Legal Secretary/ Trainee

Do you thrive in a fast-paced office environment?  Do the phrases "detail-oriented" and "multitasking" describe you?  Do you have extremely strong computer skills?  If so, a position as a full-time Legal Secretary Trainee for the Churchill County District Attorney's Office may be the right job for you. (At the hiring authority's discretion, appropriately qualified candidates may be hired as a full Legal Secretary) The District Attorney's Office is committed to prosecuting criminal activity within Churchill County and providing civil legal representation to the County. The office places a strong emphasis on providing high-quality service to the residents of Churchill County.

The duties of the position include gathering and researching information for the preparation of legal documents; applying Nevada Revised Statutes to verify the accuracy of citations in documents; processing a variety of technical and confidential information; setting up and maintaining calendars for attorneys; preparing, filing and indexing legal documents; receiving and screening incoming calls and visitors.

The position requires strong organizational skills as well as keen attention to details.  Strong computer skills are required for this position.

Due to the nature of the information the position handles, the incumbent must be able to maintain strict confidentiality.  The incumbent must also be able to effectively cope with the stress and emotions that come with exposure to evidence and information about various crimes, including violent crimes, sexual crimes, and crimes against children.

Consider the benefits given to you as a County employee! The county pays 100% of the retirement contribution to PERS on your behalf (36.75% over and above your wage, equivalent to $16,100/year). The county pays 100% of the employee-only health insurance premiums (equivalent to $12,800/year). AND you will not have Social Security taken out of your paycheck, which results in an additional 6% take-home pay (equivalent to $2,600/year).  

This position will be required to perform work on the weekend on a rotating on-call basis.

To apply, submit an online application at www.churchillcountynv.gov/careers. Those applications submitted by 11:59 PM on January 5, 2026, will receive first consideration. The position may remain open after that closing date until the position is filled. An eligible list will be generated for this opening and future openings for this position that may occur countywide in the next 12 months.

Distinguishing Characteristics
This is the beginning level in this specialized secretarial series. It is designed to allow an experienced incumbent with either well-developed office administrative or secretarial support skills to learn the terminology, formats and procedures in the legal secretarial field. This class is distinguished from Legal Secretary in that the latter is performing journey-level legal support after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency.

This job description indicates, in general, the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions (as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act) expected of the incumbent.  It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent.  Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.

• Demonstrates regular, reliable and punctual attendance.
• Drafts pleadings, subpoenas, briefs, contracts, ordinances and other legal documents and correspondence, memoranda and reports from stenographic notes, brief instructions, dictated tapes or printed materials.
• Calendars and schedules court dates, meetings and appointments for attorneys; files or arranges for the filing of legal briefs and other necessary paperwork with the court.
• Receives and screens visitors and telephone calls, providing information regarding the particular area of assignment, which may require the use of judgment and interpretation of policies and procedures or taking messages or referring the caller to the proper attorney.
• Processes a variety of legal agreements, contracts, etc., following attorney's instructions.
• Researches and compiles a variety of informational materials.
• Types drafts and a wide variety of finished documents, including both general and legal-related correspondence and documents; uses a computer for word processing and to input or retrieve data and prepare reports.
• Initiates specified correspondence independently for signature by appropriate staff; reviews finished materials for completeness, accuracy, format, compliance with policies and procedures, and appropriate English language.
• Organizes and maintains chronological and other files. Relieves attorneys of certain administrative matters by following up on projects, transmitting information, keeping informed of pertinent activities, and scheduling and arranging for meetings.
• Organizes own work, sets priorities and meets critical deadlines.
• Provides a variety of general secretarial and office administrative assistance.
• Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the department's service to its customers by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active member of a work team. Represents the County with dignity, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation in all relationships with staff and the public.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
 
Education and Experience
High School Diploma/GED; AND two (2) years of administrative support experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Bilingual ability in Spanish/English is a plus.
 
Required Knowledge and Skills
Knowledge of:

• Computer applications involving word processing, data entry and/or standard report generation.
• Business arithmetic; office administrative practices and procedures.
• Record keeping principles and practices.
• Correct business English, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Legal office terminology, processes, procedures and the format for legal documents.
• Techniques for dealing with the public, in person and over the telephone, often where relations may be confrontational or strained.

• Drafting pleadings and other legal documents from stenographic notes, brief instructions, dictated tapes or printed information.
• Providing varied and responsible legal secretarial and office administrative assistance to one or more attorneys and/or associated staff.
• Using applicable legal office terminology, forms, documents and procedures in the course of the work.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Organizing, prioritizing and coordinating work activities and meeting critical deadlines.
• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities.
• Organizing, managing and monitoring cases and maintaining accurate files, records and statistics.
• Using applicable legal office terminology, forms, documents and procedures in the course of the work.
• Dealing successfully with a variety of individuals from various socioeconomic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the telephone, often where relations may be confrontational or strained.

• Notary Public in the State of Nevada or the ability to obtain one.
• Nevada Driver's License.

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
Mobility to work in a typical office setting and use standard office equipment, stamina to sit for extended periods of time; strength and agility to lift and carry up to 20 pounds; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone.

Conditions of Employment

1. Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.
2. New employees are required to submit to a background investigation and if hired for a safety-sensitive position, a drug/alcohol screen.  Employment is contingent upon passing the background and the drug/alcohol screen (if applicable). 
3. Churchill County participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS, with information from each applicant's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.  All candidates who are offered employment must complete Section 1 of the Form I-9 along with the required proof of their right to work in the United States and proof of their identity prior to starting employment.  Please be prepared to provide required documentation as soon as possible after the job offer is made.