Law Clerk

Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at ***email_hidden*** . Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com .

The Attorney General’s Office is pleased to invite qualified second-year law students to apply for summer 2027 paid law clerk or externship positions via our 2026 Fall Recruitment Program.

Why you should apply

Law clerks and externs with the Washington Attorney General’s Office have opportunities to engage in meaningful work making a difference for Washingtonians. Our office is committed to supporting you in your growth through worthwhile, enriching, and educational experiences working for what we believe to be the best public law firm in the country.

Details About Working For The Attorney General’s Office

The Office is committed to the benefits of a healthy life-work balance with a respectful, inclusive, and diverse workplace where you will experience belonging and be part of a supportive and collegial team. 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. Our work is also guided by our Anti-racist commitment to recognize, address and eradicate all forms of racism within the scope of our work and operations. Additional exceptional benefits of joining the AGO as a law clerk include:

• Competitive Salary: Law clerks who have completed their second year of law school will receive $24/hour.
• Law clerk positions assigned to our Seattle office locations receive an additional 5% King County Location Pay.
• Vacation Leave, Sick Leave, Military and Civil Leave, and Paid Holidays
• Health and wellness program.
• Access to attend a training and career development program that is recognized for its excellence and efficacy by AGOs nationwide.
• Enrollment in the Public Employees’ Retirement System, receiving one service credit for each month worked of 90 hours or more.
• Due to the limited duration of these positions (less than six months), law clerks are not eligible for medical and dental benefits.

For more information about the AGO, we encourage you to review the Office's Annual Report which can be found HERE.

Duties

Although each law clerk's experience is unique, the following duties are typical of an AGO law clerk:

• Researching and writing memoranda, pleadings, and correspondence;
• Assisting in preparation for litigation, i.e., depositions, witness interviews, and discovery;
• Drafting client advice memos and attending meetings where that advice is then presented to the client; and
• Observing attorneys in court, particularly for those cases in which the law clerk provided assistance. Rule 9 law clerks may be allowed to present in court.

Qualifications

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. Qualified applicants are individuals who excel academically as demonstrated by law school grades and class standing, and who demonstrate a high degree of competence based on prior experiences. Law students must currently be attending an ABA accredited law school. We also seek applicants with a diverse background in education, previous work experience, law school activities, extracurricular activities, community service, and areas of interest that enhance our office.

Supplemental Information

Required Application Materials And Deadline

To be considered for our fall recruitment program, “apply” using the green button above and submit a profile. In addition to fully completing a profile and responding to all supplemental questions, you must attach,

preferably as PDFs:

• A letter of interest;
• Resume;
• Law School Transcript (official or unofficial); and
• Letter of recommendation.*
• The letter of recommendation is the only document that will be accepted separately. The letter of recommendation can be submitted by the recommender directly to the recruitment office by e-mail (***email_hidden***).

Additional information (e.g., writing sample, additional letters of recommendation) will be accepted, though is not required. Incomplete applications will not be accepted or considered.

These positions are not represented by the Association of Assistant Attorneys General/Washington Federation of State Employees AFSCME Council 28, AFL-CIO.

We will not be conducting on-campus interviews for the 2L fall recruitment program this year so you must to follow the process outlined above in order to be considered. All applicants must apply via this system by 11:59 p.m. on September 7, 2026 . (The Honors Program will be participating in on-campus interviews for students graduating in 2026. If interested in that program, please visit our website at www.atg.wa.gov for deadlines and other information.)

Please be sure to indicate your division and location preferences in your application as your application material will be forwarded to the participating divisions for which you indicate an interest. Please refer to our Annual Report for more information on specific divisions. The divisions will determine whom to interview and will directly contact students to set up interviews. It is expected that divisions will make their final decisions in early October. Applications of those not selected for an interview, or not selected by a division with whom they have interviewed, will be retained should additional opportunities arise.

A few positions within the AGO have exposure to information that requires staff be screened and pass a fingerprint-based background check. A law clerk candidate could be placed into one of the affected positions and thus this provides notice that you may be subject to a fingerprint background check and be subject to additional background checks as a condition of employment every five (5) years thereafter.

The Washington State Office of the Attorney General does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

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.

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, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at ***email_hidden*** . Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com.

For questions regarding the application process, please contact the recruitment team at ***email_hidden*** . If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or [email protected] .

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read About Our Benefits

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement And Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information .

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

Your Preferred Name

Your Pronoun(s)

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?

• Yes
• No

Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status?

• Yes
• No

Are you currently enrolled in an ABA accredited law school? If so, please provide the name of your law school.

List all activities or community involvement, past or present, that demonstrate a commitment to public service.

The Washington State Attorney General's Office has offices throughout Washington. The AGO will place those who receive an offer via the fall recruitment program in a suitable volunteer or extern position consistent with one's geographic preferences. To that end, please indicate ALL offices in which you would accept placement. Please keep in mind that not all divisions are represented in all locations. Please visit www.atg.wa.gov for additional information about locations and divisions.

