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

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 two permanent full-time Paralegal 1 positions in the Regional Services Division. These positions are located in Kennewick, Washington and are 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 Duties
Our 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 Regional Services Division in Kennewick, you will independently monitor cases pertaining to the welfare of children taken into custody by the Department of Children, Youth and Families. The paralegal is assigned a portion of cases for the Benton, Franklin, Columbia, Garfield and Walla Walla counties, determining emergent issues based on experience and analysis. Prioritize and coordinate the workflow. In addition, the paralegal will independently draft and/or prepare Motions, Declarations, Notices and Summons, appropriate Orders as needed. Examine case documents to assure necessary legal steps and points have been covered and legal deadlines are met, advising attorneys of hearing commitments and special items needing attention. Coordinate calendars and act as initial contact for the Department staff and witnesses scheduled to testify at trial. Conduct basic legal research, draft requests for production of documents and responses, organize and prepare trial notebooks, pleadings and exhibits to be used at trial. The position will also coordinate with superior and administrative court staff and opposing parties for the scheduling of litigation events. 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 Benefits
Washington 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 Regional Services Division – Kennewick, WA
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.

About the Washington State Office of the Attorney General
The 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.

Required Qualifications
Combination 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.

• 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 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.

Our commitment to employee wellness is reflected in earning the 2024 "Zo8 Washington Wellness Award".

Equal Employment Opportunity & Accommodations Requests
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 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.