.
Preferred experience:
- Experience managing attorneys and professional staff.
- Experience with electric, natural gas, water, or similar services.
- Economics, accounting, of finance experience.
- Experience in clean energy strategies
- Public policy experience.
While experience with the utilities and transportation industry would be a strength, the AGO is particularly interested in applications from litigators generally. Attorneys who lack the above-listed experience, but who have other experience that they believe would be relevant to Public Counsel’s work are also encouraged to apply.
Public counsel may waive the need for significant litigation experience for those attorneys with relevant subject matter experience.
To serve as an Assistant Attorney General, one 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 are actively pursuing admission by motion 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. 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 protecting the rights of its people.
Supplemental Information
This Managing 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. MAAG salaries are set between $80,592 and $156,996. This position is located in King County and is thus eligible for 5% King County Assignment Pay. The exact amount is set in accordance with Appendix B of the AWAAG CBA. 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); 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 contact Tad Robinson O’Neill, Senior Counsel at Tad.Oneill@atg.wa.gov or (206) 254-0570. The deadline for receipt of all application material is January 29, 2025.
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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.
Salary : $80,592 - $156,996
