Paralegal 2 with in-training, Torts Division, Attorney General's Office

Description

Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact Tracy Robinson at 360-586-7693.  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.


The AGO serves more than 230 state agencies, boards, commissions, colleges and universities, as well as the Legislature and the Governor. The mission of the Office is to deliver the highest quality professional legal services to officials, agencies, and citizens of the state of Washington. The Office is comprised of over 550 attorneys and 700 professional staff. Diversity is critical to the success of the mission of the AGO. It is the recognition, respect, and appreciation of all cultures and backgrounds and the fostering of 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. The core values of the AGO are served by a strong commitment to the value of diversity and by promoting an inclusive workplace.
 
For more information about the AGO, we encourage you to review the Office's newest Annual Report which can be found HERE and view THIS VIDEO.
 
The Torts Division of the Office of the Washington State Attorney General defends tort claims and cases brought against the State. This includes defending simple and complex civil litigation against the Department of Transportation (highways, ferries and aeronautics), colleges and universities, Department of Corrections, Department of Social and Health Services, Washington State Patrol, and various other State agencies. These lawsuits frequently raise claims of negligence, violations of civil rights, and violation of the Washington State Law Against Discrimination, among many others.  The defense practice entails intense discovery (written and deposition), motion work and of course trials, most of which are in Pierce County. With such a diverse practice our professional staff are continuously engaged in challenging and interesting work.  Opportunities to learn and achieve professional growth through experience, mentorship and training are encouraged and supported. 

The Torts Division strives to consistently exemplify AGO core values, i.e., to deliver high quality legal services; conduct ourselves with integrity, professionalism, civility, and transparency; and promote a collegial and diverse workplace that values, respects, and supports our employees.
 
The Attorney General's Office is recruiting for a permanent full time Paralegal 2 in the Tacoma Torts Section. This position is located in Tacoma, Washington. Note: There is the possibility of an in-training from the Paralegal 1 level.

Salary

The salary listed above is for the Paralegal 2 level. Applicants qualifying at the Paralegal 1 level will start at a salary range 50 ($47,844 - $62,748 annually) and after successful completion of the in-training will move to the Paralegal 2 range.


 

Duties

This position provides advanced paralegal assistance to Assistant Attorneys General in defending lawsuits against the State of Washington its agencies and employees.  This position works in a team environment to meet the Attorney General's Office mission to provide professional, ethical, and independent legal services to the State of Washington and its citizens, promoting respect for and access to the justice system, ensuring the fair and open exercise of government, and advancing the public interest.
 
Duties include, but are not limited to:
 

• As part of a trial team, cooperate in completion of discovery responses;
• Prepare initial draft of discovery documents and pleadings as requested;
• Review responses to discovery for completeness;
• Identify, locate, request, organize and manage expansive records and information obtained from public and private sources;
• Design and utilize databases for document management, tracking, and case analysis;
• Independently conduct research which may be of a legal, medical or technical nature;
• Locate and recommend professional experts for purposes of consultation, discovery and trial testimony;
• Assist in preparation for and participate at mediation and trial with attorney;
• Design, develop and implement computerized presentations to be utilized in the presentation of evidence at mediation and/or trial; and
• Maintain contact with witnesses and clients, keeping them informed of progress of case at each phase.

Qualifications

Option 1: Graduation from an accredited two-year paralegal program plus two years' experience as a paralegal.
 
Option 2: Graduation from an accredited four-year college and completion of a nine-month paralegal program plus one year experience as a paralegal.
 
 Option 3: Three years' experience as a paralegal.
 
 Option 4: Two years as a Paralegal 1.

Supplemental Information

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.

 
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.
 
For assistance with the application process, please contact Judith Vandergeest at (360) 586-7691 or Judith.Vandergeest@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.