Paralegal 2, Open Government & Public Records Unit, Seattle or Olympia
State of Washington, Bay View, Washington, United States
Overview
The 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). Description Position and Salary The base salary for Paralegal 2 (Range 55) is $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. 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. Incumbents assigned to a position designated as requiring dual language skills will receive a 5% Dual Language Requirement Pay stipend. AGO provides a workplace that supports work-life balance and offers professional development and growth opportunities. Benefits Washington State offers a competitive benefits package, including Medical/Dental/Vision for employees and dependents; Vacation, Sick, and Other Leave; 11 Paid Holidays per year; Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) plans; and Life Insurance. In addition, we offer Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, Employee Recognition Leave, and more. We also offer: Flexible schedules and part-time/hybrid telework options. Wellness Program, Infants in the Workplace Program, and the Employee Assistance Program with counseling, webinars, and other cost-free resources. We support employee affinity groups to foster community and connection (e.g., Bereavement, Elder Care, Parenting, POC, LGBTQ+, Veterans). About The Open Government And Public Records Unit
The mission of the AGO is to provide excellent, independent, and ethical legal services to the State of Washington and protect the rights of its people. The Open Government and Public Records Unit guides PRA practices and represents the AGO in PRA advice and litigation. The Unit includes Public Records and Constituent Services, Local Government PRA Consultation Program, and Public Records Counsel. OPR is led by the Chief Transparency Counsel. Duties And Essential Functions Of a Supervising Paralegal 2
This position supports the AGO by providing paralegal assistance that would otherwise be performed by an Assistant Attorney General. Duties, under the direction of an AAG, include but are not limited to: Conduct searches for, preserve and coordinate review of potentially responsive documents 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, and 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 as needed; 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 hearings and trials as directed. This recruitment announcement may be used to fill multiple open positions for the same classification, in addition to the position listed in this announcement. Qualifications
Note: We encourage all interested individuals to apply even if they do not meet 100% of the listed qualifications. The assessment will consider your combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities demonstrated with an 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. 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
Experience in civil litigation involving the Public Records Act. About The Washington State Office Of The Attorney General
The 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 high-quality professional legal services. The AGO focuses on: Economic justice and consumer protections Social justice and civil rights Criminal justice and public safety And more Our agency has national reach, representing the State of Washington before the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals and trial courts. Learn more about the AGO here. Commitment to Diversity
Diversity is critical to AGO’s mission. We value inclusion and welcome diverse backgrounds. The AGO’s commitment is reflected in awards and wellness recognition. Application Instructions
In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile to be considered: A letter of interest describing qualifications 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 will be based on the contents and completeness of the work experience and education sections of the application and the supplemental questionnaire. A resume will not substitute for completing the work experience section. All information may be verified and documentation may be required. The AGO does not use E-Verify; we are not eligible for STEM OPT. For more information, visit USCIS. Equal Employment Opportunity and Accommodations
The AGO is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation/gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or service animal status. Reasonable accommodation requests may be made to HREmployment@atg.wa.gov; Washington Relay Service is available at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com. For questions about this recruitment or assistance with the application process, contact the recruitment team at HREmployment@atg.wa.gov. If you experience technical difficulties with the application, please call NEOGOV at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com. Note:
Information about benefits is provided for general guidance and may vary. Please visit the State HR website for detailed information.
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The 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). Description Position and Salary The base salary for Paralegal 2 (Range 55) is $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. 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. Incumbents assigned to a position designated as requiring dual language skills will receive a 5% Dual Language Requirement Pay stipend. AGO provides a workplace that supports work-life balance and offers professional development and growth opportunities. Benefits Washington State offers a competitive benefits package, including Medical/Dental/Vision for employees and dependents; Vacation, Sick, and Other Leave; 11 Paid Holidays per year; Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) plans; and Life Insurance. In addition, we offer Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, Employee Recognition Leave, and more. We also offer: Flexible schedules and part-time/hybrid telework options. Wellness Program, Infants in the Workplace Program, and the Employee Assistance Program with counseling, webinars, and other cost-free resources. We support employee affinity groups to foster community and connection (e.g., Bereavement, Elder Care, Parenting, POC, LGBTQ+, Veterans). About The Open Government And Public Records Unit
The mission of the AGO is to provide excellent, independent, and ethical legal services to the State of Washington and protect the rights of its people. The Open Government and Public Records Unit guides PRA practices and represents the AGO in PRA advice and litigation. The Unit includes Public Records and Constituent Services, Local Government PRA Consultation Program, and Public Records Counsel. OPR is led by the Chief Transparency Counsel. Duties And Essential Functions Of a Supervising Paralegal 2
This position supports the AGO by providing paralegal assistance that would otherwise be performed by an Assistant Attorney General. Duties, under the direction of an AAG, include but are not limited to: Conduct searches for, preserve and coordinate review of potentially responsive documents 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, and 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 as needed; 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 hearings and trials as directed. This recruitment announcement may be used to fill multiple open positions for the same classification, in addition to the position listed in this announcement. Qualifications
Note: We encourage all interested individuals to apply even if they do not meet 100% of the listed qualifications. The assessment will consider your combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities demonstrated with an 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. 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
Experience in civil litigation involving the Public Records Act. About The Washington State Office Of The Attorney General
The 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 high-quality professional legal services. The AGO focuses on: Economic justice and consumer protections Social justice and civil rights Criminal justice and public safety And more Our agency has national reach, representing the State of Washington before the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals and trial courts. Learn more about the AGO here. Commitment to Diversity
Diversity is critical to AGO’s mission. We value inclusion and welcome diverse backgrounds. The AGO’s commitment is reflected in awards and wellness recognition. Application Instructions
In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile to be considered: A letter of interest describing qualifications 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 will be based on the contents and completeness of the work experience and education sections of the application and the supplemental questionnaire. A resume will not substitute for completing the work experience section. All information may be verified and documentation may be required. The AGO does not use E-Verify; we are not eligible for STEM OPT. For more information, visit USCIS. Equal Employment Opportunity and Accommodations
The AGO is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation/gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or service animal status. Reasonable accommodation requests may be made to HREmployment@atg.wa.gov; Washington Relay Service is available at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com. For questions about this recruitment or assistance with the application process, contact the recruitment team at HREmployment@atg.wa.gov. If you experience technical difficulties with the application, please call NEOGOV at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com. Note:
Information about benefits is provided for general guidance and may vary. Please visit the State HR website for detailed information.
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