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Role Description

The newly formed Open Government & Public Records Unit (OPR) of the WA State Attorney General's Office seeks an attorney to serve as an Assistant Attorney General supporting the Local Government PRA Consultation Program (LGCP).

OPR guides and implements the AGO’s PRA practices and represents the AGO in Public Records Act (PRA) advice and litigation. The Unit is comprised of three groups:

• Public Records and Constituent Services (coordinating PRA responses and information inquiries)
• Local Government PRA Consultation Program (providing guidance to local governments statewide on the PRA)
• The Public Records Counsel (advising and representing the AGO in PRA matters)

Duties include:

• Leading the LGCP providing services identified and developed by LGCP staff.
• Working and supporting local government customers proactively with government transparency.
• Assistance may include guidance on:
  • Responding to records requests
  • Seeking additional public and private resources for developing and updating technology information services
  • Mitigating liability and costs of compliance
• Responding to thousands of phone calls and email inquiries from local governments on the PRA.
• Training hundreds of new public records officers on PRA fundamentals.
• Providing training to public records officers and agency leaders to assure knowledge and understanding of the PRA’s current expectations and requirements.
• Completing work virtually utilizing remote meeting tools and traveling throughout the state for direct services.
• Partnering with statewide associations in these efforts.

Qualifications

• Possess and maintain a current and thorough legal knowledge of the PRA and the OPMA, case law interpreting these laws, and the AGO PRA Model Rules.
• Maintain a working knowledge of records retention laws.
• Ability to clearly and succinctly communicate legal concepts and theories to non-legally trained individuals.
• Maintain a current and thorough knowledge of electronic records production practices and other technologies that may assist local agencies in records production.
• Maintain a current and thorough knowledge of different local government structures (school districts, cities, counties, special purpose districts, etc.).
• Identify and research emerging records issues that may impact local governments.
• Develop and update consultation criteria and materials, including best practices on complying with the PRA.
• Be knowledgeable about public and private resources for local governments to update their technology information services.
• Identify risk management practices for local governments processing PRA requests.
• Maintain a working relationship with other agencies and entities that assist local governments in their records practices.

Requirements

• Graduated from a law school accredited by the ABA or completed the WSBA's Rule 6 Law Clerk Program.
• Licensed to practice law in Washington State (Applicants actively pursuing admission will also be considered).

Benefits

• 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 are set between $82,212 and $153,996.
• The AGO will pay the general bar dues for someone who begins their assignment on or before January 31st.
• Flex schedules and telecommuting options.
• A formal AAG mentoring program.
• Health and wellness program.
• Training and career development program recognized for its excellence and efficacy by AGOs nationwide.