Paralegal 2, Torts Division, Seattle

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 a permanent full time Paralegal 2 in the Torts Division. This position is located in Seattle, Washington, and is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).
 
Paralegal 2 (Range 55) salary range: $61,644 - $82,872
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:

• Note: Effective July 1, 2025, Paralegal 2s assigned to work within King County receive Group C Assignment Pay in addition to their base pay. The Group C pay percentage received at this classification is a limited premium and applies at the Paralegal 2 classification.
  • King County Paralegal 2s – 5% Group C Assignment Pay

• Incumbents assigned to our Seattle office location receive an additional 5% King County Location Pay stipend.  

The AGO provides a workplace that is understanding of work-life balance and promotes advancement by offering a wide variety of professional development and growth opportunities.

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 part-time/hybrid telework options;
• A Wellness Program, an Infants in the Workplace Program, and the Employee Assistance Program, which provides counseling, webinar, and other cost-free support resources;
• Numerous employee-driven affinity groups to foster community and connection, including Bereavement, Elder Care, Parenting, POC, LGBTQ+, Veterans and more. The AGO is a place to belong and make a difference!

About the Torts Division

The mission of the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) is to provide excellent, independent, and ethical legal services to the State of Washington and protect the rights of its people. 

The Torts Division is comprised of four sections: Seattle, Olympia, Tacoma, and Spokane. Torts represents the various state offices and agencies across Washington State Government when the State is sued, including representation of officers, directors, employees, and volunteers when sued as State actors. 

Duties and Essential Functions of a Paralegal 2

DUTY: Discovery & Document Management

TASKS: Establish case discovery priorities in accordance with divisional policies and procedures, adhering to State and/or Federal Court Rules and court-imposed deadlines. Analyze facts of cases; identify legal issues and critical documentary evidence; develop rapport with, secure cooperation from, and interview potential witnesses to obtain information relating to the facts and defense of cases. 

With guidance from the assigned AAG and supervising Paralegal, locate, interview and recommend professional experts for the purposes of consultation, discovery and trial testimony. Identify fact witnesses, lay witnesses, and other possible sources of information and evidence pertinent to the case. Identify, compile, track and provide evidence (testimonial and foundational) to experts, maintain and manage AGO approved contacts with experts, tracking expert expenses and invoice processing for timely payments. Discuss expert findings and advise attorney of expert opinion and needs.

Coordinate with client representatives and witnesses to obtain facts and information for responses to formal discovery. Support the assigned trial AAGs in witness preparation for deposition and trial testimony, including preparing deposition questions and providing suggested additional areas of inquiry. Identify critical case exhibits, develop and present demonstrative exhibits.  

Maintain contact with witnesses and clients, keeping them informed of progress of case at each phase, i.e., discovery, trial and appeal.

Compose affidavits and/or declarations as attachments to motions and briefs. 

Using division approved templates, organize and manage the trial teams’ document and witness process for case discovery, utilizing the Case Management System (CMS) and divisional databases, such as Everlaw, Microsoft OneNote, and Excel. Identify, gather, and track critical documents, and other types of evidence to be utilized in the development of case strategy and defense, including records and other information obtained from public and private sources, state and federal agencies, mental health and health care providers, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, financial institutions, courts, military agencies, and other sources. 

Draft stipulations, release, subpoenas, and correspondence for obtaining all documents necessary for the defense and/or settlement of the case, as listed above. Identify and redact data and/or information according to applicable rules and law as defined by statutes and/or protective orders.

Using approved templates compose formal discovery requests directed to plaintiff(s) and other parties. Review and prepare responses to formal discovery requests, including interrogatories, requests for production, and requests for admission, as well as CR 30(b)(6) deponents. 

Review opposing parties' answers to discovery requests for completeness, evasiveness, and propriety of objections and, under the direction of the AAG, follow-up on non-responsive answers and additional sources of information. 

Following AGO and Torts Division policies, procedures and best practices, consult with attorney, litigation support manager, investigator, client agency, IT department, opposing counsel, etc., to establish appropriate search criteria for electronic documents, including agency emails, responsive to discovery.

Establish case management priorities in accordance with divisional policies and procedures to meet deadlines as directed by court-imposed orders and State and/or Federal Court Rules and Statutes. Collaborate with trial team to identify and meet critical motion and trial deadlines. Review incoming documents for identification and processing of critical events in accordance with the AGO and Divisional critical events policies and procedures.

Compose letters/memoranda, pleadings and other documents for litigation by researching legal issues and completing detailed legal analysis to support the AAG in preparing briefing, including, but not limited to, affidavits, motions, memoranda in support of motions for summary judgment, and mediation memoranda. 

