How to Find Paralegals or Legal Assistants in Spokane, WA?

Question from 509, How to Find Paralegals or Legal Assistants in Spokane, WA?

Answer from AI:

Online job boards and career sites

• Indeed – One of the largest job‑search engines. You can post a vacancy for a “Paralegal” or “Legal Assistant” and filter resumes by location (Spokane, WA), experience level, and certifications.
• LinkedIn – In addition to posting a job, you can use the “People” search to find candidates who list “paralegal” or “legal assistant” in their profiles and who are based in Spokane. The platform also lets you join local legal‑industry groups where professionals share opportunities.
• Glassdoor – Provides listings of current openings and includes company reviews and salary ranges, which can help you attract qualified candidates.

These sites are updated daily and allow you to manage applications directly through their dashboards.

Professional associations and certification directories

• National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) – NALA maintains a searchable directory of certified paralegals. You can filter by state and city to locate individuals who have earned the Certified Paralegal (CP) credential in Spokane.
• Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) – The WSBA job board lists openings for legal support staff and often includes resumes of members who are looking for work.
• Spokane County Bar Association – Their website sometimes posts a “Legal Support Professionals” bulletin and can be a good place to post a targeted ad.

Using these association resources helps you focus on candidates who have met professional standards and continuing‑education requirements.

Staffing and recruitment firms

• Robert Half Legal – A national staffing firm that specializes in legal placements. They keep a database of vetted paralegals and legal assistants and can conduct a short‑list based on your specific practice area (e.g., family law, litigation).
• Aerotek Legal Staffing – Offers both temporary and permanent placement services for legal support roles in the Pacific Northwest, including Spokane.

Recruiters can speed up the hiring process by handling background checks and verifying certifications.

Local educational programs and career services

• Gonzaga University – Paralegal Studies – The program graduates each spring and maintains a career‑services portal where employers can post jobs or request resumes of recent graduates.
• Spokane Community College – Paralegal Certificate – Similar to Gonzaga, SCC’s certificate program works with local firms to place students in internships and entry‑level positions. Contact the college’s workforce‑development office for access to their candidate pool.

Hiring recent graduates can be cost‑effective and gives you the chance to train them in your firm’s specific procedures.

Government and public‑sector listings

• Washington State Government Jobs – The state’s official employment site lists legal‑assistant positions within agencies; it also allows private employers to post listings that are visible to public‑sector job seekers.
• Spokane County Government Jobs – The county’s job bulletin includes openings for paralegals in the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and Public Defender’s Office, which can be a source of experienced candidates looking for new opportunities.

Tips for evaluating candidates

1. Verify certification – Ask for a copy of the NALA CP credential or any state‑approved paralegal certificate.
2. Check experience with relevant software – Most Spokane firms use Clio, MyCase, or PracticePanther; familiarity can reduce onboarding time.
3. Conduct a practical test – A short drafting or document‑review exercise can reveal a candidate’s attention to detail and legal research skills.

While the resources above are publicly available, each hiring decision involves legal considerations such as compliance with the Washington State Equal Employment Opportunity Act and background‑check regulations. For personalized guidance on drafting job postings, structuring employment contracts, or navigating any specific legal requirements, you should consult a licensed employment‑law attorney.

Helpful links

• NALA Certified Paralegal Directory – searchable by location.
• Washington State Bar Association Job Board – includes legal‑support listings.