Legal Assistant 1, Torts Division, WA State Office of the Attorney General

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 Legal Assistant 1 in the Torts Division. This position is located in Tacoma, Washington, and is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

Legal Assistant 1 (Range 38) Salary range: $39,804 - $52,920

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:

• Incumbents assigned to our Seattle office location receive an additional 5% King County Location Pay stipend.  
• Incumbents assigned to a position designated as requiring dual language skills will receive a 5% Dual Language Requirement Pay stipend. 

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.   With such a diverse practice, our paralegals are continuously engaged in challenging and interesting work. Opportunities to learn and achieve professional growth through experience, mentorship and training are encouraged and supported.  

The Torts Division strives to consistently exemplify AGO core values, i.e., to deliver high quality legal services; conduct ourselves with integrity, professionalism, civility, and transparency; and promote a collegial and diverse workplace that values, respects, and supports our employees.

Duties and Essential Functions of a Legal Assistant 1 

This position provides Litigation Support to the Tacoma Torts office. This includes but not exclusive of the following tasks: 

• Using legal templates to do initial pleadings for paralegal finalization.
• Prepare and send necessary documents for obtaining medical, educational, and employment records.
• Calendar due dates and reminders for return of the above records. 
• Assist in the coordination of Records Depositions when requested, including scheduling and calendaring.
• Types Interrogatories and Requests for Production when directed by a Paralegal or Attorney. 
• Performs data entry into predesigned databases. 
• Drafting, monitoring, and finalizing Case Summary Worksheets for trial teams. 
• Organize, print, and prepare documents for case binders for trial or motions.]
• Use Fiscal approved contract forms to prepare expert agreements. 
• Processing all vouchers and invoices. 
• Processing all incoming mail received by mail, fax, or email by uploading documents and filing in case folders after date stamping, printing, and scanning. 
• Make travel arrangements involving State vehicles and conference rooms. 
• Inventory and maintain supplies. 
• Responsible for Multi-Function Devices (copiers) with paper supply and malfunctions. 

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.

Ideal Candidate Profile

 Qualifications: 

 Option 1: High School diploma or equivalent and two years of clerical experience including a minimum of one year of experience in a legal environment;

 Option 2: Two years of legal office experience;

 Option 3: A combination of three years of college education and/or relevant experience;

 Option 4: A two-year degree in Legal Secretary Studies, Paralegal studies or related field of study.

 SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Excellent proofreading and can work with Outlook and Adobe. 

About the Washington State Office of the Attorney General   

Join an agency whose work impacts the lives of every resident of Washington State. 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 2021 Zo8 Washington Wellness Award.

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.

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.

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 Jenny Wilding @ (360) 753-6216 or Jenny.Wilding@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.