State of Alaska
Paralegal 1/2 (PCN 03-0214)
State of Alaska, Anchorage, Alaska, United States, 99507
This position is being recruited in both Anchorage and Juneau; final location is based on the location of the selected candidate.
What You Will Be DoingThis paralegal position will be primarily assigned to the Torts, Workers’ Compensation and Corrections Section of the Attorney General’s office. This position may be located in Anchorage or Juneau.The Torts section provides legal defense in tort litigation cases filed against the state, state agencies, and state employees, including personal injury, property damage, and civil rights suits.The Corrections unit within the section provides advice and representation to the Department of Corrections. The section also provides advice and training to reduce the state's liability exposure and provides legal services to the Division of Risk Management, and through it, to all state agencies.Membership in this section provides paralegals with the opportunity to develop diverse legal skills as they assist their attorneys with civil litigation, alternative dispute resolution, administrative litigation, regulatory law, and legislative work.You will provide litigation support to attorneys as they prepare for hearings or trial. You will also provide direct support in document management projects for either litigation or public records requests. You will be assigned factual, historical, legal, and legislative research. You will draft or prepare legal pleadings and documents including routine discovery and affidavits.
Mission and CultureThe Civil Division of the Department of Law provides legal counsel to the executive branch in all civil actions. The division defends and prosecutes civil litigation to which the state is a party; handles legal matters for and provides legal advice to the governor, executive branch agencies, and - upon request - the legislative and judicial branches; reviews regulations prepared by executive agencies, drafts legislation for introduction by the governor; and reviews all legislation before it is acted upon by the governor.
Benefits of Joining Our TeamOur paralegals work closely with attorneys, helping them from beginning to end over the course of their cases. Within that, we offer opportunities to learn about the legal system, engage with the court, and prepare for hearings and trials.People who succeed and thrive in our office are those who can be reliable and present each day to work alongside their assigned attorneys to tackle their various deadlines and legal questions.You can expect a 37.5-hour work week; 11 paid holidays; personal leave accrual starting at 6 hours per pay period (about 21 days annually) and increasing with years of service. Our office also offers an optional hybrid telework schedule following completion of the probationary period. The general office hours are 8:00am to 4:30pm but there is flexibility in establishing your regular hours around core business hours.
The Working Environment You Can ExpectOur offices in Anchorage and Juneau are all multi-floor office buildings located in the heart of each community, giving you access to a wide variety of lunch and coffee spots. You can also expect a private office with this position.
Who We Are Looking ForTo be successful in this position a candidate will need the following core competencies:Self-Management: Sets well-defined and realistic goals and displays a high level of initiative and effort. The ability to problem-solve, prioritize, and adjust to changing workplace dynamics to balance multiple projects and meet deadlines in an environment with frequent interruptions and changing priorities. Proven ability to work independently.Adaptability: adjusts planned work by gathering relevant information and applying critical thinking to address multiple demands and competing priorities in a changing environment.Attention to Detail: Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.Interpersonal Skills: Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, politeness to others.Leadership: Effectively delegates tasks; tactfully acts as project manager or committee leader; oversees team deadlines/checkpoints; demonstrates considerate decision-making; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed.Legal experience: Experience in working within the civil litigation practice including working knowledge of applicable court rules or rules of civil procedure.Proficiency using the Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams) and Adobe.The incumbent must be willing and able to maintain the strictest of confidences with the information they will be exposed to and have access to confidential databases.
Paralegal 1Any combination of education and/or experience that provides the applicant with competencies in:Attention to Detail: Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.Interpersonal Skills: Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences.Reading: Understands and interprets written material, including technical material, rules, regulations, instructions, reports, charts, graphs, or tables; applies what is learned from written material to specific situations.Written Communication: Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.Equivalent to those typically gained by:Post-secondary and/or vocational education in a legal or legal support area and/or experience preparing, reviewing, or processing legal documents such as affidavits, court reports, demand letters, discovery requests or responses, hearing transcripts, memoranda of advice/instruction/understanding, letters of agreement, motions, legal opinions, subpoenas, and/or writs.
