Paralegal 2 | Program Advice & Litigation (PAL) Section of the Children, Youth and Families Division

Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at [email protected]. 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 Children, Youth, and Families Division. This position is located in Olympia, Washington, and is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

Paralegal 2 Salary Range (55): $62,880 - $84,528 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 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 Children, Youth, and Families Division The Children, Youth, and Families Division (CYF) is comprised of 34 attorneys and 33 professional staff who together provide legal advice and representation to the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). Staff in each Attorney General’s Office location handle litigation for DCYF, and the CYF Division has the responsibility for doing so locally, as well as coordinating this work for the AGO statewide and advising DCYF leadership. Our division is dedicated to fostering a positive and supportive workplace. We prioritize employee growth through a culture that recognizes hard work and provides active support for career advancement. Like the rest of the Attorney General’s Office, the CYF Division values diversity and enjoys a collegial, inclusive, and respectful working environment in which every person demonstrates commitment to providing exceptional legal services.

Duties and Essential Functions of a Paralegal 2 This position works within a highly collaborative team environment in the Program Advice and Litigation (PAL) section, supporting the mission of the Attorney General’s Office and the division’s client, DCYF. As the Paralegal, you will provide legal support for our Public Records Act, client agency program challenges, and juvenile rehabilitation litigation cases, and collaborate and coordinate with the team to complete all required discovery. In this role, you will support the Assistant Attorneys General (AAGs) by:

• Provide advanced litigation and trial support to Assistant Attorneys General in civil litigation and administrative proceedings.

• Review and prepare responses to formal discovery requests.

• Manage complex discovery, document review, and litigation support databases.

• Regularly attend litigation team meetings, discovery/client meetings, mediation, depositions, and take notes as needed.

• Draft pleadings, correspondence, subpoenas, and other legal documents for attorney review.

• Coordinate and manage all phases of discovery, including organizing and tracking records, preparing privilege logs, and maintaining discovery databases.

• Utilize Everlaw (litigation support software), to review and code documents, apply redactions, create review assignments and production protocols, and manage productions.

• Interpret discovery requests to have a clear understanding of the request and independently determine privilege and responsiveness.

• Identify, collect, organize, and manage documentary, electronic, statistical, and demonstrative evidence for use in litigation.

• Assist attorneys with mediation/settlement or trial preparation by organizing exhibits, preparing trial notebooks, coordinating witnesses, and providing in-person litigation support during hearings and trials.

• Coordinate with AAGs, litigation experts, clients, and opposing counsel regarding discovery schedule, and document exchange.

• Coordinate work with experts, including communications to retain experts, manage contracts, and securely provide records.

We’re Looking for Somone Who

• Has experience supporting complex civil litigation.
• Understand the components of electronic discovery.
• Is skilled at organizing and reviewing large volumes of documents/records.
• Is comfortable managing discovery and working with electronic litigation support software, such as Everlaw.
• Communicate effectively with attorneys, clients, experts, and team members.
• Thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced legal environment.
• Ability to stay focused for long periods of time.
• Demonstrates exceptional attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

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

Required 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

Skills & Abilities The most competitive candidates will possess the following skills and abilities: Demonstrate Knowledge of and Experience in:

• Litigation and discovery
• State and federal court rules
• Components of electronic discovery processes
• Litigation support software, such as Everlaw

Demonstrate Ability to:

• Effectively communicate in both written and verbal forms
• Problem solve and implement decision-making skills in the daily performance of work assignments
• Multi-task and/or shift priorities to meet business needs
• Work independently and manage tasks effectively
• Comply with state and agency policies and procedures
• Effectively use Microsoft Office Suite applications, Adobe Acrobat, case management systems, and litigation support software

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 Instructions 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or [email protected].