RFQ - Contract Appellate Paralegals
Salary
$40.00 - $60.00 Hourly
Location
Multiple Locations Statewide, WA
Job Type
Various Job Types
Job Number
2027-OPD RFQ2704A
Department
Office of Public Defense
Opening Date
06/09/2026
Closing Date
6/16/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
CONTRACT APPELLATE PARALEGALS
RFQ27040A
Period of Performance: July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027
Number of Contracts: Minimum of 3 and maximum of 5.
Compensation: $40 to $60 per hour based on experience. Maximum amount payable under one contract is $110,000.
Response Due Date: June 16, 2026 at 11:59 pm [Responses will be reviewed as received.]
Submit Response by email to: Sean Devlin, Appellate and Post-Conviction Supervisor Sean.Devlin@opd.wa.gov
[BENEFITS INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS WEBSITE
DOES NOT APPLY TO CONTRACTORS]
Background:
The Appellate and Post-Conviction Unit is responsible for contracting with legal professionals to provide appellate representation to indigent individuals in matters where the right to counsel at public expense is guaranteed by constitution, statute, or court rule. Paralegals provide vital support to appellate attorneys by assisting with perfecting the record, which includes arranging for the transcript and filing designations of clerk's papers, formatting and editing briefs, preparing correspondence, and other tasks critical to appellate practice.
Opportunity Summary:
OPD will contract with at least three experienced paralegals to provide specialized support to small firms and solo practitioners providing indigent appellate defense. This is an exciting opportunity to develop expertise in appellate practice, work with a range of different individuals, and do so remotely from your own office. Paralegals will be assigned to assist specific contract attorneys and on a case-by-case basis. In addition to compensation, OPD will provide free access to Westlaw, access to Washington Courts case management systems, and no-cost professional learning opportunities and support.
Duties
Contract appellate paralegals will be expected to perform the following tasks:
Qualifications
The minimum and preferred qualifications consist of:
Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies or related field
Bachelor Degree in Paralegal Studies or related field (preferred)
National Certification (NFPA, NALA) (preferred)
3 years of experience working in a public defense office, law firm, or similar professional environment
Experience providing paralegal support to appellate attorneys (preferred)
Demonstratable experience formatting briefs
Proven ability to use case management programs
Professional competency with Microsoft Office applications
Excellent task management and communication skills
Willingness to participate in professional learning opportunities and cooperate with OPD technical assistance resources
Supplemental Information
How to Apply:
Responses and questions regarding this RFQ Sean.Devlin@opd.wa.gov. Please include the following information in your response.
OPD reserves the right to amend this Request for Qualifications and reserves the right to refrain from contracting with any and all applicants. This Request for Qualifications does not obligate the state of Washington or OPD to contract for the services specified here.
The Washington State Office of Public Defense vigorously pursues diversity in the work force. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ, persons with disabilities, formerly incarcerated individuals, and military veterans are encouraged to apply.
[BENEFITS INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS WEBSITE
DOES NOT APPLY TO CONTRACTORS]
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. Thats 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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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
Parental Leave
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
Employer State of Washington
Address View Job Posting for Agency Information
View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Website http://www.careers.wa.gov