With more than 200 attorneys and professional staff, the Seattle City Attorney’s Office is one of the largest law offices in Seattle and is the third largest public law office in the state. Our office is committed to making Seattle a safe, healthy, empowered and thriving community for everyone. We strive to address historical injustices within the court system with self-examination and to pursue justice in Seattle with integrity, creativity, and fairness. We believe working transparently, innovatively, and in collaboration with our partners in the community is necessary to achieve outcomes that promote equity, accountability, and healing.

The Civil Division of the Seattle City Attorney’s Office seeks a paralegal who will work in its Employment Section, providing direct paralegal support for worker’s compensation litigation and client advice for the City of Seattle.

• Assist the City’s workers’ compensation attorney in preparing for, strategizing, and conducting mediation conferences, hearings, and trials.
• Assist in developing practices and procedures for case administration, including document collection, ingestion, data analysis, review, and production using eDiscovery software.
• Take primary responsibility for discovery workflow in workers’ compensation litigation, using eDiscovery software.
• Work closely with attorneys and legal assistants to facilitate teamwork and assure work is completed on time and with the highest quality.
• Perform legal, factual, and records research.
• Assist with preparing legal documents, including pleadings and discovery.
• Schedule witness testimony for hearings.
• Prepare and organize documents for exhibits and respond to discovery requests.
• Assist Employment Section attorneys in other ways, as assigned and as required to provide the City with the best legal representation possible.

Bachelor’s degree in a related field and two years’ experience performing paralegal duties, or a certification from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited paralegal training institution and three years related experience (or a combination of education, training, and experience which provides evidence of the ability to perform the work of the class).

You will be most successful in this role if you have the following experience, knowledge, and skills/abilities.

• Excellent research, writing, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Prior litigation experience, particularly with electronic and traditional discovery, and reviewing and analyzing medical records.
• Experience using eDiscovery tools, including such activities as collection, processing, analytics, strategic review, and production.
• Experience with the Rules of Practice and Procedure at the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals or other administrative venues.
• Experience with the Department of Labor and Industries’ Claims Adjudication Guidelines, Medical Aid Rules, Self-Insurance Rules and Regulations, or other agency rules, guidelines, and regulations.
• The ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and the capability to provide timely work product with great attention to detail.
• The ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume litigation practice.
• Represent the City Attorney’s Office in a professional and ethical manner at all times and demonstrate professionalism in all interactions with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent judgment, ability to work independently, self-motivation, and initiative.
• Ability to analyze big-picture issues and contribute to team strategy discussions.

• Complete the online City of Seattle Application
  1. (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle)
• Include the following required attachments: 
  1. Cover Letter describing your interest in the position. (.pdf, .doc, or .docx format)
  2. Resume detailing your relevant experience. (.pdf, .doc, or .docx format)
  3. Writing sample (not to exceed five pages)

Application Submission Guidelines– All applicants are required to apply on or before the closing date indicated on the job posting. Applicant inquiries received via email and websites such as Indeed, etc. will not be considered unless the individual has applied to the available position via the Government Jobs site.Note: The required documents listed in the above "Application Process" section must be attached to the application prior to the job closing date indicated to ensure consideration for the application submitted. Please contact the Office of Human Resources on or before the closing date indicated above at Law_HR@Seattle.gov should you need assistance with the online application process.

Race and Social Justice Initiative – The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.

Compensation and Benefits – The full pay range for this step-progression position is $39.22 - $45.71 per hour. New employees begin at Step One, which is $39.22 hourly. Current City employees starting rate of pay will be based on Personnel Rules regarding promotions. Advanced initial step placement may be considered under limited circumstances, but step salaries are not subject to negotiation.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, 12 official holidays and 2 floating holidays, sick, and paid parental leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees. City Attorney’s Office employees also have the opportunity to participate in a defined benefits retirement program. More information about benefits can be found at https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans. 

Workplace Environment – The Seattle City Attorney’s Office has implemented an Alternative Work Arrangements Policy. Employees will have the option to work a hybrid schedule (2 days in office, 3 days remote). This is subject to change as circumstances and business needs dictate.

Background Check Requirements (Excluding Civil positions) – All positions are security sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the verification of credentials and/or other information required by the municipal corporation’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check in accordance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be given a chance to explain or correct background information and provide verifiable information of good conduct and rehabilitation.

Who may apply – This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications.

The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy. The Seattle City Attorney's Office encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Questions? Contact our Human Resources team at LAW_HR@seattle.gov.