Paralegal Jobs in Rochester, WA (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $135.00 Hourly
Location : Cowlitz County - Multiple Locations, WA
Job Type: Various Job Types
Job Number: OPD RFQ27002
Department: Office of Public Defense
Opening Date: 08/25/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
Blake Vacate Attorney - Cowlitz County
RFQ 27002
Expected Contract Period: Immediately through June 30, 2027.
Application Due Date: Rolling. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and positions are open until filled.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible.
Submit Applications
by Email to: Blake Defense Program
(BENEFITS INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS WEBSITE
DOES NOT APPLY TO CONTRACTORS)
Background:
The State v. Blake decision invalidated 50 years of criminal convictions for simple drug possession. Consequently, thousands of people across the state need: their simple drug possession conviction vacated, a refund of legal financial obligations, and if eligible, felony cases to be resentenced. OPD has provided representation for individuals impacted by the Blake decision since 2022. There remains a strong demand for legal representation from individuals needing assistance with vacating their unconstitutional convictions and obtaining their lawfully owed refunds.
Duties
Position Summary:
OPD will enter into a contract with solo practice attorneys and/or multi-attorney organizations who will provide legal services to individuals eligible for a Blake vacate of a Simple Drug Possessionconviction and refund of paid LFOs and third-party costs in Cowlitz County Superior Court, Cowlitz County District Court, and any municipal court located in Cowlitz County. This contract does not include work related to resentencing.
Such services will include client representation for motions to vacate under State v. Blake in any court located in Cowlitz County, assisting clients with obtaining Blake refunds, litigating refund requests for third party costs (i.e., attorney's fees), and working with clients in DOC and/or outside Washington State.
Contractor(s) will not be guaranteed a minimum number of hours each month under this contract; hours available under this contract will vary month-to-month depending on local factors.
This RFQ is open to solo practice attorneys or multi-attorney offices.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
OPD is seeking attorneys with the following qualifications:

• Licensed member in good standing with the Washington State Bar;
• Carries malpractice insurance;
• Is Class C adult felony-qualified under the Washington State Court Standards for Indigent Defense and WSBA Public Defense Standards;
• Knowledge of Washington State criminal law, including vacates and legal financial obligations.
• Experience working with clients in carceral settings and marginalized communities.

Desired Qualifications:
In addition, the following qualifications are preferred:

• Prior Blake litigation experience, including filing motions to vacate and 3rd party LFO requests;
• Working or worked in Cowlitz County courts during the last two years;
• Located in Cowlitz County or within one (1) hour of Vancouver, Washington;
• Experience practicing as a public defense attorney, civil legal aid attorney, and/or prosecuting attorney;
• Fluent in Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, or Ukrainian;
• Experience litigating CrR 7.8 motions.

Supplemental Information
Compensation:
Each contract attorney will be compensated $135.00 hourly. Paralegals or legal assistants working under attorneys and providing support for contract attorneys' Blake work will be compensated $70.00 hourly.
How to Apply:
Questions regarding applications and completed applications can be sent to blake@opd.wa.gov. Please include the following information:

• Cover Letter describing how you meet the required qualifications listed above, and the preferred qualifications if applicable.
• Your Resume or Resumes of Attorneys who would participate in delivery of these services.
• Two (2) Professional References
• Answers to following questions:
  1. What is your experience working on State v. Blake. If you don't have prior this legal experience, please share your background working with incarcerated clients and clients from marginalized communities.
  2. Please describe your current workload/practice, and how this contract will fit into your existing workload.
  3. Please describe your familiarity with local criminal practice and courtroom procedure in Cowlitz County. If you have not practiced in Cowlitz County, please describe your familiarity with a jurisdiction where you currently work.

Questions regarding this RFQ can also be sent to
OPD reserves the right to amend this Request for Qualifications and reserves the right to refrain from contracting with any and all applicants. This Request for Qualifications does not obligate the state of Washington or OPD to contract for the services specified here.
The Washington State Office of Public Defense vigorously pursues diversity in the work force. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ, persons with disabilities, formerly incarcerated individuals, and military veterans are encouraged to apply.
(BENEFITS INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS WEBSITE
DOES NOT APPLY TO CONTRACTORS)
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, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) 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 01-07-2026