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Form of work- Salary upon hire is $21.97 to $23.58 per hour (step 1 through 3) depending upon qualifications.
- Progressive increases are based upon years of service with Skagit County, up to step 8 (top step is $28.00/hr.). The Legal Assistant I is Range 11 of the AFSCME Public Defender Support Staff Union salary schedule.
Represent the office in a professional capacity, including frequent interaction with the public, both over the telephone and in-person.
Assumes confidentiality in all matters.
Process incoming referrals, sets up files, prepare pleadings and correspondence, draft and file legal forms and pleadings, schedule and calendar appointments or court appearances, screen in-coming phone calls and assist as able, maintaining case files entry of data and updates in various database systems, organization and maintenance of discovery and archiving of closed files in accordance with the file storage and record retention policies.
Prepares, organizes and maintains case files from commencement to closure. Types and files legal documents and correspondence, including but not limited to: briefs, pleadings, orders, affidavits, subpoenas, jury instructions and other legal documents from verbal, written or standing instruction.
Processes legal documents after each court date and completes related tasks as requested by attorney.
Inputs, retrieves and modifies client and case data stored in computerized database system; assisting other uses with problems associated with system or program as requested.
Serves as liaison between their assigned attorneys and clients, prosecutors, other county staff, experts, parents, the public and other legal professionals.
May interpret for Spanish speaking clients, parents or other involved parties, if able. This includes: client appointments, interviews, phone calls, discussions before or after court and/or assistance in the Juvenile Detention or Skagit County Community Justice Center.
Prints and highlights weekly court calendars, ensuring all the files are accounted for and all necessary paperwork is in each file prior to court.
Screens, relays and responds to a wide variety of requests for information and/or voicemail messages from clients. Explains a variety of policies and procedures regarding services to the public, clients and other staff members. Schedules attorney appointments and manages attorney's calendar.
Utilizes both internal and external databases and other legal resources to conduct research relating to cases, including ascertaining the nature of involved parties and a person's role in the particular matter, then gathering the necessary documents for management to determine if the case is a conflict and/or needs to be re-assigned.
Perform receptionist duties when needed, managing a multi-line phone, distributing in-coming faxes, opening, date stamping, sorting and distributing incoming mail quickly and accurately, and assisting the general public in-person or over the phone by answering a variety of questions and taking detailed messages when attorney's legal advice and/or feedback is required. Often interacts with distraught or mentally ill individuals, de-escalating situations to the best of their ability.
May be assigned to respond to public disclosure requests, assist with transcription requests and distribute when completed, assist with the conversion of audio or video discovery that is not otherwise supported on the County network, run errands and deliver interoffice mail, or assist with or other duties as assigned.
Consistently contribute to the department through work product and by communicating and collaborating in a manner that enhances individual and team productivity. Displays professionalism, quality service and a positivity "can do attitude" to clients, co-workers and other department personnel.
Participates in special projects or other secretarial functions as assigned.
Supervisory:
None.
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:
Interpret for Spanish speaking clients (if applicable).
May be required to become a Notary Public and maintain throughout employment.
May acts as backup receptionist, serving as customer service representative by providing assistance to the public and answering inquiries related to procedure. This includes handling a high-volume multi-line phone system and screening incoming phone calls, mail, faxes and other relevant matters independently in order to refer the caller and/or document to the appropriate persons.
May be required to pass job-related tests - typing, interpreting/translating or basic knowledge.
May be tasked with performing related duties. Related duties as required are duties that may not be specifically listed in the position description, but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee's classification of work.
High school diploma or G.E.D. required. Prior experience or familiarity with the child welfare system and/or juvenile dependency legal procedures is highly desired.
Legal Assistant I
A year of secretarial office experience, with experience in the legal field desired but not required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted which provides the skills, knowledge and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Legal Assistant II
Three years of secretarial office experience including some experience in the legal field or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted which provides the skills, knowledge and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Legal Assistant III
Five years of progressively responsible law office experience or experience in the legal field.
Paralegal Certificate or equivalent education with a Bachelor's or an Associate's Degree in Law & Justice, Paralegal Studies or related field required.
Ability to interpret for Spanish speaking clients (if applicable) and translate forms.
Previous computer experience, including but not limited to use of: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook); Adobe Pro, SCOMIS/DISCUS/JIS &J ABS software; Defender Data Case Management software or other like programs.
Requires knowledge of:
- Standard office and clerical practices and procedures.
- Rules of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and word usage.
- Microsoft Word, Excel and other computer and software applications.
- Law office practices and procedures.
- Basic mathematical calculations.
- Criminal law, local and state court rules, and procedures, as well as legal terminology.
Requires the ability to:
- Communicate efficiently both orally and in writing.
- Type 65 wpm with accuracy.
- Maintain patience and flexibility while working with people in crisis situations.
- Set work priorities, adjusting as needed to managing time efficiently.
- Work calmly under pressure.
- Manage a high volume of work, meeting deadlines while coping with constant interruptions.
- Learn and retain complex procedures, laws, rules, and regulations.
- Understand and explain legal processes and procedures as needed.
- Produce work product that meets professional standards of quality, neatness, accuracy, and promptness.
- Maintain all ethical and professional standards.
- Handle a high volume of phone calls.
- Interact well with individuals from a wide variety of economic, education and ethnic backgrounds who are often in stressful situations.
- Quickly learn the names, locations, and functions of departmental actives through the County.
- Locate and utilize new sources of information and assistance if/when they become available with little direction or training.
- Perform work independently with minimal supervision.
- Exercise careful judgement, diplomacy and tact.
Licenses and/or Certifications:
None.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Work is performed primarily in an office environment. Job requires sitting at a desk for extended periods of time. Some bending, stooping or light lifting to access files may be required.
Hazards:
Normal hazards in an office environment.
Following review of applications and resumes, the highest qualified applicants will be interviewed and may be tested. After a selection is made, all applicants not selected will be notified in writing. Skagit County reserves the right to use applications received for this posting to fill any other positions within this classification which may open within six months following the closing of this position.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Notice: Individuals, who need an ADA accommodation to complete the application, test or interview process, please call: (360)416-1382.
The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employee.
