Paralegal 1 (with in-training from LA2) - Labor & Personnel Division - INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY

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
If you are a current AGO legal support professional looking for a career growth and development opportunity within a supportive, collaborative environment where you can continue contributing meaningfully to Washington State’s legal matters, we invite you to consider our 12-month in-training program from Legal Assistant 2 to Paralegal 1.

This full-time, permanent position includes a two-tier, in-training program. The selected candidate will start at the Legal Assistant 2 classification, promote to Legal Assistant 3, and promote again to Paralegal 1 upon successful completion of the in-training program curriculum. The position is based in Tumwater, Washington with our Labor and Personnel Division, and is not represented.

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.


Base Pay Ranges
Paralegal 1: Range 51: $55,836 - $75,108 (annual).
Legal Assistant 3: Range 46: $49,428 - $66,372 (annual).
Legal Assistant 2: Range 44: $47,100 - $63,252 (annual).

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.

Promotional salaries at each stage will be based on the AGO Salary Determination Policy for non-represented employees.

Additional Premium Pay Based on Position Requirements
 The following types of premium pay will be applied when relevant:

• Dual Language Requirement Pay – Positions designated as requiring dual language skills receive a 5% premium pay.
• Group C Assignment Pay*:
  • Legal Assistant 3s assigned to work in Thurston County will receive a 10% assignment pay

*Group C pay percentages are limited premiums that are assigned to specific classifications.


In-Training Program Details
The AGO Professional Staff In-Training program is a formal on-the-job training program. The program enables the AGO to use defined training steps to train employees to work toward successfully performing the duties and responsibilities of the goal class.

In this job posting, we are considering internal AGO LA1 staff who hold permanent status as an LA1 only and are interested in learning on-the-job with the goal of moving into the Paralegal 1 role. You’ll gain the competencies and skills needed to successfully perform your duties while being supported by your supervisor, manager, and coworkers. Upon successful completion of your training and demonstrating knowledge of the position requirements, you will be promoted into the Paralegal 1 level.
 
 
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

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.
 
 
Qualifications for Entering at the Legal Assistant 2 Level with In-Training to Paralegal 1
You must hold a permanent status as a Legal Assistant 1 in the AGO to be considered for this position.
 
 
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!

Specific to the Labor and Personnel Division

• Monitor mail and cases and route to supervisor or another attorney any matter deemed emergent based on experience and independent analysis. Prioritize and coordinate workflow of assigned attorneys. Use Microsoft Outlook and Filevine to continually maintain and update individual attorney calendars, noting important dates/deadlines relating to case files. Screen telephone calls, schedule appointments, witness interviews, depositions, mediations, hearings, arbitrations, and meetings. Schedule, coordinate and cancel subpoenaed witnesses. Identify and resolve scheduling conflicts for case matters, witnesses, clients, and attorneys. Review and route incoming mail and faxes to assigned attorneys, checking docketing deadlines and important information in Filevine and individual calendars, noting for the attorney those times requiring immediate attention. Review all mail to ensure dates are calculated correctly pursuant to court rules and the critical events policy.

• Prepare briefs for administrative boards and courts according to court and administrative rules. Examine legal documents to assure that all necessary legal steps and points have been covered, and that all legal deadlines and due process requirements are met; advise attorneys of upcoming hearing commitments and special items needing their attention, organize documents and information; check legal citations and references for correct format. 

• Independently and routinely review files and prepare pleadings and correspondence for service and filing. Prepare, assemble, organize, and maintain pleadings, correspondence, research, and investigation files. Close files upon completion of matter. Coordinate photocopying and timely delivery/service of exhibit notebooks, prepare exhibit and witness lists, prepare subpoenas for hearings/trials and coordinate prompt delivery/service of same to appropriate arbitrator, board, court, and opposing parties. Perform file management on an ongoing basis by reading, reviewing, and monitoring status of cases for orders, court dates, discovery requests, responses to discovery, and other legal requirements and keep attorneys/paralegals informed of significant and important items requiring review or response through email or written notification. Use division procedures and AGO business rules to open new advice files at the request of the attorneys, logging all information into Filevine and timekeeping as instructed.

• Draft standard interrogatories, assist attorneys or paralegals in deposition summaries and case summaries; 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. Prepare trial/administrative hearing exhibits and courtroom aids incorporating current technology. Compose, organize, and enter discovery information in legal databases; summarize depositions and other discovery materials. Review discovery requests provided by opposing party and identify necessary information needed to obtain appropriate records.

• Provide travel and contract support to assigned attorneys.

• Act as a specialist by performing assigned duties in one or more areas to include, but not limited to, reviewing requests for legislative bill analysis from AGO and client agency, act as the CCTN coordinator, prepare case status reports, act as the Personnel Manager's Meeting coordinator for the division, or provide backup support to the legal office assistant as needed, to include opening new litigation and advice matters. Other duties as assigned.

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.
 
 
Supplemental Information and 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 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.
• The AGO complies with employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal employment eligibility verification form, I-9, and the selected candidate for these roles, on the first day of employment, must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the Unities States consistent with the requirements of form I-9. In order to proceed in the consideration process at AGO, you will need to provide work authorization that would not require the AGO to sign a cooperative education agreement with a school. If you have any questions about this requirement, please contact the Talent Acquisition Consultant assigned to this recruitment.

Commitment to Diversity
Diversity 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 2025 "Zo8 Washington Wellness Award".


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.