Legal Assistant, Torts Section | Civil Division

With more than 200 attorneys and professional staff, the Seattle City Attorney’s Office is one of the largest law offices in Seattle and the state's third-largest public law office. Our office is committed to making Seattle a safe, healthy, empowered, and thriving community for everyone. We strive to address historical injustices within the court system with self-examination and to pursue justice in Seattle with integrity, creativity, and fairness. We believe working transparently, innovatively, and in collaboration with our partners in the community is necessary to achieve outcomes that promote equity, accountability, and healing.

The Torts Section of the Seattle City Attorney's Office (CAO) is looking for an experienced legal assistant. This position will provide administrative support to litigation attorneys who represent the City in State and Federal court and advise City departments on matters relating to personal injury, property damage, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Civil Rights, and a variety of other subjects.

Legal assistants are part of a dynamic team of problem solvers. The pace of work is generally deadline-driven. The Torts Section takes a collaborative, team-oriented approach and seeks to build effective and lasting relationships with City departments and their leadership. Legal assistants are critical to this professional philosophy and are valued members of our enthusiastic and experienced team. Legal assistants in the sections are asked to think creatively and strategically.

Legal assistants apply their knowledge of legal terminology, legal and regulatory procedures, proper formatting of documents, electronic filing systems, and general office practices in their daily work.  That work requires them to be highly skilled in using Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Outlook, and Excel.  The City Attorney’s Office heavily relies on electronic storage and filing.  Legal assistants serve a critical role in these processes.  

The CAO offers a generous benefits program which includes health benefits, life insurance, paid leave benefits, paid parental and family leave, and the opportunity to participate in a defined benefit retirement program.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Preparation of court documents for service and filing
• Word processing, including proofreading and editing
• Managing litigation and client advice files, including electronic files
• Using a variety of applications for litigation support
• Assisting with attorney calendars
• Coordinating and arranging meetings
• Learning and using new databases and software as needed
• Tracking case assignments and deadlines

Legal assistants must regularly apply their knowledge of legal terminology, legal and regulatory procedures, proper formatting of documents, electronic filing systems, and general office practices in their daily work.

The City Attorney's Office's use of electronic storage and filing is increasing. Legal assistants serve a crucial role in enabling this process and providing support to attorneys and paralegals. The City Attorney's Office is committed to integrating the City of Seattle's Race and Social Justice Initiative into both the work provided to clients as well as within the organization. The person hired to fill this role will need to have the ability to be an active participant in these efforts.

The successful candidate will have demonstrated the ability to effectively perform litigation support, including:

• Working on multiple projects simultaneously
• Providing timely products with great attention to detail
• Working collaboratively with other team members
• Representing CAO professionally and ethically at all times
• Professionally interacting with both employees and outside contacts
• Working independently, with excellent judgment and initiative
• Using a variety of software packages for litigation support, calendaring, and email archiving
• Maintaining a records database

The successful candidate will also have:

• This position requires two years of post-secondary course work in legal secretarial or business skills and one year of litigation support work demonstrating familiarity with legal form, terminology, and documents or a combination of education, training and/or experience which provides evidence of the ability to perform the needed work of the class.
• Comprehensive knowledge of legal terminology, legal procedures, court calendaring practices, court e-filing programs, and court rules
• Expertise in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and other applications.

Application Process – For your application to be accepted you must:

• Complete the online City Application.
• Attach a resume detailing your relevant experience.
• Attach a cover letter describing your interest in the position.

Application Submission Guidelines—All applicants must apply on or before the closing date indicated on the job posting. Applicant inquiries received via email and websites such as Indeed, etc., will not be considered unless the individual has applied to the available position via the Government Jobs site.

The required documents listed in the above "Application Process" section must be attached to the application prior to the job closing date indicated to ensure full consideration for the application submitted.  Please contact the Office of Human Resources on or before the closing date indicated above at Law_HR@Seattle.gov should you need assistance with the online application process.

Race and Social Justice Initiative – The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.

Compensation and Benefits – This position is part of a stepped salary program with an initial Step 1 placement ($33.71/hour). Full Range: $70,386.48 - $78,968.16.  Advanced initial step placement may be considered under limited circumstances, but step salaries are not subject to negotiation.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, 12 official holidays and 2 floating holidays, sick, and paid parental leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees. City Attorney’s Office employees also have the opportunity to participate in a defined benefits retirement program. More information about benefits can be found at https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans. 

Workplace Environment – The Seattle City Attorney’s Office has implemented an Alternative Work Arrangements Policy.  Employees will have the option to work a hybrid schedule (2 days in office, 3 days remote).  This is subject to change as circumstances and business needs dictate.

Who may apply – This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications.  The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy.  The Seattle City Attorney's Office encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.