State of Washington
Paralegal 2, Torts Division, Olympia
State of Washington, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
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 Tumwater, Washington, and is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).
Paralegal 2 (Range 55) salary range: $59,844 - $80,460 (Thru 6/30/2025) Paralegal 2 (Range 55) salary range: $61,644 - $82,872 (Effective 7/1/2025) 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 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 Torts Division defends tort claims and lawsuits against all state agencies, officers and employees. Many cases are based on actions brought under theories of liability for state actions such as highway design, release of inmates, injuries on state property, medical malpractice, employment, childcare and custody, auto accidents, maritime injuries, false arrests and unreasonable force. Tort attorneys also provide legal and risk management advice to the Office of Financial Management and state agencies on tort matters. Duties and Essential Functions of aParalegal 2:
Thisposition supports the mission and values of the AGO by performing journey-level paralegal work in support of cases assigned to the Assistant Attorneys General in litigation of state matters in the Torts Division in Olympia. This position regularly performs work within the following court venues: Washington State District and Superior Courts in all counties; and Federal Courts, specifically, USDC Western, USDC Eastern, and the 9th Circuit. At times, this position may also perform within other State and Federal venues. Successful candidates will be/will be able to: Adept in court rule and statute interpretation and legal calendar calculations. Provide critical analysis of legal documents to identify legal issues. Independently conduct legal, medical and other technical research utilizing Westlaw, library resources, available databases and the internet on assigned multi-issue tort claims with high dollar exposure. Prepare research reports. Review, organize, and evaluate damage information, calculate damages (medical costs, wage loss, property damage) and prepare, maintain, and update damages. Recommend strategic options to Assistant Attorneys General during claim and lawsuit investigation, including analysis of legal issues, based on available agency and claimant/plaintiff evidence. Design, develop and implement methods for gathering client records for utilization in support of settlement or legal defense. Compile, analyze, and/or present case and claim data for reporting to Division and AGO leadership, client agency representatives, Department of Enterprise Service liaisons, and other stakeholders. 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: 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 Three
years’ 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 SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Civil litigation experience is preferred but not required. Adaptability and flexibility : Adapts easily to changing business needs, conditions and work responsibilities, using methods to achieve successful solutions. Communication effectiveness: Convey clear, timely, persuasive messages, verbally or written, that impact the thoughts and actions of others; giving and receiving information; use appropriate language for the knowledge and understanding of audience or reader; maintain appropriate confidentiality; use tact and diplomacy in all interactions; use of written communication using adequate and accurate grammar, punctuation, and spelling in written correspondence, including e-mail. Initiative : Recognize situations that warrant initiative and move forward without hesitation, reasonably resolving issues, problems and situations. Demonstrates an ongoing commitment to learning and self-improvement, seeking out opportunities to work on a team as a means to develop experience and knowledge. Analysis:
Use data and information in a clear and rational thought process to assess and understand issues, evaluate evidence, form accurate conclusions, and make appropriate decisions. Identify key facts in an array of data. Recognize when pertinent facts are incorrect, missing, or require supplementation or verification, and distinguish information that is not pertinent to a decision or solution. Organization/Case Management : Collect, organize, store, maintain, and retrieve accurate records, documents and information and maintain case files to ensure smooth, efficient operation and knowledge of work product. Research:
Effectively identify, collect, organize and document research information in ways that make the information most useful for subsequent assessment, analysis and investigation. Document and communicate results of research in a way that it can be understood, interpreted, and acted upon by end-users. Understanding and comprehension of legal terminology : Demonstrate an ability to recognize the specialized vocabulary and legal principles of the legal profession, and ability to apply, use and comprehend said technical terms and principles in reading, writing, producing, and analyzing legal documents. Interpersonal skills : Build and maintain strong, courteous relationships with peers, managers and customers; provides assistance, information or other support to others to build or maintain relationships with them. Workload management : Effectively handles and organizes multiple assignments and competing priorities and urgent situations, making sound decisions to produce accurate work product thoroughly and on time. 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 AGOhere. 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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 Tumwater, Washington, and is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).