Paralegal 2Successful completion of training under a formally established Paralegal 1-2 flexible staffing training plan with the State of Alaska;ORAny combination of education and/or experience that provides the applicant with competencies in:Adaptability: adjusts planned work by gathering relevant information and applying critical thinking to address multiple demands and competing priorities in a changing environment.Administrative Law: Knowledge of State and federal administrative laws, including procedures, regulations, guidelines, and precedents related to case preparation and settlements.Attention to Detail: Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.Interpersonal Skills: Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences.Stress Tolerance: Deals calmly and effectively with high stress situations (for example, tight deadlines, hostile individuals, emergency situations, dangerous situations).Equivalent to those typically gained by:Post-secondary and/or vocational education in a legal, paralegal, criminal justice, or similar legal support area and/or experience performing paraprofessional legal investigation, discovery, and providing support in the preparation of legal cases, reports, documents, and exhibits.
Special Note (All Levels):Positions may require incumbents to be able to obtain a Notary Public upon hire, and to be able to pass a criminal background check to meet security requirements for using criminal record networks such as Alaska Public Safety Information Network (APSIN) and National Crime Enforcement Information Center/National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NCIC/NLETS). If this requirement is present, it will be stated in the vacancy announcement.
Some positions are required to work regular overtime during the standard workweek, on weekends, and/or holidays to provide support to the assigned duty attorney. If this requirement is present, it will be stated in the vacancy announcement.
“Competencies” means a combination of interrelated knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors that enable a person to act effectively in a job or situation.“Paraprofessional” work is typically associated with and supportive of a professional field. It involves extensive practical knowledge gained through experience and/or specific formal or on-the-job training. Work in these occupations may involve substantial elements of the work of the professional or administrative field, but requires less than full knowledge of the field involved.
“Progressively responsible” means indicating growth and/or advancement in complexity, difficulty, or level of responsibility.“Technical” means performing tasks, methods, procedures, and computations that are covered by established precedents or guidelines and often require a high degree of skill, care, and precision.
“Training” and “education” in this guidance are synonyms for the process of acquiring knowledge and skills through instruction. It includes instruction through formal and informal methods (such as classroom, on-line, self-study, and on-the-job), from accredited and unaccredited sources, and long-duration (such as a post-secondary degree) and short-duration (such as a seminar) programs.
“Typically gained by” means the prevalent, usual method of gaining the competencies expected for entry into the job.THIS RECRUITMENT IS FOR ALASKA RESIDENTS ONLYThis recruitment is open to Alaska Residents only. Applicants
must
meet
Alaska Residency Requirements
to be considered for employment at this time.
If selected for an interview
,
the applicant must provide the following:Last two (2) Performance EvaluationsA writing sample that is less than 5 pages on any topic. This should be a technical or professional writing sample – not a personal statement or contain personal information. Your writing sample should showcase your grammar, clarity, and ability to communicate a topic or point.
Application NoticeYou can ONLY apply for this position through the Workplace Alaska website or via a hardcopy application. If you accessed this recruitment bulletin through a job search portal, such as AlaskaJobs or any other database, you MUST use a Workplace Alaska online or hardcopy application to apply successfully. Instructions on how to apply with Workplace Alaska may be found on the Workplace Alaska “ How to Apply " page. Your application must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Alaska Standard Time on the closing date.
Supplemental QuestionsThis recruitment utilizes a supplemental questionnaire as part of the application process. These questions may be a mix of written, multiple-choice, and select all that apply questions. The answers you provide to the questions will be an opportunity for you to tell us about your experience and/or education. The answers will be used to determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment and selection process; please be as thorough and accurate as you can.
A cover letter is NOT required for this position.
Your complete application, including supplemental questions, will be used to determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment and selection process.
EducationIf post-secondary education is required to meet the minimum qualifications, you must fill in the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the number of units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials if used to meet the minimum qualifications for a position. Transcripts can be attached at the time of application or provided at the time of the interview.
