Litigation Paralegal - Public Records Act Focus
13 days ago
Seattle
Job Description Foster Garvey PC, one of the Pacific Northwest’s leading law firms, is seeking a Litigation Paralegal to support the Litigation Practice Group by managing, processing, and tracking Public Records Act (PRA) requests and related disclosures. The successful candidate will also be assigned to litigation paralegal projects, time permitting. The Paralegal will have exceptional attention to detail, strong research skills, and the ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local public records laws. The Paralegal will collaborate closely with attorneys, internal departments, and external requesters to ensure accurate and timely responses to public records requests while maintaining compliance with all legal requirements. This is a full-time non-exempt position, Monday through Friday, based in our Seattle office. This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement after 60 days of working in the office. Occasional overtime may be necessary to accommodate client needs. Responsibilities: PRA Management • Receive, log, and track all incoming PRA requests; maintain an organized and up-to-date database, • Coordinate and manage discovery processes, including document review, privilege logs, and productions, • Lead and coordinate electronic discovery (e-discovery) processes and litigation support software, • Review requests to determine scope, applicable exemptions, and required search criteria, • Coordinate with internal departments to identify, gather, and preserve responsive documents, • Conduct initial document review to identify privileged, exempt, or confidential information., • Apply redactions in accordance with PRA exemptions, statutory requirements, and agency policies, • Prepare comprehensive and legally compliant response letters, disclosures, and exemption logs, • Ensure all responses meet statutory deadlines and internal service standards, • Provide training or guidance to staff on PRA-related processes and document preservation Legal Support • Conduct legal research related to public records statutes, privacy laws, and disclosure obligations, • Draft and format legal documents, memos, and correspondence, • Maintain document retention procedures and support compliance with records-management policies Litigation • Assist attorneys with litigation matters, including preparing declarations, exhibits, and discovery materials, • Assist attorneys with all phases of civil litigation from case inception through trial and appeal, • Develop case fact background, including interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence, • Draft and prepare legal documents, pleadings, motions, discovery requests and responses, • Organize and maintain case files, exhibits, and document productions in physical and electronic formats, • Prepare trial notebooks, exhibit lists, witness files, and courtroom presentations, • Schedule depositions, hearings, and court appearances; coordinate with opposing counsel and court personnel, • Communicate with clients, opposing counsel, court personnel, and expert witnesses, • Handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism, • Other duties or projects as assigned Skills: · Strong understanding state public records laws • Knowledge of litigation procedures and court filing requirements · Excellent analytical, writing, and editing skills · High proficiency with document review tools, redaction software, and Microsoft Office · Ability to manage multiple deadlines and handle sensitive information with discretion • Broad computer knowledge, skills, and proficiency with Microsoft Office, web browsers, and other compatible and related software, • Electronic discovery experience and strong working knowledge with one or more e-discovery platforms (Relativity preferred) and/or other database programs, • Strong attention to detail, • Excellent organizational and project management skills - setting priorities, initiative, advance planning, and flexibility, • Strong verbal and written communications skills, • Knowledge of legal research techniques, • Excellent interpersonal skills, • Ability to meet deadlines and manage time effectively, • Collaborate and promote team building, • Accessible and responsive, • Observe employee and attorney-client confidentiality, • Ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously in a fast-paced environment, • Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment Education and Experience: · 3+ years of paralegal experience, including litigation experience with state and federal courts and/or administrative agencies; and experience with PRA, FOIA, or public disclosure laws • Four-year college degree and paralegal certificate, J.D., or other appropriate combination of education and job experience., • ABA-approved paralegal certificate preferred, • Demonstrated experience with e-discovery processes and document management Perks: · In-person and virtual training opportunities · Collaboration across all Foster Garvey offices · Workplace Wellness Program and more! Salary Range: The pay range for this position is $75,000 to $110,000 annually; however, actual pay may vary depending on the candidate's education, training, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law. Other Compensation and Benefits: Foster Garvey offers a competitive compensation and benefits package** including, but not limited to, the following: · Medical, dental, and vision insurance · 401(k) retirement plan, match, and profit-sharing · Commuter allowance · Paid time off plus paid holidays throughout the calendar year · Disability and life insurance · Parental leave · Community service leave · Annual discretionary bonus and more! **The provision of benefits is contingent on an employee's ability to meet the eligibility requirements for the various types of benefits as outlined in the benefit plan documents and Firm policies. Pre-Employment Screening: Any job offer will be contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background screening. TO APPLY for this position, visit www.foster.com/careers and complete the online application. Please include your resume and a cover letter with salary requirements. We look forward to hearing from you! Foster Garvey PC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, citizenship, sex, marital status, military or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.