Legal Secretary

Durham County Government employs approximately 1,900 employees that work towards providing needed services throughout the community. With a wide array of services, Durham County Government is at the heart of a rapidly growing and diverse area offering residents, employees and visitors exciting opportunities to live, work, grow and play.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Performs responsible legal secretarial and related duties in support of an assigned attorney in the County Attorney's Office; does related work as required. Work is performed under general supervision.

TYPICAL TASKS:

• Provides secretarial and administrative support for attorneys requiring knowledge of legal terminology and procedures;
• Prepares a variety of confidential, technical and legal documents, forms, reports and correspondence;
• Processes a variety of correspondence, memoranda, reports and documents from prior documents, rough copy or verbal instructions;
• Assists in gathering information for office projects or litigation;
• Prepares and assembles legal materials, documents, exhibits for meetings, court appearances and hearings;
• Assists attorneys in ensuring that deadlines are met for filing various court actions; files orders, judgments, pleadings, briefs and other documents on behalf of an attorney;
• Maintains calendars of all court dates, legal deadlines, hearings, depositions, appointments and other significant dates;
• Answers calls and takes messages; communicates messages involving detailed legal issues;
• Performs related tasks as required.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Thorough knowledge of business English, grammar, and spelling and business arithmetic; general knowledge of legal terminology and syntax; knowledge of modern office equipment, practices and procedures and computer applications; ability to extract data from conversation and documents; ability to use tact, discretion and good judgment in the handling of sensitive and confidential information; skill in maintaining records and preparing accurate and timely reports from statistical or legal information; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; ability to interpret, apply and explain departmental policies and procedures; ability to prepare and format complex legal documents with speed and accuracy; ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with others; ability to provide a high level of customer service to the public and County employees, in person and over the telephone. Bilingual skills (English/Spanish) strongly preferred.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to associate’s degree in secretarial science or related field and two years’ experience in secretarial or clerical work which includes six months experience in a legal office or related setting.

Durham County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer