Paralegal | Constitutional & Complex Litigation | Civil Division

With more than 200 attorneys and professional staff, the Seattle City Attorney’s Office is one of the largest law offices in Seattle and the third-largest public law office in the state. Our office is committed to making Seattle a safe, healthy, empowered, and thriving community for everyone. We strive to address historical injustices within the court system with self-examination and to pursue justice in Seattle with integrity, creativity, and fairness. We believe working transparently, innovatively, and in collaboration with our partners in the community is necessary to achieve outcomes that promote equity, accountability, and healing.

The Constitutional and Complex Litigation Section defends lawsuits against the City of Seattle and brings affirmative litigation in practice areas including constitutional, charter, regulatory, ethics, public records, and municipal and local government powers. Additionally, attorneys are involved in litigation involving the Seattle Police Department defending § 1983 cases alleging violations of constitutional rights and representing the City in inquest trial proceedings.

The Seattle City Attorney’s Office seeks a litigation paralegal to work in the Constitutional and Complex Litigation Section.  The position will provide litigation support to the attorneys in the section at both the trial and appellate phases in City, State, and Federal court actions.  

Interviews will be conducted continuously for this position until the ideal candidate is found. 

• Perform factual research, including document review, management and records research
• Manage pre-trial discovery, including preparation of discovery requests and responses, document collection from departmental clients, document review, organization and indexing, and preparation of document and deposition summaries
• Assist attorneys to prepare for hearings and trials, including proofreading and cite-checking of briefs, preparation of trial notebooks and court copies
• Assist in preparation of witness testimony, oral and written
• Prepare and complete court filings and service of documents
• Manage court deadlines
• Review large volume of electronic and hard copy records for responsiveness and redaction 
• Provide other assistance to the section, office, and the team as required

To be successful in this role you will have: 

• Working knowledge of court rules in City, State and Federal trial and appellate courts.
• Demonstrated ability to:
  1. Organize and track multiple complex projects simultaneously 
  2. Collaborate with individuals at all levels, addressing complex and high-profile problems
  3. Work independently, providing timely results
  4. Manage court deadlines, discovery, witness preparation, and general trial preparation.  
• Working level proficiency in:
  1. Proofreading, with attention to detail
  2. Case management software such as Nuix or Relativity
  3. Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word)  

• A Bachelor's Degree and two years’ experience performing paralegal duties
• A certification from a nationally accredited paralegal training institution or three years of related experience
• A combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background

Application Process – For your application to be accepted you must:

• Complete the online City Application.
• Attach a resume detailing your relevant experience.
• Attach a cover letter describing your interest in the position.

Application Submission Guidelines—All applicants must apply on or before the closing date indicated on the job posting. Applicant inquiries received via email and websites such as Indeed, etc., will not be considered unless the individual has applied to the available position via the Government Jobs site.

The required documents listed in the above "Application Process" section must be attached to the application prior to the job closing date indicated to ensure full consideration for the application submitted.  Please contact the Office of Human Resources on or before the closing date indicated above at Law_HR@Seattle.gov should you need assistance with the online application process.

Race and Social Justice Initiative – The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, 12 official holidays and 2 floating holidays, sick, and paid parental leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees.  City Attorney’s Office employees also have the opportunity to participate in a defined benefits retirement program. More information about benefits can be found at https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans. 

Workplace Environment – The Seattle City Attorney’s Office has implemented an Alternative Work Arrangements Policy.  Employees will have the option to work a hybrid schedule (2 days in office, 3 days remote).  This is subject to change as circumstances and business needs dictate.

Background Check Requirements (Excluding Civil positions) – All positions are security sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the verification of credentials and/or other information required by the municipal corporation’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Who may apply – This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications.  The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy.  The Seattle City Attorney's Office encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Questions?  Contact our Human Resources team at LAW_HR@seattle.gov.