Paralegal 2 (Range 55) salary range: $59,844 - $80,460 (Thru 6/30/2025) Paralegal 2 (Range 55) salary range: $61,644 - $82,872 (Effective 7/1/2025) 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 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 Torts Division defends tort claims and lawsuits against all state agencies, officers and employees. Many cases are based on actions brought under theories of liability for state actions such as highway design, release of inmates, injuries on state property, medical malpractice, employment, childcare and custody, auto accidents, maritime injuries, false arrests and unreasonable force. Tort attorneys also provide legal and risk management advice to the Office of Financial Management and state agencies on tort matters. Duties and Essential Functions of aParalegal 2:
Thisposition supports the mission and values of the AGO by performing journey-level paralegal work in support of cases assigned to the Assistant Attorneys General in litigation of state matters in the Torts Division in Olympia. This position regularly performs work within the following court venues: Washington State District and Superior Courts in all counties; and Federal Courts, specifically, USDC Western, USDC Eastern, and the 9th Circuit. At times, this position may also perform within other State and Federal venues. Successful candidates will be/will be able to: Adept in court rule and statute interpretation and legal calendar calculations. Provide critical analysis of legal documents to identify legal issues. Independently conduct legal, medical and other technical research utilizing Westlaw, library resources, available databases and the internet on assigned multi-issue tort claims with high dollar exposure. Prepare research reports. Review, organize, and evaluate damage information, calculate damages (medical costs, wage loss, property damage) and prepare, maintain, and update damages. Recommend strategic options to Assistant Attorneys General during claim and lawsuit investigation, including analysis of legal issues, based on available agency and claimant/plaintiff evidence. Design, develop and implement methods for gathering client records for utilization in support of settlement or legal defense. Compile, analyze, and/or present case and claim data for reporting to Division and AGO leadership, client agency representatives, Department of Enterprise Service liaisons, and other stakeholders. 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: 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 Three
years’ 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 SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Civil litigation experience is preferred but not required. Adaptability and flexibility : Adapts easily to changing business needs, conditions and work responsibilities, using methods to achieve successful solutions. Communication effectiveness: Convey clear, timely, persuasive messages, verbally or written, that impact the thoughts and actions of others; giving and receiving information; use appropriate language for the knowledge and understanding of audience or reader; maintain appropriate confidentiality; use tact and diplomacy in all interactions; use of written communication using adequate and accurate grammar, punctuation, and spelling in written correspondence, including e-mail. Initiative : Recognize situations that warrant initiative and move forward without hesitation, reasonably resolving issues, problems and situations. Demonstrates an ongoing commitment to learning and self-improvement, seeking out opportunities to work on a team as a means to develop experience and knowledge. Analysis:
Use data and information in a clear and rational thought process to assess and understand issues, evaluate evidence, form accurate conclusions, and make appropriate decisions. Identify key facts in an array of data. Recognize when pertinent facts are incorrect, missing, or require supplementation or verification, and distinguish information that is not pertinent to a decision or solution. Organization/Case Management : Collect, organize, store, maintain, and retrieve accurate records, documents and information and maintain case files to ensure smooth, efficient operation and knowledge of work product. Research:
Effectively identify, collect, organize and document research information in ways that make the information most useful for subsequent assessment, analysis and investigation. Document and communicate results of research in a way that it can be understood, interpreted, and acted upon by end-users. Understanding and comprehension of legal terminology : Demonstrate an ability to recognize the specialized vocabulary and legal principles of the legal profession, and ability to apply, use and comprehend said technical terms and principles in reading, writing, producing, and analyzing legal documents. Interpersonal skills : Build and maintain strong, courteous relationships with peers, managers and customers; provides assistance, information or other support to others to build or maintain relationships with them. Workload management : Effectively handles and organizes multiple assignments and competing priorities and urgent situations, making sound decisions to produce accurate work product thoroughly and on time. 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 AGOhere. 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr