Assistant Attorney General - Utilities & Transportation Construction Division, Olympia

The Washington State Attorney General’s Office seeks an attorney to serve in its

The Utilities and Transportation Division (known in the AGO as “the UTC”) provides comprehensive legal services to the Utilities and Transportation Commission (the “Commission”), which regulates the rates, services, and practices of investor-owned utilities (electric, natural gas, water, and telecommunications companies) and common carriers (railroads, household goods carriers, bus companies, solid waste collection companies, private ferries, and pipeline companies); it also regulates the rates charged for marine pilotage service.

The UTC Division is one of the smaller divisions in the AGO, with seven attorneys and three paralegals. The division’s small size fosters a very collegial and collaborative working environment where attorneys and professional staff communicate constantly and share workload as best as possible.

The UTC Division represents the Commission or its staff in state and federal administrative, trial, and appellate matters. These include representing the Commission’s regulatory and consumer protection staff in hearings before the Commission and representing the Commission itself before various federal agencies (including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Federal Communications Commission, and the Surface Transportation Board), before state and federal trial courts in original actions, and before state courts when a party appeals one of the Commission’s orders.

The UTC Division’s client advice work involves assisting the Commission in implementing the provisions of state law that it administers (mainly Titles 80 and 81 RCW, but also chapters in Titles 19 and 70A RCW) as well as helping it navigate the interplay between state and federal law. The law governing utilities and common carriers is evolving rapidly at the state level, especially in the energy sector, as evidenced by Washington’s Clean Energy Transformation Act and Climate Commitment Act.

In addition to meeting the requirements to apply and serve as an Assistant Attorney General, the successful applicant must have the following qualifications:

• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• The ability to develop and maintain a diverse, respectful, and inclusive environment
• The ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with employees of a large institution
• The ability to manage a caseload before various tribunals
• Excellent research and writing skills for the provision of advice to the Commission or its personnel and for the submission of briefing on technical issues to various administrative agencies and courts
• A willingness to develop or expand knowledge about the law governing utilities and common carriers

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. (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.

If you meet the qualifications, share our vision, and have a desire to do important work that makes a difference for our community, then we invite you to apply!

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 are set between $76,752 and $149,508. The exact amount is set in accordance with Appendix B of the

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.

Interested applicants must apply by hitting the "apply" button above. In addition to the on-line application, one must upload, via the system, preferably as PDFs:

• A letter of interest;
• Resume;
• Law school transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable);
• A List of at least 3 professional references;
• Writing sample.

If you have questions about this position and/or wish to learn more about it before applying, we encourage and welcome you to contact Division Chief Jeff Roberson at