Litigation Support Manager (WMS 2) | Torts Division
State of Washington · Multiple Locations Statewide, WA
Description
Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at HREmployment@atg.wa.gov. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or .
Litigation Support Manager (WMS Band 2)
Torts Division – Washington State Office of the Attorney General
Tumwater, Seattle, Tacoma, or Spokane Washington | Full-Time | Permanent | Non-Represented
Position Overview
The Washington State Office of the Attorney General (AGO) is seeking a highly skilled Litigation Support Manager (LSM) (WMS Band 2) to join our Torts Division. It is permissible for the duty station of this position to be located in Tumwater, Seattle, Tacoma, or Spokane, Washington.
This is an impactful role for someone adept at planning, coordinating, and managing electronic litigation support services. The incumbent will direct the processing, organizing, and analyzing of discovery documents in all cases throughout the Torts Division while conducting research and providing recommendations on litigation support software and tools required for complex cases and case categories. This position requires someone adaptable who excels at program and resource management, planning and analysis, and who provides clear consult and coaching with tact and based on sound judgement.
The LSM leads and advises all litigation paralegals in the Torts Division while directly supervising two Paralegal 4 supervisors, reviews all contracts with litigation support vendors, and works in close partnership with the Torts Division Chief and Operations Manager to provide budgetary planning recommendations and estimates for costs while taking pride in strengthening office systems, and supporting a large, mission-driven, legal workforce.
Salary and Compensation
- Annual salary range: $102,222 - $127,778
- Washington Management Service structure position: Band 2
- Growth and development salary range (not available at initial hire): $132,924
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 King County receive an additional 5% Location Pay stipend.
Excellent Benefits
Washington State offers one of the most competitive and comprehensive 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
- Life Insurance.
- Dependent Care Assistance
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
- Tuition Waiver programs
- Deferred Compensation options
- Employee Recognition Leave, and more
We also offer support through:
- Flexible schedules and telework options (for most positions)
- A Wellness Program and the Employee Assistance Program
- Numerous employee affinity groups centralized on community and connection
About the Torts Division
The Torts Division values collaboration and teamwork, diversity, flexibility, transparency, and collegiality. The division is the largest division in the AGO, comprised of 64 attorneys and 136 professional staff across four locations, Olympia, Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane. We defend tort claims and lawsuits against all Washington State agencies, officers, and employees. A majority of cases are based on actions brought under theories of liability for state actions including highway design, release of inmates, injuries on state property, medical malpractice, employment, childcare and custody, auto accidents, maritime injuries, and more. Our attorneys also provide legal and risk management advice to the Department of Enterprise Services, Office of Risk Management, and state agencies on tort matters.
Torts cases are factually interesting and present challenging issues and legal arguments. Litigation teams are comprised of legal assistants, paralegals, investigators and attorneys who work each case collaboratively from inception through resolution. Professional growth is encouraged and supported through continuous training and development.
About the Washington State Office of the Attorney General
The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) touches the lives of every resident in this state. 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 much more!
- 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 here.
Position Description
The Litigation Support Manager (LSM) coordinates and manages all electronic litigation support services used to conduct discovery in all cases throughout the Torts Division, including those assigned to SAAGs. They are responsible for determining what technology, software, hardware, and other tools are required to manage Torts cases and voluminous discovery requests as allowed through AGO approvals and State contracts. Working and communicating effectively with people while building relationships, savvy resource and program management, and fiscal efficiency are the most important skills to succeed in this role. Key responsibilities include:
- Directly supervises the Early Resolution Program (ERP) Paralegal 3 and two supervising Paralegal 4s in the division.
- Evaluates and makes recommendations to Torts management regarding litigation support software and hardware required to meet the division's statewide needs.
- Provides expert-level consultation and direction to the litigation teams (attorneys and paralegals), Torts management, and the Torts Division Chief to assist in the development of an effective plan for discovery, case and document-management, technical needs, necessary purchases, and the use of outside vendors necessary to meet litigation support demands.
- Manages appropriate staffing for cases across all four Torts locations - requests movement of full-time employees to meet litigation support needs.
- Advises Torts management on litigation support needs for the budget planning process.
- Develops and implements litigation support training and development for attorneys, paralegals and legal support staff in the Division and in SAAG firms.
- Develops and implements policies and procedures for statewide Torts litigation support services.
- Holds responsibility for ensuring that litigation service contracts comply with state and agency policies and procedures.
Required Qualifications
A combination of 10 years of experience through:
- Paralegal certification
- Two-year paralegal degree
and/or
- Paraprofessional experience in support of an attorney, including at least three years of supervision experience in a legal setting.
Preferred Qualifications and Skills
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- Proficiency in computerized litigation support systems
- Familiarity with state and federal court rules with a thorough understanding of discovery rules and the Public Records Act
- Complex litigation experien