Special Instructions for Foreign EducationEducation completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the minimum qualifications listed above. If utilizing this education, you must show that the education credentials have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs; or an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution reports the other institution as one whose transcript is given full value, or full value is given in subject areas applicable to the curricula at the post-secondary institution. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.
Work ExperienceIf using work experience not already documented in your application, also provide the employer’s name, job title, employment dates, and whether full or part-time. Applications will be reviewed to determine if the responses are supported and if minimum qualifications are clearly met. If they are not, the applicant may not advance to the recruitment interview and selection phase.
Note:
Attaching a resume is not an alternative to filling out the application in its entirety. Noting, "see resume" or any similar response on any portion of your application may lead to a determination that your application is incomplete and removal from consideration for this job posting.
Multiple LocationsThis position is being recruited in Anchorage and Juneau; the final location is dependent upon the location of the most qualified candidate. There is only ONE position to be filled.
Flexible StaffingThis position is flexibly staffed. The level of the job offer will be based on the selected candidate’s credibly possessed and proven competencies. If hired at the lower level, you will be promoted to the higher level after completing the training plan and demonstrating competency in the work.
Multiple VacanciesThis recruitment may be used for more than one (1) vacancy. The applicant pool acquired during this recruitment may be used for future vacancies for up to ninety (90) days after this recruitment closes. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply to each recruitment notice to ensure consideration for all vacancies.
EEO StatementThe State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-800-587-0430 or 465-4095 in Juneau or (907) 465-3412 (TTY) or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at: P. O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811-0201. The State of Alaska is an equal-opportunity employer.
Workplace Alaska Application Questions & AssistanceQuestions regarding application submission or system operation errors should be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 1-800-587-0430 (toll-free) or (907) 465-4095 if you are in the Juneau area. Requests for information may also be emailed to
recruitment.services@alaska.gov .
For specific information about this position, please contact the hiring manager at the following:Kamie Willis
Paralegal Specialist 2
Kamie.Willis@alaska.gov#J-18808-Ljbffr
What You Will Be DoingThis paralegal position will be primarily assigned to the Torts, Workers’ Compensation and Corrections Section of the Attorney General’s office. This position may be located in Anchorage or Juneau.The Torts section provides legal defense in tort litigation cases filed against the state, state agencies, and state employees, including personal injury, property damage, and civil rights suits.The Corrections unit within the section provides advice and representation to the Department of Corrections. The section also provides advice and training to reduce the state's liability exposure and provides legal services to the Division of Risk Management, and through it, to all state agencies.Membership in this section provides paralegals with the opportunity to develop diverse legal skills as they assist their attorneys with civil litigation, alternative dispute resolution, administrative litigation, regulatory law, and legislative work.You will provide litigation support to attorneys as they prepare for hearings or trial. You will also provide direct support in document management projects for either litigation or public records requests. You will be assigned factual, historical, legal, and legislative research. You will draft or prepare legal pleadings and documents including routine discovery and affidavits.
Mission and CultureThe Civil Division of the Department of Law provides legal counsel to the executive branch in all civil actions. The division defends and prosecutes civil litigation to which the state is a party; handles legal matters for and provides legal advice to the governor, executive branch agencies, and - upon request - the legislative and judicial branches; reviews regulations prepared by executive agencies, drafts legislation for introduction by the governor; and reviews all legislation before it is acted upon by the governor.
Benefits of Joining Our TeamOur paralegals work closely with attorneys, helping them from beginning to end over the course of their cases. Within that, we offer opportunities to learn about the legal system, engage with the court, and prepare for hearings and trials.People who succeed and thrive in our office are those who can be reliable and present each day to work alongside their assigned attorneys to tackle their various deadlines and legal questions.You can expect a 37.5-hour work week; 11 paid holidays; personal leave accrual starting at 6 hours per pay period (about 21 days annually) and increasing with years of service. Our office also offers an optional hybrid telework schedule following completion of the probationary period. The general office hours are 8:00am to 4:30pm but there is flexibility in establishing your regular hours around core business hours.
The Working Environment You Can ExpectOur offices in Anchorage and Juneau are all multi-floor office buildings located in the heart of each community, giving you access to a wide variety of lunch and coffee spots. You can also expect a private office with this position.
Who We Are Looking ForTo be successful in this position a candidate will need the following core competencies:Self-Management: Sets well-defined and realistic goals and displays a high level of initiative and effort. The ability to problem-solve, prioritize, and adjust to changing workplace dynamics to balance multiple projects and meet deadlines in an environment with frequent interruptions and changing priorities. Proven ability to work independently.Adaptability: adjusts planned work by gathering relevant information and applying critical thinking to address multiple demands and competing priorities in a changing environment.Attention to Detail: Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.Interpersonal Skills: Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, politeness to others.Leadership: Effectively delegates tasks; tactfully acts as project manager or committee leader; oversees team deadlines/checkpoints; demonstrates considerate decision-making; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed.Legal experience: Experience in working within the civil litigation practice including working knowledge of applicable court rules or rules of civil procedure.Proficiency using the Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams) and Adobe.The incumbent must be willing and able to maintain the strictest of confidences with the information they will be exposed to and have access to confidential databases.
Paralegal 1Any combination of education and/or experience that provides the applicant with competencies in:Attention to Detail: Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.Interpersonal Skills: Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences.Reading: Understands and interprets written material, including technical material, rules, regulations, instructions, reports, charts, graphs, or tables; applies what is learned from written material to specific situations.Written Communication: Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.Equivalent to those typically gained by:Post-secondary and/or vocational education in a legal or legal support area and/or experience preparing, reviewing, or processing legal documents such as affidavits, court reports, demand letters, discovery requests or responses, hearing transcripts, memoranda of advice/instruction/understanding, letters of agreement, motions, legal opinions, subpoenas, and/or writs.
Paralegal 2Successful completion of training under a formally established Paralegal 1-2 flexible staffing training plan with the State of Alaska;ORAny combination of education and/or experience that provides the applicant with competencies in:Adaptability: adjusts planned work by gathering relevant information and applying critical thinking to address multiple demands and competing priorities in a changing environment.Administrative Law: Knowledge of State and federal administrative laws, including procedures, regulations, guidelines, and precedents related to case preparation and settlements.Attention to Detail: Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.Interpersonal Skills: Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences.Stress Tolerance: Deals calmly and effectively with high stress situations (for example, tight deadlines, hostile individuals, emergency situations, dangerous situations).Equivalent to those typically gained by:Post-secondary and/or vocational education in a legal, paralegal, criminal justice, or similar legal support area and/or experience performing paraprofessional legal investigation, discovery, and providing support in the preparation of legal cases, reports, documents, and exhibits.
Special Note (All Levels):Positions may require incumbents to be able to obtain a Notary Public upon hire, and to be able to pass a criminal background check to meet security requirements for using criminal record networks such as Alaska Public Safety Information Network (APSIN) and National Crime Enforcement Information Center/National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NCIC/NLETS). If this requirement is present, it will be stated in the vacancy announcement.
Some positions are required to work regular overtime during the standard workweek, on weekends, and/or holidays to provide support to the assigned duty attorney. If this requirement is present, it will be stated in the vacancy announcement.
“Competencies” means a combination of interrelated knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors that enable a person to act effectively in a job or situation.“Paraprofessional” work is typically associated with and supportive of a professional field. It involves extensive practical knowledge gained through experience and/or specific formal or on-the-job training. Work in these occupations may involve substantial elements of the work of the professional or administrative field, but requires less than full knowledge of the field involved.
“Progressively responsible” means indicating growth and/or advancement in complexity, difficulty, or level of responsibility.“Technical” means performing tasks, methods, procedures, and computations that are covered by established precedents or guidelines and often require a high degree of skill, care, and precision.