• Olympia (O)
• Seattle (Se)
• Tacoma (T)
• Spokane (Sp)
• Bellingham (B)
• Everett (E)
• Kennewick (K)
• Port Angeles (Po)
• Pullman (Pu)
• Vancouver (V)
• Wenatchee (W)
• Yakima (Y)

The Washington State Attorney General's Office has 30 divisions. The AGO will place those who receive an offer via the fall recruitment program in a suitable paid law clerk position consistent with one's divisional preferences. To that end, please indicate ALL divisions in which you would accept placement. Note that not all divisions are represented in all locations. See www.atg.wa.gov for more information.

• Administration (O, Se)
• Agriculture & Health (O)
• Antitrust (Se)
• Children, Youth, and Families (O)
• Civil Rights Unit (Se)
• Complex Litigation (O, Se)
• Consumer Protection (Se, Sp, T)
• Corrections (O, Sp)
• Criminal Justice (Se, Sp)
• Discovery Division (Se)
• Ecology (O)
• Education (O, Se, Sp)
• Environmental Protection (Se)
• Government Compliance & Enforcement (O)
• Labor and Industries (O, Se, T, B, E, V, Po, Sp, K, W, Y)
• Labor and Personnel (O, Sp)
• Licensing & Administrative Law (O, Se, Sp)
• Medicaid Fraud Control
• Open Government & Public Records (O)
• Public Counsel Unit (Se)
• Public Lands & Conservation (O)
• Regional Services (B, E, V, Po, K, W, Y)
• Revenue & Finance
• Social & Health Services Division (representing the Department of Children, Youth, & Families) (Se, T, B, E, V, Po, Sp, K, W, Y)
• Social & Health Services (representing the Department of Social & Health Services, Healthcare Authority, Health Benefit Exchange, the Department of Veteran Affairs, and the Department of Services for the Blind) (O)
• Solicitor General (O)
• Torts (O, Se, Sp, T)
• Transportation & Public Construction (O)
• University of Washington (Se)
• Utilities & Transportation Commission (O)
• Washington State University (Pu)
• Worker Rights Unit (O, Se)

While we are unable to offer any guarantees about placement, we are confident that every AGO law clerk opportunity will contribute to and complement one's legal education. Accordingly, we would be interested in knowing the skills you are looking to build by serving as a volunteer law clerk in this Office. Please use this space to describe the experience you are seeking, including desired skills and subject matter

Have you ever worked or volunteered for the Washington State Attorney General's Office? If yes, indicate dates and positions in which you served. If "NO", you will need to indicate "NO" or "N/A" in order to proceed with your application.

Have you participated, whether as an attorney, paralegal, legal assistant, or in any other capacity, in the representation of any party in a matter where the party's interest was materially adverse to that of the State, its agencies, or its officers or employees? If yes, please identify all such matters, including the parties to the matter, the court and cause number of the matter, and your role in the matter. If no, please enter N/A. If you require additional space, please attach additional sheets and indicate your attachment here.

Have you participated as a judge, arbitrator, mediator, adjudicative officer, or as a law clerk to such a person, in a matter in which the State or any of its agencies, officers, or employees were a party? If yes, please identify all such matters, including the parties to the matter, the court and cause number of the matter, and your role in the matter. If no, please enter N/A. If you require additional space, please attach additional sheets and indicate your attachment here.

Is there any other matter, person, entity, or personal interest that might present a conflict of interest or otherwise limit your ability to perform work for the Attorney General's Office or represent a state agency, officer, or employee? If yes, please identify such matters, persons, entities, or personal interests with sufficient detail to allow the Attorney General's Office to understand the nature of the potential conflict of interest. You are not required to disclose any pending or contemplated complaint or dispute for which the law allows you to remain anonymous; however, you are responsible for not accepting assignments that would violate conflict of interest or confidentiality provisions of the Rules of Professional Conduct or other laws with regard to such matters. If no, please enter N/A. If you require additional space, please attach additional sheets and indicate your attachment here.

By clicking yes, I acknowledge that if I am the preferred candidate for this position, I will be required to submit to and pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check conducted by the Washington State Patrol (WSP), Criminal Records Division, as a condition of employment and every five (5) years thereafter. Incumbent may also be required to submit to and pass a criminal background check at any time during the period of employment if, in the scope of their employment and assigned duties, they are identified as a witness by an Assistant Attorney General prosecuting a criminal case. By clicking no, I will be removed from further consideration for this position.

• Yes
• No

Where did you learn about this employment opportunity? Careers.wa.gov AGO Website (atg.wa.gov) AGO Attorney Email Subscription Service LinkedIn/Indeed (Or other employment websites) WSBA Diversity Listserv Law School Career Services Office Career Fair AGO Presentation at law school Court Current/Former AGO employee or law clerk Other For your answer above, please specify, if applicable (e.g. name of law school, specific career fair, or website where you learned of opportunity).

• Required Question