Financial Legal Examiner 2-4
Apply NowCompany: State of Washington
Location: Olympia, WA 98501
Description:
Salary: $5,979.00 - $10,208.00 Monthly
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2503CSFLE2-4(2)
Department: Dept. of Financial Institutions
Division: Division of Consumer Services
Opening Date: 03/05/2025
Closing Date: 4/6/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Attorney Opportunity Regulating Financial Service Providers and Protecting Consumers
* Are you an attorney or recent law school graduate who is interested in learning skills to pursue a career in investigating alleged violations of laws and regulations pertaining to financial service industries, prepare cases for administrative, civil, or criminal actions, and negotiate settlements of your cases?
* Are you interested in learning about emerging FinTech industries like those dealing in cryptocurrency or more established forms of money transmission, escrow, consumer lending, mortgage loans, student loans, payday loans, and loan servicing?
* Are you interested in protecting consumers, public service, or obtaining public service loan forgiveness?
* Would you like to work independently and in collaboration with other attorneys and examiners, Division staff, the Washington State Office of the Attorney General, and other state and federal regulators?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you seriously should consider applying for this position! We're looking to hire experienced attorneys or recent law school graduates to join our team!
The Consumer Services' Enforcement Unit is recruiting a Financial Legal Examiner (FLE), which may be filled at the 2, 3, or 4 level, depending on applicant qualifications.
Salary Ranges:
FLE 2 - $5,929 -$7,971 per month
FLE 3 - $6,876 - $9,245 per month
FLE 4 - $7,589 - $10,208 per month
This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).
Duties
Some of What You Will Do:
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
Graduation from an accredited law school. Active membership with the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA). Candidates that sat for the February 2025 Washington State Bar Examination are encouraged to apply.
Supplemental Information
Benefits of working for DFI include:
About Our Agency:
The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions' (DFI) mission is to protect consumers and advance the financial health of Washington State by providing fair regulation of financial services and educating consumers to make informed financial decisions. Collectively and independently, the Department's 200-plus employees within its 5 divisions - Administration, Banks, Consumer Services, Credit Unions, and Securities - work together to create a stronger economic future and secure financial environment for Washington's consumers and businesses alike. DFI is self-supporting, in that none of its operating revenues come from the state's general tax funds. Its operating revenues are paid by the organizations and individuals it regulates. To learn more about the Department of Financial Institutions, please visit our website at
The DFI values diverse perspectives and life experiences. We employ and serve diverse people of all backgrounds including people of color, women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and veterans. This culture of respect promotes a professional and inclusive environment where maximizing potential through opportunity is achievable by everyone.
About The Division:
In the , consumer protection is at the heart of what we do, whether we are regulating emerging FinTech industries like those dealing in cryptocurrency or more established forms of money transmission, escrow, consumer lending, and loan servicing. We license and conduct examinations of the people and companies in those industries and take action against those who violate the law. We pride ourselves on helping people - by ordering refunds or restitution for consumers, by enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of state government, and by working to maintain robust, healthy financial industries.
Official Work Station:
The Consumer Services Division Enforcement Unit employs a hybrid work schedule with up to three days of telework. Your official work station will be the Tumwater headquarters office.
Application Process:
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically on Submitting your application materials electronically will act as confirmation that the information submitted is complete and accurate to the best of your knowledge. Failure to provide all required application materials may result in disqualification.
Interested applicants should select the "Apply" button and attach the following materials to their application:
Note: Application review may begin immediately. DFI reserves the right and may exercise the option to close this recruitment and make a hiring decision at any time. It may be to the applicant's advantage to submit application materials as soon as possible.
Background Investigation:
Prior to a new hire, a background check including credit history and criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
Contact Information:
Tom Grant/360-725-7817 and Manny Udarbe/360-725-7805
Recruiting@dfi.wa.gov
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 (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 (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 , 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, are entitled to three (3) 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
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2503CSFLE2-4(2)
Department: Dept. of Financial Institutions
Division: Division of Consumer Services
Opening Date: 03/05/2025
Closing Date: 4/6/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Attorney Opportunity Regulating Financial Service Providers and Protecting Consumers
* Are you an attorney or recent law school graduate who is interested in learning skills to pursue a career in investigating alleged violations of laws and regulations pertaining to financial service industries, prepare cases for administrative, civil, or criminal actions, and negotiate settlements of your cases?
* Are you interested in learning about emerging FinTech industries like those dealing in cryptocurrency or more established forms of money transmission, escrow, consumer lending, mortgage loans, student loans, payday loans, and loan servicing?
