Legal Assistant 1

This position performs a variety of technical legal administrative functions to assist in the effective operations of the  Grays Harbor County Prosecuting Attorney's Office; provides legal support to assigned attorneys; prepares and files legal documents; creates and maintains case files; performing legal research; drafts and edits various legal documents; and screens calls of assigned attorneys.

1. Transcribes, prepares or drafts correspondence, legal briefs, pleadings, charging information, complaints, orders, court orders, affidavits, notices of appearance, motions, notices of infraction, summonses, warrants, subpoenas, and all other types of legal documents and correspondence, utilizing existing case management system or Word documents.
2. Creates, updates, maintains, and retrieves case files for area of assignment; reviews case files and court rules to assure timely action or review by attorney; and initiates preparation of appropriate documents and pleadings at each stage of case progress.
3. Organizes, assembles, and maintains other attorneys' files and records, including correspondence, opinion, information and research files.
4. Contacts victims, witnesses, law enforcement agencies and attorneys to obtain or relay information, schedule appointments, assist in completing documents, and other tasks as deemed necessary.
5. Receives and directs incoming calls and visitors, takes messages, determines needs, answers general questions and furnishes information regarding established procedures, policies and services.
6. Assists with office operations such as opening and distributing mail, filing paperwork, maintaining office files and case management system, and ensuring a smooth flow of work through the office.
7. Archives records according to established retention schedule, including the packaging and transport of office files to appropriate storage.  
8. Perform a wide range of other clerical duties to support the operations and administration of cases and department's functions including copying, faxing, scanning, emailing, performing intake, and such other tasks or special projects as are necessary for the proper management of office caseloads.
    

Minimum Qualifications:

1. High school diploma or GED.
2. At least two (2) years' experience as a legal secretary in a legal office or prosecuting attorney's office or completion of a legal assistant program and one(1) year legal assistant experience or a combination of legal field education and extensive demonstrable experience as a legal secretary or related field that would ensure the effective performance of the duties of this position.
3. A valid Washington State driver's license and acceptable driving record.
4. Must be bondable.                                                          

• Demonstrated knowledge of the criminal justice system, civil process, legal process, the form and preparation of legal documents and legal terminology.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze facts, compose initial drafts of documents and pleadings, interview witnesses and prepare statements or declarations relating to interviews.
• Demonstrated ability to work cases in a timely manner, with little to no monitoring.  
• Demonstrated ability to type at least 60 words per minute.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize work to meet established deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Demonstrated ability to read, write and communicate proficiently.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, public officials and the general public, being courteous, polite and tactful.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to deal with individuals who are under emotional stress.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion over sensitive or confidential issues related to cases and department's business.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check.
• Demonstrated skill in interpersonal and customer service skills to deal courteously with the public, county employees and agencies requiring services.
• Demonstrated skill in the use of Microsoft Office programs including Word and Excel.
• Demonstrated skill in the use of standard office machines and equipment.
• Demonstrated skill in attention to detail and accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality of the caseloads and work of the office, discussing the same only with appropriate parties. 

APPLICANTS FOR THE POSITION ARE REQUIRED, AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION, TO SUBSTANTIATE THEIR ABILITY TO ACCURATELY TYPE AT LEAST 60 WORDS PER MINUTE.

This position is equivalent with other legal secretarial positions in private law offices in terms of the nature of the work done and skills required.