Supervising Paralegal 2, Torts Division, Seattle

Paralegal 2

The Attorney General's Office is recruiting for a permanent full time Paralegal 2 in the Torts Division. This position is located in Seattle, Washington, and is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). Paralegal 2 (Range 55) salary range: $61,644 -$82,872 (Effective 7/1/2025) | $62,880 - $84,528 (Effective 7/1/2026) 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 following stipends may apply based on position requirements:

• Note: Effective July 1, 2025, Paralegal 2s assigned to work within King County receive Group C Assignment Pay in addition to their base pay. The Group C pay percentage received at this classification is a limited premium and applies at the Paralegal 2 classification. King County Paralegal 2s – 5% Group C Assignment Pay
• Incumbents assigned to our Seattle office location receive an additional 5% King County Location Pay stipend.

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. The majority of 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 a Supervising Paralegal 2 This position supports the mission and values of the AGO by performing journey-level paralegal work in support of tort cases assigned to the Assistant Attorneys General in litigation of state matters in the Torts Division located in the Olympia area. Most cases are based on actions brought under theories of liability for state actions like highway design, community supervision of offenders, injuries on state property, medical malpractice, employment, child welfare activities, auto accidents, maritime injuries, false arrests and excessive force. This position serves as a supervisor of 3-5 entry-level legal support staff for their assigned team and requires knowledge and skills in leadership and communication techniques.

• Draft templates for formal and informal discovery requests directed to plaintiffs and other parties.
• Proofread, format, and serve formal and informal discovery requests.
• Review, proofread, format, serve, and/or file responses to formal discovery requests.
• Prepare discovery responses, including interrogatories, requests for production, and requests for admission.
• Coordinate and assist with CR 30(b)(6) deponents.
• Plan, lead, organize, and direct work performed by entry-level paralegals and legal support staff within the Torts Division.
• Determine staff assignments and distribute workload effectively.
• Resolve workload conflicts to meet deadlines and minimize overtime.
• Serve as a resource and mentor to entry-level and journey paralegal staff.
• Interview candidates and recommend individuals for appointment or promotion.
• Conduct onboarding for new staff.
• Supervise, train, and coach staff in the performance of assigned duties.
• Maintain working knowledge of agency and divisional policies and procedures.
• Evaluate employee performance and complete Professional Development Plans in a timely manner.
• Conduct interim and annual performance reviews.
• Recognize and acknowledge employee accomplishments, commendations, and successes.
• Communicate employee achievements to supervisors and Division management.
• Recommend disciplinary action to the Division Chief when necessary.
• Support employee growth through performance feedback and professional development opportunities.
• Review and approve timekeeping, leave, and training requests for paralegal staff.
• Review and approve monthly timesheets for staff under direct supervision.

This position regularly performs work within the following court venues: Washington State District, Superior, and Appeals Courts in all counties and Divisions; 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.

This recruitment announcement may be used to fill multiple 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

• 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

The most successful candidate will have/be able to Litigation experience preferred.

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