* Are you interested in protecting consumers, public service, or obtaining public service loan forgiveness?
* Would you like to work independently and in collaboration with other attorneys and examiners, Division staff, the Washington State Office of the Attorney General, and other state and federal regulators?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you seriously should consider applying for this position! We're looking to hire experienced attorneys or recent law school graduates to join our team!
The Consumer Services' Enforcement Unit is recruiting a Financial Legal Examiner (FLE), which may be filled at the 2, 3, or 4 level, depending on applicant qualifications.
Salary Ranges:
FLE 2 - $5,929 -$7,971 per month
FLE 3 - $6,876 - $9,245 per month
FLE 4 - $7,589 - $10,208 per month
This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).
Duties
Some of What You Will Do:
- Draft administrative enforcement actions, including statements of charges and cease and desist orders critical to the agency's statutory consumer protection duties.
- Negotiate and draft settlements of enforcement actions.
- Oversee multiple complaints and investigations and ensure cases progress in a timely fashion.
- Conduct research and gather evidence through drafting and executing investigation plans; drafting subpoenas; conducting interviews, taking testimony, and examining financial and legal records.
- Prepare legal memoranda and investigative reports.
- Make recommendations for enforcement action based upon your investigation findings, applicable laws and regulations.
- Assist the Attorney General's Office in the preparation and presentation of administrative cases for hearing.
- Provide testimony in administrative hearings.
- Assist the King County Prosecuting Attorney in the preparation and presentation of criminal referrals related to mortgage lending fraud.
- Learn and maintain expertise in the constantly evolving state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to financial institutions of all sizes, including the Consumer Loan Act, Mortgage Broker Practices Act, Escrow Agent Registration Act, Uniform Money Services Act, Truth in Lending Act, Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, Equal Credit Opportunity Act, Dodd Frank Act, and the Administrative Procedures Act.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
Graduation from an accredited law school. Active membership with the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA). Candidates that sat for the February 2025 Washington State Bar Examination are encouraged to apply.
Supplemental Information
Benefits of working for DFI include:
- Telecommuting up to three days per week and flexible work hours.
- Healthy work-life balance.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion where every person is recognized and valued.
- Professional development and continuing education opportunities, including DFI's in-house CLE program and other training that ensures employees are successful.
About Our Agency:
The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions' (DFI) mission is to protect consumers and advance the financial health of Washington State by providing fair regulation of financial services and educating consumers to make informed financial decisions. Collectively and independently, the Department's 200-plus employees within its 5 divisions - Administration, Banks, Consumer Services, Credit Unions, and Securities - work together to create a stronger economic future and secure financial environment for Washington's consumers and businesses alike. DFI is self-supporting, in that none of its operating revenues come from the state's general tax funds. Its operating revenues are paid by the organizations and individuals it regulates. To learn more about the Department of Financial Institutions, please visit our website at
The DFI values diverse perspectives and life experiences. We employ and serve diverse people of all backgrounds including people of color, women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and veterans. This culture of respect promotes a professional and inclusive environment where maximizing potential through opportunity is achievable by everyone.
About The Division:
In the , consumer protection is at the heart of what we do, whether we are regulating emerging FinTech industries like those dealing in cryptocurrency or more established forms of money transmission, escrow, consumer lending, and loan servicing. We license and conduct examinations of the people and companies in those industries and take action against those who violate the law. We pride ourselves on helping people - by ordering refunds or restitution for consumers, by enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of state government, and by working to maintain robust, healthy financial industries.
Official Work Station:
The Consumer Services Division Enforcement Unit employs a hybrid work schedule with up to three days of telework. Your official work station will be the Tumwater headquarters office.
Application Process:
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically on Submitting your application materials electronically will act as confirmation that the information submitted is complete and accurate to the best of your knowledge. Failure to provide all required application materials may result in disqualification.
Interested applicants should select the "Apply" button and attach the following materials to their application:
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Three professional references* (provide contact name, phone number, email address, company name, and job title)
- Unofficial Law School College Transcripts
Note: Application review may begin immediately. DFI reserves the right and may exercise the option to close this recruitment and make a hiring decision at any time. It may be to the applicant's advantage to submit application materials as soon as possible.
Background Investigation:
Prior to a new hire, a background check including credit history and criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
Contact Information:
Tom Grant/360-725-7817 and Manny Udarbe/360-725-7805
Recruiting@dfi.wa.gov
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 (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 (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 , 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, are entitled to three (3) 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
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022