Legal Assistant 1 (part-time), Regional Services Division, Kennewick

Full Job Description

Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at HREmployment@atg.wa.gov.

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.

Position and Salary
The Attorney General’s Office is recruiting for a permanent part-time Legal Assistant 1 in the Regional Services Division. This position is located in Kennewick, Washington, and is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

Legal Assistant 1 (Range 42) salary range: $45,024 - $60,132
The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

The AGO provides a workplace that is understanding of work-life balance and promotes advancement by offering a wide variety of professional development and growth opportunities.

Excellent benefitsWashington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation, including Medical/Dental/Vision for employees & dependent(s); Vacation, Sick, and Other Leave; 11 Paid Holidays per year; Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) plans; and Life Insurance.

Beyond these traditional benefits, we offer Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, Employee Recognition Leave, and more.

With the goal of employee health and wellness, we also offer:

• Flexible schedules and part-time/hybrid telework options;
• A Wellness Program, an Infants in the Workplace Program, and the Employee Assistance Program, which provides counseling, webinar, and other cost-free support resources;
• Numerous employee-driven affinity groups to foster community and connection, including Bereavement, Elder Care, Parenting, POC, LGBTQ+, Veterans and more. The AGO is a place to belong and make a difference!

About the Kennewick Division

The Kennewick Regional Services office is one of 7 Regional Services Division offices located in the state.

We are the ‘face’ of the Attorney General’s office in local communities and represent our constituents with integrity.

The Kennewick staff consists of 10 Assistant Attorneys Generals and 14 support staff.

The Department of Children, Youth and Family is the largest client caseload we cover in the local courts, and the team is supportive of one another, offering coverage when staff are absent or in training.

In addition to the DCYF cases, the office covers Labor and Industries worker compensation cases, education matters involving Columbia Basis College and Walla Walla Community College, and cases relating to licensing of foster homes and day care facilities, as well as Adult Protective Services matters.

Duties and Essential Functions of a Legal Assistant 1

The AGO provides many opportunities for personal and professional growth through robust training offerings, community involvement, and AGO committee work.

The Kennewick team is a great place to begin your career in the legal field at the AGO.

The Legal Assistant 1 independently performs a variety of general and complex clerical tasks in addition to basic technical legal assignments. Assignments include:

• Open and close litigation case files
• Accurately perform case docketing functions and data entry into legal databases
• Manage filing, storage, and organization of electronic case files
• Prepare, finalize for signature, and file legal documents with the proper court in jMotion or eMotion
• Prepare basic legal correspondence with clients and others requiring knowledge of legal terminology, policies, and procedures
• Monitor electronic mailboxes per division protocols and policies and route to the appropriate person(s)
• Open, process, and route all incoming mail and legal messenger deliveries
• Front desk duties, such as answering phone calls, helping the public, scheduling conference rooms, handling large print projects, and managing the vehicle fleet
• Process incoming invoices for approval and payment
• Maintain inventory, track & order supplies, and maintain copiers
• Perform weekly delivery or messenger service by filing documents at local courts or serving documents

This recruitment announcement may be used to fill multiple open positions for the same classification, in addition to the position(s) listed in this announcement.

Qualifications

Option 1: High School diploma or equivalent and two years of clerical experience including a minimum of one year of experience in a legal environment;

Option 2: Two years of legal office experience;

Option 3: A combination of three years of college education and/or relevant experience;

Option 4: A two year degree in Legal Secretary Studies, Paralegal studies or related field of study.

Skill & Abilities

Preferred skills & abilities for this position include the ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing. Possess the ability to problem solve, take direction, work constructively with others as part of a team, work to accomplish deadlines and track details. Because this is a part-time position requiring work on Fridays, it is important to maintain reliable attendance.

About the Washington State Office of the Attorney GeneralThe Attorney General’s Office (AGO) touches the lives of every resident in this state.

We serve more than 230 state agencies, boards, commissions, colleges and universities, as well as the Legislature and the Governor.

The Office is comprised of nearly 700 attorneys and 800 professional staff, all working together to deliver the highest quality professional legal services to Washington state officials, agencies, and entities.

This includes:

• Economic justice and consumer protections (safeguarding consumers, protecting youth, seniors, and other vulnerable populations)
• Social justice and civil rights (addressing discrimination, environmental protection, and veteran and military resources)
• Criminal justice and public safety (investigative and prosecutorial support, financial crimes)
• And much more!

Our agency also has national reach, representing the State of Washington before the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals and trial courts in all cases that involve the state’s interest. If you want to make a difference, we may be the perfect fit for you! Learn more about the AGO here.

Commitment to Diversity Diversity is critical to the success of the mission of the AGO.

This means recognizing, respecting, and appreciating all cultures and backgrounds-- and fostering the inclusion of differences between people.

Appreciating, valuing and implementing principles of diversity permits AGO employees to achieve their fullest potential in an inclusive, respectful environment.

One recent measure of the AGO's commitment to diversity can be found in its nomination for Rainbow Alliance and Inclusion Network's "Outstanding Agency Award" in 2019. Our commitment to employee wellness is reflected in earning the 2024 Zo8 Washington Wellness Award.

Application Instructions

In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position:

• A letter of interest, describing your specific qualifications for the position;
• A current resume detailing experience and education.

Read the Following Information Completely:

• Carefully review your application for accuracy, spelling and grammar before submitting.
• You may not reapply to this posting for 30 days.
• The initial screening of applications will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the “work experience” and “education” sections of your application in www.careers.wa.gov, completeness of the application material submitted, and responses to the supplemental questionnaire.
• A resume will not substitute for completing the “work experience” section of the application.
• All information may be verified and documentation may be required.
• 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Accommodations Requests

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 race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation/gender identity, age, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, retaliation 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 HREmployment@atg.wa.gov.

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 this recruitment or assistance with the application process, please contact the recruitment team at HREmployment@atg.wa.gov.

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com.