Paralegal 1 - Regional Services Division - Port Angeles, WA

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 1 position in the Regional Services Division in Port Angeles, Washington. This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

Paralegal 1 Salary Range (Range 51): $56,952 – $76,608/annually

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 high end of the salary range, Step M, is typically a longevity step.



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

Specific to the Regional Services Division in Port Angeles: The Port Angeles Regional Services Division office provides legal services for a variety of client agencies, including Social & Health Services; the Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF); Labor & Industries; Education; Peninsula College; and the Department of Licensing.

This position contributes and supports the organization’s mission to provide the highest quality legal services by providing paralegal support in an efficient and professional manner to Assistant Attorneys General within the Port Angeles Regional Services Office.

Under the supervision of an AAG, this position performs complex paralegal duties requiring a high degree of knowledge of legal concepts, issues and research which, absent the paralegal, would be performed by an assistant attorney general. The paralegal assists in analyzing case specific fact situations to identify best legal strategies and solutions to potential case problems. Trial Preparation for Dependency, Guardianship, Termination, Foster Care and CAPTA matters. Under supervision of an AAG, organize the file/trial notebook and ensure all legal documents, case narratives, service provider reports and evaluations have been provided and updated. Identify witnesses and exhibits in conjunction with caseworker and AAG; finalize witness lists. Perform criminal history checks; compile exhibits and obtain certified copies of convictions and prior dependency and termination actions; compile psychological, drug/alcohol, sexual deviancy evaluations and other case specific relevant material for use at trial. Draft chronologies to include case facts, legal history, criminal history, service history and compliance or noncompliance, missed visits, and child placements. Draft notice of intent to take testimony and ensure witnesses are subpoenaed and that proper service and notice is completed in accordance with state and local statues and rules. Schedule witnesses for trial. Evaluate discovery, additional exhibits/witnesses. Draft motions/orders and expert witness agreements specific to trial.

Perform legal research using both manual and electronic means to gather, analyze and cite check information relevant to litigation regarding specific topics, statutes, case law, court rules and legislative history.

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.



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 telework options for most positions, a Wellness Program, the Employee Assistance Program, and numerous affinity groups to foster community and connection.



About the Regional Services Division – Port Angeles, WA
The Port Angeles office is made up of a managing attorney, four assistant attorneys general and five professional support staff. This position works in a team environment to provide paraprofessional support in juvenile dependency and termination of parental rights cases for DCYF in Clallam and Jefferson Counties. The Port Angeles office is located in downtown Port Angeles.



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.



Required Qualifications
Combination of three 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

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

Demonstrated Ability to:

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 cover letter, 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 must be included as an attachment but 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.

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.

Our commitment to employee wellness is reflected in earning the 2025 "Zo8 Washington Wellness Award".



Equal Employment Opportunity & Accommodations Requests
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 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.