Legal Assistant (TLT/SDA)

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES include but are not limited to the following:

Administrative Support  

• Performs a wide range of advanced administrative duties, both in the office and remotely, and word processing of complex and/or confidential materials, requiring independent judgment, initiative, and timeliness on assignments that are sensitive in nature in accordance with department procedures. 
  • Identifies, in both initial and follow up discovery, prior division involvement with individuals listed/present in discovery and pass on detailed descriptions of those prior involvements to attorney or attorney supervisor for conflict analysis. 
  • Opens and distributes cases to assigned attorneys. 
  • Maintains Master Court Calendar with supervisor and attorney supervisor. 
  • Verifies monthly reports, close client case files and process closed files daily. 
  • Obtains criminal history information from jails or prisons via telephone, email, or regular mail.  
• Maintains professional and accurate records, both in the office and remotely, including confidential reports and information, both in electronic and written format within established deadlines and in accordance with department procedures. 
  • Accurately docket and enter case assignment information, following case management system docketing work procedures. 
  • Process debits and credits daily into case management system.  
  • Request case credit and assignments from the Director's Office. 

• Provide excellent customer service, both in the office and remotely, as the first line of contact with DPD clients.  
  • Demonstrates the ability to be onsite at the work locations at least three days a week in any of DPD’s office locations (Seattle and Kent). Location assignments are changeable; work location may include more than one office location over the course of a week and may change over the course of employment. 
  • Demonstrates and practices cultural sensitivity when engaging a diverse population. 
  • Uses professional communication skills and demonstrates empathy with DPD’s clients many of whom suffer from trauma and/or mental illness, via the phone and in-person. 
  • Reliably answers and returns calls, providing the DPD community authentic support and demonstrating a willingness to assist them. 
  • Monitors and responds to voicemail and email messages. 
  • Greets clients and visitors upon arrival to the office, ensuring guests are comfortable and are connected with the correct office personnel. 
  • Provides clear and reassuring communication to DPD clients. 

• Request discovery from other agencies. 
• Review case assignments with the attorney supervisor. 
• Organize office supplies. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Have demonstrated experience as an office or administrative assistant. Prior work in a legal setting and criminal legal system is a plus. 
• Must be able to lift/move up to 20-pound boxes. 
• Must have a valid Washington State Driver's License or ability to travel to required destinations around King County. 

• Spelling, grammar, and vocabulary skills. 
• Advanced office equipment and software programs. 
• Legal procedures, work methods, court rules, and applicable laws. 

• Provide excellent customer service, including communicating with people of diverse backgrounds, who may be experiencing stress, trauma, and/or suffering from mental illness. 
• Use office productivity tools such as Microsoft Office 365 (Excel, Word, and Outlook) document management, and Internet search engines. 
• Apply procedures, policies, and guidelines. 
• Adapt to ever changing work needs and requirements. 
• Learn new and/or increasing complex duties. 
• Work in a fast-paced, and multifaceted environment with high attention to detail.

• Have lived experience involving the criminal legal system. 
• Knowledge of Superior Court Management Information System (SCOMIS), Judicial Information System (JIS), and Electronic Case Records (ECR). 
• Fluency in a foreign language.

At King County, our work is guided by our True North and values. Our True North is what we aspire to: Making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. 



King County offers great benefits, to include a pension plan, holidays, transit pass, plus training and education opportunities to promote growth and development. Our focus is to provide our employees with work life balance.

ARE YOU READY TO APPLY? 
This opportunity to join DPD is open to all applicants. Please apply at www.kingcounty.gov/careers.

To be considered for this role submit the following items:

• Completed King County application.
• A current resume.
• Cover letter detailing your background and what you can bring to the Department of Public Defense

• Dexter Horton Building, 710 Second Avenue, Seattle 
• Jefferson Street Building, 1401 East Jefferson, Seattle  
• Meeker Street Building, 420 West Harrison Street, Kent