Legal Assistant | Torts Division | Tumwater

Description

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Position and Salary
The Attorney General’s Office is recruiting for a permanent full time Legal Assistant 1 in the Torts Division. This position is located in Olympia, Washington, and is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

Legal Assistant 1 (Range 42) salary range: $45,024 - $60,132 annually
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 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.

Excellent benefitsWashington 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!

About the Torts Division:

The Torts Division defends tort claims and lawsuits against all state agencies, officers and employees. Many 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. Tort attorneys also provide legal and risk management advice to the Office of Financial Management and state agencies on tort matters.

Duties and Essential Functions of a Legal Assistant 1

This position supports the office’s mission in providing legal support functions and services by assisting attorneys and professional staff in the Corrections Division. Some of the duties include:

Under general supervision, preforms routine administrative support using division standard forms, prepares and proofreads documents and correspondence. Prepares and sends New Claim Letters and Legal Hold Notices to appropriate clients. Calendars and tickles all important dates per Torts Policies and Procedures. Monitors and dockets receipts of records. Keeps appropriate team members appraised of when documents are received and where they can be located in the filing systems.

Performs data entry into CMS database, including tracking logs and hyperlinking to electronically stored records. Monitors and maintains complex electronic and manual internal filing systems for the trial team per specifications, to include ascertaining document type and category, scanning and saving to correct electronic folders with appropriate naming convention, and filing into hard copy file. Prepares documents and case binders.

Photocopies, scans, organizes, bates numbering in Adobe Pro, and assembles documents, evidence, exhibits and other materials ensuring exact duplication of originals. Assists team by monitoring document production and requests for information. Processes invoices, vouchers, and travel reimbursements. Opens, closes, and archives case files in accordance with AGO policies and requirements, including promptly providing lift hold notices to clients.

Required Qualifications

Option 1:
High School diploma or equivalent and two years of clerical experience including a minimum of one year of experience in a legal environment;

Option 2:
Two years of legal office experience;

Option 3: A combination of three years of college education and/or relevant experience;

Option 4: A two year degree in Legal Secretary Studies, Paralegal studies or related field of study.

Skills & Abilities

Previous experience in the legal field, customer services and/or office reception, preferred but not required.

Must be able to show an ability to:

• Pay close attention to detail
• Be adaptable and flexible to changing priorities
• Communicate effectively
• Follow instructions (written & verbal)
• Take…