Conduct legal, medical and other technical research utilizing Westlaw, library resources, and the internet. When directed by the AAG, prepare research reports, briefing, or pleadings, on identified case/legal topics. 

Conduct extensive and detailed document review and tracking to provide proper identification and organization of required supporting materials for motions and briefings.

Assist in the preparation of the case for negotiation meetings and settlement conferences (arbitration, mediation). Provide critical input to AAG for drafting case evaluation worksheets and settlement memorandums by identifying necessary case facts and evidence for the accurate evaluation of the case. Create/present demonstrative exhibits as identified and requested by the AAG. Attend case evaluation and settlement conferences when needed or requested by the AAG. 

Review, organize, and evaluate damage information, calculate damages (medical costs, wage loss, property damage) and prepare, maintain, and update damage summaries. In collaboration with the AAG, compile comparable case damage reports for case evaluations using the agency CMS, divisional databases, and Westlaw.

Coordinate and work with a representative of a structured settlement company to prepare structured settlement offers

Recommend strategic options to trial team during case development and trial preparation, including analysis of legal issues, correlation of evidence, and presentation of case at trial.

Assist in the preparation of the case for negotiation meetings and settlement conferences (arbitration, mediation). Provide critical input to AAG for drafting case evaluation worksheets and settlement memorandums by identifying necessary case facts and evidence for the accurate evaluation of the case. Create/present demonstrative exhibits as identified and requested by the AAG. Attend case evaluation and settlement conferences when needed or requested by the AAG. 

Review, organize, and evaluate damage information, calculate damages (medical costs, wage loss, property damage) and prepare, maintain, and update damage summaries. In collaboration with the AAG, compile comparable case damage reports for case evaluations using the agency CMS, divisional databases, and Westlaw.

Coordinate and work with a representative of a structured settlement company to prepare structured settlement offers

Recommend strategic options to trial team during case development and trial preparation, including analysis of legal issues, correlation of evidence, and presentation of case at trial.

Prepare witnesses, documentary evidence, computer-generated evidence, and demonstrative evidence for trial or other testimonial proceedings.

Coordinate witnesses and exhibits, presentation of evidence, and analysis of witness testimony and evidence presented to the court.

Design, develop, and demonstrate computerized productions to be utilized in the presentation of evidence at mediation and/or trial. Utilize in-house services and/or contact and coordinate with commercial firms to develop computerized exhibits such as animations, embedded timelines, and other graphics to be used as evidence at trial.

Attend trial and/or mediations as requested/needed by AAG.

This recruitment announcement may be used to fill multiple positions for the same classification, in addition to the position(s) listed in this announcement.

Qualifications

Research suggests that women and people of color are less likely to apply unless they are confident they meet 100% of the listed qualifications. We strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply, and allow us to evaluate your combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities demonstrated using an intentional equity lens. 

Combination of four 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

OR

• One year experience as a Paralegal 1 in Washington State Service.

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

Examples of paraprofessional experience in support of an attorney:

• Preparing legal pleadings and legal correspondence
• Ensuring and verifying timely and proper service of legal documents
• Calculating, verifying, and calendaring critical events and other dates
• Managing case documents, files and exhibits
• Tracking and organizing discovery documents
• Researching legal issues and verifying legal citations and references for accuracy

The most successful candidate will have/be able to:

Previous experience in civil litigation is preferred but not required. 

Additional Desired Occupational Competencies

Attention to Detail: Diligently attends to details and pursues quality in accomplishing tasks.

Accountability & Dependability: Takes personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work, and achieves results with little oversight.

Self-Management: Manages own time, priorities, and resources to achieve goals.

Decision Making & Judgment: Makes timely, informed decisions that take into account the facts, goals, constraints, and risks.

Reading Comprehension: Grasps the meaning of information written in English, and applies it to work situations.

Writing: Conveys ideas and facts in writing using language the reader will best understand.

Creative & Innovative Thinking: Develops fresh ideas that provide solutions to all types of workplace challenges.

Stress Tolerance: Maintains composure in highly stressful or adverse situations.

Fiscal Accountability: Follows fiscal guidelines, regulations, principles, and standards when committing fiscal resources or processing financial transactions.

About the Washington State Office of the Attorney General
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.  

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.
 
One recent measure of the AGO's commitment to diversity can be found in its nomination for Rainbow Alliance and Inclusion Network's "Outstanding Agency Award" in 2019. Our commitment to employee wellness is reflected in earning the 2024 Zo8 Washington Wellness Award.

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.
• 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Accommodations Requests

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. 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 the recruitment team at 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.