Paralegal 2, Agriculture and Health Division, Washington State Office of the Att

Position and Salary

The Attorney General’s Office is recruiting for a permanent full-time Supervising Paralegal 2 in the Agriculture and Health Division. This position is located in Olympia, Washington, and is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

Paralegal 2 (Range 55) salary range: $59,844 - $80,460

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 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.

About the Agriculture and Health Division:

The Agriculture and Health Division is made up of 15 attorneys and 9 professional staff when fully staffed. The division represents the Departments of Agriculture, Archaeology and Historic Preservation, Commerce, and Health, as well as 22 Agricultural Commodity Commissions and the Northwest Interstate Compact on Low-Level Radioactive Waste. The division's work involves both litigation and advice related to oversight of health care practitioners and facilities, certification of medical marijuana consultants, the regulation of agricultural activities and food processing, pest eradication, threats to human health, shellfish sanitation, drinking water and septic systems, funding of innovative life sciences research and clean energy technology, historic and archaeological artifact preservation, and low-level radioactive waste disposal.

Duties and Essential Functions of a Supervising Paralegal 2:

This position's role is to perform senior-level legal work; train, mentor, and supervise 4 Paralegal 1s and other support staff and provide backup functions for the Division Lead. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Supervise, train, mentor, and coach legal support staff in the performance of all duties; applies independent judgment in completing complex tasks and projects such as scheduling and conducting staff meetings; determining the distribution of subordinates’ workload to resolve conflicts to meet deadlines and minimize overtime; assisting with drafting and updating office procedures and manuals.
• Develops and/or updates position description forms; interviews and recommends individuals for appointment or promotion; provides training and orientation to new and existing staff; assigns and monitors work of lower-level professional staff; conducts performance reviews; takes corrective actions, recommends disciplinary action when needed.
• Independently takes appropriate action on urgent items in the absence of an attorney or judge.
• Has the authority to approve leave for employees under direct supervision.
• As a member of the division's management team, attends regular and special management meetings; participates in division business planning; models and provides leadership to promote teamwork and high-quality services.
• Maintains an expert working knowledge of procedures for electronic filings, as well as the rules and procedures for filing in administrative, state, federal, and appellate courts.
• Reviews legal documents for proper format and ensures court rules are followed; drafts and prepares pleadings, discovery, and case information; proofreads, formats, cite checks, and finalizes documents.
• Compiles exhibits and attachments, maintains service lists, and ensures legal documents are prepared and processed to meet legal requirements and deadlines.
• Reads and maintains a working knowledge of complex rules, policies, and operating procedures.
• Oversees the functions of the AHD Paralegals in their role as critical event readers and tracks significant events using the State’s Case Management System.

Qualifications:

Combination of four years of experience through paralegal certification, a two-year paralegal degree, and/or paraprofessional experience in support of an attorney.

OR

Three years’ experience as a Paralegal 1 in Washington State Service.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong communication skills.
• Familiarity with Washington State courts, court rules, and statutes.
• Ability to remain calm during stressful events.
• Good listening skills and ability to bring people together.
• Experience with litigation and knowledge of pleadings and deadlines.
• Experience with leading, mentoring, coaching, or training others.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Applicants must attach the following documents to their profile to be considered for this position:

• A letter of interest, describing your specific qualifications for the position;
• A current resume detailing experience and education.

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, or veteran status.