Paralegal 1, Regional Services Division, WA State Office of the Attorney General

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 SalaryThe Attorney General’s Office is recruiting for a permanent full-time Paralegal 1 in the Regional Services Division.

This position is located in Bellingham, Washington and is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

Paralegal 1 (Range 51) salary range: $55,836 – $75,108 /annually.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 following stipends may apply based on position requirements:

• Incumbents assigned to a position designated as requiring dual language skills will receive a 5% Dual Language Requirement Pay stipend.

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 telework options for most positions, a Wellness Program, the Employee Assistance Program, and numerous affinity groups to foster community and connection.

About the Washington State Office of the Attorney General Join an agency whose work impacts the lives of every resident of Washington State.The 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.

Division InformationThe Bellingham office is located in the beautiful Barkley Village neighborhood with lots of nature trails and shopping nearby. This office represents the following client agencies:

• Department of Children, Youth, and Families in juvenile litigation in Whatcom, Skagit and San Juan counties, as well as licensing of facilities such as for Foster Care providers and childcare licensing matters. This subject matter includes child abuse and neglect and termination of parental rights.
• Department of Social and Health Services responsible for Division of Child Support matters as well as Adult Protective Services, the subject matter areas including vulnerable adult guardianships and protections orders.
• The Department of Labor and Industries in Workers Compensation matters.
• Western Washington University, Whatcom Community College, Bellingham Technical College, Skagit Valley College, and Educational Service District 189.

Paralegal 1 Position Description and Job Duties Our Paralegal 1 staff provide critical support for Assistant Attorneys General in litigation of state matters, preparing for trial, and applying knowledge of court rules related to legal practice, subject matter, and court filing procedures in civil and appellate matters.

As a Paralegal 1, you may be entrusted to perform some of the following duties: analyze facts, compose documents and pleadings, schedule and/or interview witnesses, research legal issues and evaluate the facts of cases, coordinate the preparation for litigation, track status of cases from summons to trial, and draft legal notices.

If you are interested in a dynamic career that protects the interests of the people of Washington, please apply and become part of our team.

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.

Required QualificationsCombination of three years of experience* through:

• Paralegal certification
• Two-year paralegal degree
• Paralegal plus (or nine-month paralegal, post BA) certification,

and/or

• Paraprofessional experience in support of an attorney

*You may have gained applicable paraprofessional experience through previous Paralegal or Legal Assistant work.

Preferred Qualifications
The most competitive candidates will possess the following skills and abilities:
Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in:

• Knowledge of Paralegal processes and procedures
• Experience in all components of trial preparation
• Experience in state and federal courts filing procedures
• Utilization of court systems, i.e., Odyssey, JIS/JABS
• Understand the components of electronic discovery processes

Demonstrated Ability to:

• Effectively communicate in both written and verbal forms
• Ability to problem solve and implement decision-making skills in the daily performance of work assignments
• Multi-task and/or shift priorities to conduct necessary business
• Work independently
• Research and comply with state and agency policies and procedures
• Effectively use Microsoft Office Suite applications, case management systems, and data bases

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:

• 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.
• A resume will not substitute for completing the "work experience" section of the application.
• Please be sure to remove private information such as your Social Security number, date of birth, etc.
• 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.

Commitment to DiversityDiversity is critical to the success of the mission of the AGO and we are committed to building an anti-racist and equitable agency.

It is our goal to identify, discuss, and challenge racial inequity in the workplace and the impact it has on our employees, and, within our authority, combat racism that impacts the people of the State of Washington.

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 a professional, inclusive, respectful environment.Our commitment to employee wellness is reflected in earning the 2024 "Zo8 Washington Wellness Award".Equal Employment Opportunity and Accommodations RequestsHonoring 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 maycontact 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 orwww.washingtonrelay.com.

For questions regarding this recruitment or assistance with the application process, please contactHREmployment@atg.wa.gov.

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