Paralegal 2 | Social and Health Services | Tacoma

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 2 in the Social and Health Services Division. This position is located in Tacoma, Washington, and is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).
 
Paralegal 2 Salary Range (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 following stipends may apply based on position requirements:

• Incumbents assigned to a position designated as requiring dual language skills will receive a 5% Dual Language Requirement 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 Social and Health Services Division – Tacoma, WA
The Tacoma Division offers a collaborative, collegial, and supportive environment that fosters the success of its members. The Tacoma Division is comprised of 46 attorneys and 57 professional staff. The division is the “face of the AGO” in Pierce and Kitsap counties. This division provides a wide variety of legal services for a number of different client agencies, including the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), Department of Social & Health Services (DSHS), Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), Employment Security Department (ESD), and Department of Licensing (DOL). Employees in the Tacoma office also handle tort matters on behalf of various state agencies.

The Division’s range of legal work is broad, challenging, and complex. Like the rest of the Attorney General’s Office, the Tacoma Division values diversity and enjoys a collegial, inclusive, and respectful working environment in which every person demonstrates commitment to providing exceptional legal services. Division members are given the tools to excel professionally. 
 
 
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. 
 
 
Duties and Essential Functions of a Paralegal 2
Some of What You'll Be Doing includes:

• Expertly drafting and editing pleadings, motions, discovery, and other documents in both state and federal courts.
• Finetuning knowledge management and organizational processes to efficiently and productively manage case files and documents.
• Providing the high-quality support and preparation needed for depositions, hearings, settlement conferences, and trials.
• Leading logistical analysis while coordinating discovery and document production.
• Skillfully navigating e-filing requirements and court systems.
• Being the go-to person that our attorneys can count on to support our mission of providing excellent legal services for the State of Washington

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.
 
 
Required Qualifications
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 the following competencies:
Technical Skills

• Case Management – Strong organizational skills for managing case files, tracking deadlines, court dates, and important case milestones. Experience with case management of Social and Health Services cases is preferred.
• Document Review & Analysis – Reviewing and organizing large volumes of documents in response to discovery requests, subpoenas, or court orders, including identifying key facts and evidence. 

 Soft Skills and Abilities

• Attention to Detail – Ability to review documents, filings, and discovery responses with a meticulous eye for accuracy.
• Time Management – Skill in managing multiple cases, tasks, and deadlines simultaneously, ensuring timely completion without sacrificing quality.
• Problem-Solving – Ability to identify legal issues and find solutions that support the litigation strategy and needs of the case.
• Communication Skills – Strong written and verbal communication skills for preparing documents, interacting with clients, opposing counsel, and witnesses, and communicating with court personnel.

Research and Analytical Abilities

• Critical Thinking – Ability to think critically and analyze legal issues, facts, and evidence to support case strategies.
• Fact Gathering – Ability to investigate and gather facts from various sources, including interviews, research, and document review, to build a strong case.

Technology and IT Skills

• Microsoft Office Suite – Proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook for document creation, data organization, and communication.
• Document Management Systems – Understanding of document management systems (e.g. Everlaw, ediscovery) to store, categorize, and track legal files.
• Case Management Software – Familiarity with case management tools to manage client communications and case timelines.
• Working knowledge of LINX, SCOMIS/JIS, Odyssey, Westlaw, Famlink, SEMS, and ACES is preferred.

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. 
 
 
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.
• 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 and we are committed to building an anti-racist and equitable agency. It is our goal to identify, discuss, and challenge racial inequity in the workplace and the impact it has on our employees, and, within our authority, combat racism that impacts the people of the State of Washington. 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 a professional, inclusive, respectful environment.
 
Our commitment to employee wellness is reflected in earning the 2025 "Zo8 Washington Wellness Award".
 
 
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 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 the recruitment team at 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.