Paralegal 2, Torts Section of the Christine O. Gregoire Spokane Division

State of Washington•Spokane County – Spokane, WA

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Attorney General’s Office is recruiting for a permanent full time Paralegal 2 in the Torts Section of the Christine O. Gregoire Spokane Division. This position is located in Spokane, Washington, and is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). The Torts Section of the Spokane Division defends tort claims and lawsuits against all state agencies, officers and employees. The majority of the 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 professional staff 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 Spokane 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.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

Civil litigation experience and managing discovery to include redacting of confidential and personal information.

Responsibilities

Initiate and compose formal discovery requests directed to plaintiff(s) and other parties.
Review and prepare responses to formal discovery requests.
Manage, organize and track voluminous discovery, including redacting confidential information and use of electronic discovery databases and supporting tools to include FileVine and Everlaw.
Analyze facts of cases; identify legal issues; develop rapport with, secure cooperation from, and interview potential fact and expert witnesses.
Independently create comprehensive, concise computerized reports outlining the evidence to include the evaluation and analysis of the evidence for relevance, credibility, authenticity, and admissibility.
Identify possible witnesses and other possible sources of information and evidence; maintain contact with witnesses and clients.
Prepare for and participate at mediation and trial.
Prepare and manage witnesses, documentary evidence, electronic exhibits, and demonstrative evidence.
Independently compose letters, draft pleadings and other documents for litigation.
Conduct legal, medical, and other technical research for review by trial attorneys, including use of Westlaw and other resources.
Coordinate work with experts, including communications to retain experts, manage contracts, and securely provide records.

Benefits

Medical/Dental/Vision for employees & dependent(s)
Vacation, Sick, and Other Leave
11 Paid Holidays per year
Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) plans
Life Insurance
Dependent Care Assistance
Flexible Spending Accounts
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Tuition Waiver
Deferred Compensation
Employee Recognition Leave
Flexible schedules
Part-time/hybrid telework options
A Wellness Program
An Infants in the Workplace Program
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.