Paralegal 2, Open Government & Public Records Unit, Seattle or Olympia
State of Washington, Olympia, Washington, United States
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 Attorney General’s Office is recruiting for a permanent full-time Paralegal 2 in the Open Government & Public Records Unit. This position is located in Seattle/Olympia, Washington, and is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). Paralegal 2 (Range 55) salary range: $61,644 - $82,872. 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.
Stipends may apply based on position requirements.
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.
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.
Benefits Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation, including medical, dental, vision for employees and dependents; vacation, sick, and other leave; 11 paid holidays per year; public employee retirement system (PERS) plans; and life insurance. Additional benefits include dependent care assistance, flexible spending accounts, public service loan forgiveness, tuition waiver, deferred compensation, employee recognition leave, and more. The AGO also supports flexible schedules, part‑time/hybrid telework options, wellness programs, and a variety of employee‑driven affinity groups.
About the Open Government and Public Records Unit The mission of the Attorney General’s Office is to provide excellent, independent, and ethical legal services to the State of Washington and protect the rights of its people. The newly formed Open Government and Public Records Unit guides and implements the AGO’s PRA practices and represents the AGO in PRA advice and litigation. The Unit is comprised of three groups: Public Records and Constituent Services (coordinating PRA responses and information inquiries), Local Government PRA Consultation Program (providing guidance to local governments statewide on the PRA) and the Public Records Counsel (advising and representing the AGO in PRA matters). OPR is led by the Chief Transparency Counsel.
Duties and Essential Functions This position supports the AGO by providing paralegal assistance which, absent the paralegal, would be performed by an Assistant Attorney General. These services support the attorneys in the practice of law.
Under the direction of an AAG, duties may include, but are not limited to:
Conduct searches for, preserve and coordinate review of potentially responsive documents, which may be stored on division ACE sites, F: drive and case management system.
Prepare and distribute litigation hold notices on select cases involving the AGO.
Independently compose formal discovery requests.
Review and prepare responses to formal discovery requests, including interrogatories, requests for production, requests for admission, as well as CR 30(b)(6) deponents.
Review opposing parties’ answers to discovery requests for completeness, evasiveness, and propriety of objections and follow‑up on nonresponsive answers and additional sources of information.
Identify, locate, collect, organize, analyze, assess and manage documentary, statistical, computer and demonstrative evidence, including records and other information obtained from public and private sources for use in civil litigation.
Investigate facts of cases; identify legal issues; develop rapport with, secure cooperation from, and interview potential witnesses, either in person or on the telephone to obtain information relating to the facts of cases.
Compose comprehensive interview memoranda/reports.
Organize documents and records produced, requested, subpoenaed or otherwise obtained. This can include filing, preparing documents, production logs, indexes, spreadsheets or other organizational tools.
Use litigation database proficiency to organize, maintain, summarize and prepare documents, records, transcripts, audio recordings, photographs and other tangible records and documents.
Prepare cases for hearing or trial, including exhibits, ER 904 disclosures, witness notices, subpoenas, documentary evidence and demonstrative exhibits.
Attend and assist at hearing and trial at the discretion of the Assistant Attorney General.
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.
Examples of paraprofessional experience in support of an attorney include:
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:
Experience in civil litigation involving the Public Records Act.
About the Washington State Office of the Attorney General Attorney General’s Office touches the lives of every resident in this state. We serve more than 230 state agencies, boards, commissions, and institutions. 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.
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.
One recent measure of the AGO's commitment to diversity is 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 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 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. 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 or 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.
Contact Information 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.
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Position and Salary Attorney General’s Office is recruiting for a permanent full-time Paralegal 2 in the Open Government & Public Records Unit. This position is located in Seattle/Olympia, Washington, and is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). Paralegal 2 (Range 55) salary range: $61,644 - $82,872. 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.
Stipends may apply based on position requirements.
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.
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.
Benefits Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation, including medical, dental, vision for employees and dependents; vacation, sick, and other leave; 11 paid holidays per year; public employee retirement system (PERS) plans; and life insurance. Additional benefits include dependent care assistance, flexible spending accounts, public service loan forgiveness, tuition waiver, deferred compensation, employee recognition leave, and more. The AGO also supports flexible schedules, part‑time/hybrid telework options, wellness programs, and a variety of employee‑driven affinity groups.
About the Open Government and Public Records Unit The mission of the Attorney General’s Office is to provide excellent, independent, and ethical legal services to the State of Washington and protect the rights of its people. The newly formed Open Government and Public Records Unit guides and implements the AGO’s PRA practices and represents the AGO in PRA advice and litigation. The Unit is comprised of three groups: Public Records and Constituent Services (coordinating PRA responses and information inquiries), Local Government PRA Consultation Program (providing guidance to local governments statewide on the PRA) and the Public Records Counsel (advising and representing the AGO in PRA matters). OPR is led by the Chief Transparency Counsel.
Duties and Essential Functions This position supports the AGO by providing paralegal assistance which, absent the paralegal, would be performed by an Assistant Attorney General. These services support the attorneys in the practice of law.
Under the direction of an AAG, duties may include, but are not limited to:
Conduct searches for, preserve and coordinate review of potentially responsive documents, which may be stored on division ACE sites, F: drive and case management system.
Prepare and distribute litigation hold notices on select cases involving the AGO.
Independently compose formal discovery requests.
Review and prepare responses to formal discovery requests, including interrogatories, requests for production, requests for admission, as well as CR 30(b)(6) deponents.
Review opposing parties’ answers to discovery requests for completeness, evasiveness, and propriety of objections and follow‑up on nonresponsive answers and additional sources of information.
Identify, locate, collect, organize, analyze, assess and manage documentary, statistical, computer and demonstrative evidence, including records and other information obtained from public and private sources for use in civil litigation.
Investigate facts of cases; identify legal issues; develop rapport with, secure cooperation from, and interview potential witnesses, either in person or on the telephone to obtain information relating to the facts of cases.
Compose comprehensive interview memoranda/reports.
Organize documents and records produced, requested, subpoenaed or otherwise obtained. This can include filing, preparing documents, production logs, indexes, spreadsheets or other organizational tools.
Use litigation database proficiency to organize, maintain, summarize and prepare documents, records, transcripts, audio recordings, photographs and other tangible records and documents.
Prepare cases for hearing or trial, including exhibits, ER 904 disclosures, witness notices, subpoenas, documentary evidence and demonstrative exhibits.
Attend and assist at hearing and trial at the discretion of the Assistant Attorney General.
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.
Examples of paraprofessional experience in support of an attorney include:
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:
Experience in civil litigation involving the Public Records Act.
About the Washington State Office of the Attorney General Attorney General’s Office touches the lives of every resident in this state. We serve more than 230 state agencies, boards, commissions, and institutions. 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.
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.
One recent measure of the AGO's commitment to diversity is 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 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 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. 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 or 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.
Contact Information 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.
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