Legal Secretary I

Salary : $53,133.00 - $63,894.00 Annually
Location : MI 49503, MI
Job Type: Permanent
Job Number: 182 - 1123
Department: City Attorney
Opening Date: 11/27/2023
Closing Date: 12/7/2023 11:59 PM Eastern
Nature of Work
Nature of Work
The purpose of this job is to support City Attorney Office's legal activities, including managing court calendars, case logs, creating reports and logging statistics. Responsible for electronic case management, customer service and preparation of legal documents.

• Prepares and finalizes legal documents for filing with the Court
• Maintains court calendar; maintains database including opening and closing of files; ensures retention requirements and appeal process
• Greets callers and visitors; handles and processes all incoming agency calls; screens calls and takes messages; directs inquiries to the proper source and answers questions within the context of established policies and procedures
• Types letters, legal documents, reports and a variety of other materials
• Prepares and sends correspondence and form letters on legal matters where instructions are clear and precedence is followed
• Facilitates completion, collection and flow of required forms/documents such as legal documents or notices, purchase orders/requisitions, discovery requests or other forms indigenous to specialized operations
• Performs related work as required

Minimum Training and Experience
Required Education and Experience

• High school diploma (or GED equivalent)

--AND--

• At least three (3) years of experience in responsible legal clerical and secretarial work

--OR--

• Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities

City Attorney's Office - thebackground check requirements outlined below are specific to this position. This position is located at the 61st District Courthouse.
This position requires a background review process that takes approximately six weeks and may include:

• Completion of 60-page personal history packet to provide information and verification of your education, employment, finances, legal history, motor vehicle operation, references, relatives, residency, and autobiography.
• Review and verification of all documents received
• legal, criminal, and financial record reviews
• reference checks (primary, secondary, and tertiary)
• home visit to include neighbors
• In-person interview at the Grand Rapids Police Department

Other Necessary Qualifications
Knowledge of:

• Local rules for courts
• Record retention requirements and archiving
• English grammar, spelling, punctuation
• Legal terminology and court procedures
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment

Skill in:

• Customer service
• Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships
• Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature

Ability to:

• Operate a variety of office equipment and a variety of software
• Proofread, research files and logically organize information
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, court employees and the general public
• Meet schedules and deadlines of the work
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions
• Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
• Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries

Other Information
We offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision starting on Day 1
• 6% employee 401a contribution with employer matching (6% or 7% based on bargaining unit)
• Employee & Employer contributions to Retiree Health Savings Account
• Voluntary benefits such as term life insurance, flexible spending accounts, accidental insurance, disability insurance, and deferred compensation plan options
• Twelve Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time
• Paid parking (if applicable)
• Employee Home Ownership Incentive
• Tuition Reimbursement and professional development opportunities
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program with free mental health counseling
• Comprehensive Wellness program with a health and wellness incentive
• Employee Discounts and Perks

Should an applicant need any disability related accommodation or other consideration in the application or selection process, please notify the human resources department upon submittal of application
The City of Grand Rapids does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
01
Do you have a minimum of a High School diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you have at least 3 years of experience in legal clerical work?

• Yes
• No

03
Please list any legal field specific software or websites you are porficient in using.
04
Check the Microsoft Office products in which you are proficient.

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Outlook
• None

05
Have you ever worked in a municipal setting performing legal administrative work?

• Yes
• No

Required Question