Paralegal 1 - Seattle, Tacoma & Thurston County, Attorney General's Office

Salary : $55,836.00 - $75,108.00 Annually
Location : Multiple Locations - Western Washington, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-00970
Department: Attorney General's Office
Opening Date: 05/01/2026
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step


Description

Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at View email address on click.appcast.io . Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at View phone number on click.appcast.io or

This position will remain open until a sufficient number of candidates have applied. The Washington State Office of the Attorney General reserves the right to close this announcement at any time without notice.

The Attorney General's Office (AGO) is recruiting for multiple full-time, permanent Paralegal 1 positions. Positions may be based in our Olympia, Seattle, Tacoma, or Tumwater office locations. With the exception of a few, most of the positions are represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).
Apply for multiple positions with one application! This recruitment announcement will be used to fill multiple, full-time, permanent positions within the same classification. This type of pooled application system means that there is potential for your application to be seen by multiple hiring teams while only applying once.


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. If you are a legal support professional looking for a supportive, collaborative environment where you can contribute meaningfully to Washington State's legal matters as a Paralegal 1.
Salary
Paralegal 1 candidate salaries will be set within Range 51, $55,836 - $75,108 (annual).

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.
In addition to the base pay salary, the following types of assignment pay may be applied:

• Paralegal 1s assigned to our Seattle office location receive an additional 5% King County Location Pay.
• Paralegal 1s assigned to King County receive an additional 5% Group C Assignment Pay
• Incumbents assigned to a position designated as requiring dual language skills will receive a 5% Dual Language Requirement Pay.

Excellent Benefits
Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation, including Medical/Dental/Vision for employees & dependent(s); Vacation, Sick, and Other Leave; 11 Paid Holidays per year; Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) plans; and Life Insurance. Beyond these traditional benefits, we offer Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, Employee Recognition Leave, and more. With the goal of employee health and wellness, we also offer:

• Flexible schedules and part-time/hybrid telework options
• A Wellness Program, an Infants in the Workplace Program, and 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. The AGO is a place to belong and make a difference

Position Description
Our paralegal 1 staff provide critical support to Assistant Attorneys General (AAGs) in the litigation of state matters, preparing for trial, and applying knowledge of court rules related to legal practice, subject matter, and court filing procedures in civil and appellate matters. As a Paralegal 1, you may be entrusted to perform some of the following duties:

• Analyze facts
• Compose documents and pleadings
• Schedule and/or interview witnesses
• Research legal issues and evaluate the facts of the cases
• Coordinate the preparation for litigation
• Track status of cases from summons to trial
• Draft legal notices

A few positions within the AGO have exposure to information that requires staff be screened and pass a fingerprint-based background check. A Paralegal 1 candidate could be hired into one of the affected positions and thus this provides notice that you may be subject to a fingerprint background check and be subject to additional background checks as a condition of employment.


If you are interested in furthering your legal support career and want to have a direct impact on the people of Washington, the AGO is the place for you.
About the Washington State Office of the Attorney General The work of the AGO touches the lives of every resident in Washington, providing excellent, independent, and ethical legal services to the State and protecting the rights of its people. 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 the highest quality professional legal services to Washington state officials, agencies, and entities. This includes:

• 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 !

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 .
Required Qualifications
Combination of three 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

*You may have gained applicable paraprofessional experience through previous Paralegal or Legal Assistant work. 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

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

Read the following information completely:

• You may not reapply to this posting for 60 days.
• The initial screening of applications will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the "work experience" and "education" sections of your application in
• A resume will not substitute for completing the "work experience" section of the application.
• Please be sure to remove private information such as your Social Security number, date of birth, etc.
• 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
• The AGO complies with employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal employment eligibility verification form, I-9, and the selected candidate for these roles, on the first day of employment, must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the Unities States consistent with the requirements of form I-9. In order to proceed in the consideration process at AGO, you will need to provide work authorization that would not require the AGO to sign a cooperative education agreement with a school. If you have any questions about this requirement, please contact the Talent Acquisition Consultant assigned to this recruitment via View email address on click.appcast.io.

Commitment to Diversity
Diversity is critical to the success of the mission of the AGO and we are committed to building an anti-racist and equitable agency. It is our goal to identify, discuss, and challenge racial inequity in the workplace and the impact it has on our employees, and, within our authority, combat racism that impacts the people of the State of Washington. This means recognizing, respecting, and appreciating all cultures and backgrounds-- and fostering the inclusion of differences between people. Appreciating, valuing and implementing principles of diversity permits AGO employees to achieve their fullest potential in a professional, inclusive, respectful environment.


Our commitment to employee wellness is reflected in earning the 2025 "Zo8 Washington Wellness Award".
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. Only by fostering the inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures and attributes, can AGO employees and volunteers achieve their fullest potential and best advance the goals and mission of the AGO. 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, 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 View email address on click.appcast.io . Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at View phone number on click.appcast.io or


For questions regarding this recruitment or assistance with the application process, please contactIf you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at View phone number on click.appcast.io or
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.


Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.


Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.


Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.


Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026
01


(1000all) Your preferred name:
02


(1000all) Your pronoun(s):
03


1000all Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?

• Yes
• No

04


1000all Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status?

• Yes
• No

05


1000allLocation: For which location(s) would you like to be considered? Check all that apply.

• Seattle
• Tacoma
• Thurston County

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1000allclassified: If you are currently an employee of the Washington State Office of the Attorney General, please list the division(s) and location(s) for which you would like to be considered.
07


1000allclassified. Some Paralegal positions in the AGO are required to undergo a fingerprint background check. Would you like to be considered for these positions? By clicking yes, I acknowledge that if I am the preferred candidate for this position, I will be required to submit to and pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check conducted by the Washington State Patrol (WSP), Criminal Records Division, as a condition of employment and every five (5) years thereafter. Incumbent may also be required to submit to and pass a criminal background check at any time during the period of employment if, in the scope of their employment and assigned duties, they are identified as a witness by an Assistant Attorney General prosecuting a criminal case.

• Yes
• No

08


Have you participated, whether as an attorney, paralegal, legal assistant, or in any other capacity, in the representation of any party in a matter where the party's interest was materially adverse to that of the State, its agencies, or its officers or employees? If yes, please identify all such matters, including the parties to the matter, the court and cause number of the matter, and your role in the matter. If no, please enter N/A. If you require additional space, please attach additional sheets and indicate your attachment here.
09


Have you participated as a judge, arbitrator, mediator, adjudicative officer, or as a law clerk to such a person, in a matter in which the State or any of its agencies, officers, or employees were a party? If yes, please identify all such matters, including the parties to the matter, the court and cause number of the matter, and your role in the matter. If no, please enter N/A. If you require additional space, please attach additional sheets and indicate your attachment here.
10


Is there any other matter, person, entity, or personal interest that might present a conflict of interest or otherwise limit your ability to perform work for the Attorney General's Office or represent a state agency, officer, or employee? If yes, please identify such matters, persons, entities, or personal interests with sufficient detail to allow the Attorney General's Office to understand the nature of the potential conflict of interest. You are not required to disclose any pending or contemplated complaint or dispute for which the law allows you to remain anonymous; however, you are responsible for not accepting assignments that would violate conflict of interest or confidentiality provisions of the Rules of Professional Conduct or other laws with regard to such matters. If no, please enter N/A. If you require additional space, please attach additional sheets and indicate your attachment here.
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Where did you hear about our job opening?
Required Question