Paralegal 1 -Torts Division - Spokane, WA - Attorney General's Office

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 position in the Torts Division.

This position is located in Spokane, 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.

Position Description and Job DutiesOur Paralegal 1 staff provide critical support to Assistant Attorneys General (AAGs) in the 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 the cases
• Coordinate the preparation for litigation
• Track status of cases from summons to trial
• Draft legal notices

Specific to the Torts Division in Spokane, you will never be bored working in the Spokane Torts Section!

You will be part of a team that promotes a positive work environment that recognizes and respects all employees.

You will be supported, mentored, and offered opportunities to work on cases that are interesting and challenging.

If you are interested in furthering your legal support career within the AGO, this is the opportunity for you.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.

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 Torts Division – Spokane, WAThe Torts Section of the Spokane Division is comprised of 5 attorneys, 8 investigators, 1 paralegal 3, 5 paralegal 2s, 4 paralegal 1s and 1 legal assistant.

The Spokane Torts Section defends state agencies and state employees in personal injury, employment and civil rights actions brought throughout Eastern Washington.

The majority of cases are based on actions brought under theories of liability for state actions like highway design, community supervision of offenders, injuries on state property, medical malpractice, employment, child welfare activities, auto accidents, maritime injuries, false arrests and excessive force.

About the Washington State Office of the Attorney GeneralThe work of the AGO touches the lives of every resident in Washington, providing excellent, independent, and ethical legal services to the state and protecting the rights of its people.

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 in the lives of Washingtonians in your community, the AGO is the place for you. Learn more about the AGO here.

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 must be included as an attachment but 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 & Accommodations RequestsThe 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 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.