“Training” and “education” in this guidance are synonyms for the process of acquiring knowledge and skills through instruction. It includes instruction through formal and informal methods (such as classroom, on-line, self-study, and on-the-job), from accredited and unaccredited sources, and long-duration (such as a post-secondary degree) and short-duration (such as a seminar) programs.
“Typically gained by” means the prevalent, usual method of gaining the competencies expected for entry into the job.THIS RECRUITMENT IS FOR ALASKA RESIDENTS ONLYThis recruitment is open to Alaska Residents only. Applicants
must
meet
Alaska Residency Requirements
to be considered for employment at this time.
If selected for an interview
,
the applicant must provide the following:Last two (2) Performance EvaluationsA writing sample that is less than 5 pages on any topic. This should be a technical or professional writing sample – not a personal statement or contain personal information. Your writing sample should showcase your grammar, clarity, and ability to communicate a topic or point.
Application NoticeYou can ONLY apply for this position through the Workplace Alaska website or via a hardcopy application. If you accessed this recruitment bulletin through a job search portal, such as AlaskaJobs or any other database, you MUST use a Workplace Alaska online or hardcopy application to apply successfully. Instructions on how to apply with Workplace Alaska may be found on the Workplace Alaska “ How to Apply " page. Your application must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Alaska Standard Time on the closing date.
Supplemental QuestionsThis recruitment utilizes a supplemental questionnaire as part of the application process. These questions may be a mix of written, multiple-choice, and select all that apply questions. The answers you provide to the questions will be an opportunity for you to tell us about your experience and/or education. The answers will be used to determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment and selection process; please be as thorough and accurate as you can.
A cover letter is NOT required for this position.
Your complete application, including supplemental questions, will be used to determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment and selection process.
EducationIf post-secondary education is required to meet the minimum qualifications, you must fill in the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the number of units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials if used to meet the minimum qualifications for a position. Transcripts can be attached at the time of application or provided at the time of the interview.
Special Instructions for Foreign EducationEducation completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the minimum qualifications listed above. If utilizing this education, you must show that the education credentials have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs; or an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution reports the other institution as one whose transcript is given full value, or full value is given in subject areas applicable to the curricula at the post-secondary institution. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.
Work ExperienceIf using work experience not already documented in your application, also provide the employer’s name, job title, employment dates, and whether full or part-time. Applications will be reviewed to determine if the responses are supported and if minimum qualifications are clearly met. If they are not, the applicant may not advance to the recruitment interview and selection phase.
Note:
Attaching a resume is not an alternative to filling out the application in its entirety. Noting, "see resume" or any similar response on any portion of your application may lead to a determination that your application is incomplete and removal from consideration for this job posting.
Multiple LocationsThis position is being recruited in Anchorage and Juneau; the final location is dependent upon the location of the most qualified candidate. There is only ONE position to be filled.
Flexible StaffingThis position is flexibly staffed. The level of the job offer will be based on the selected candidate’s credibly possessed and proven competencies. If hired at the lower level, you will be promoted to the higher level after completing the training plan and demonstrating competency in the work.
Multiple VacanciesThis recruitment may be used for more than one (1) vacancy. The applicant pool acquired during this recruitment may be used for future vacancies for up to ninety (90) days after this recruitment closes. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply to each recruitment notice to ensure consideration for all vacancies.
EEO StatementThe State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-800-587-0430 or 465-4095 in Juneau or (907) 465-3412 (TTY) or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at: P. O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811-0201. The State of Alaska is an equal-opportunity employer.
Workplace Alaska Application Questions & AssistanceQuestions regarding application submission or system operation errors should be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 1-800-587-0430 (toll-free) or (907) 465-4095 if you are in the Juneau area. Requests for information may also be emailed to
recruitment.services@alaska.gov .
For specific information about this position, please contact the hiring manager at the following:Kamie Willis
Paralegal Specialist 2
Kamie.Willis@alaska.gov#J-18808-Ljbffr