Legal Assistant 3 - Legal Processing Counter

Why It's a Great Opportunity:

Are you ready to lead with empathy and precision in a fast-paced legal environment? As a Legal Assistant 3, you'll play a key role in guiding individuals through complex court processes, which include providing information on court procedures, starting new cases, and assisting in scheduling court dates. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, communicates with clarity and empathy, and enjoys helping others navigate challenging legal processes with confidence and care.

Why It's a Great Department: 

The Clerk of the Superior Court plays a vital administrative role in the justice system, ensuring accurate and secure maintenance of all case records filed within the Superior Court. As a cornerstone of public service, we help individuals navigate unfamiliar legal processes with clarity, compassion, and respect. Our commitment is to provide a safe and supportive environment for all county residents during some of life’s most challenging moments.

Learn more about our mission and services by visiting the Clerk of the Superior Court website.

How to be Successful in the Role: 

Success as a Legal Assistant 3 in the Clerk of Superior Court comes from delivering exceptional customer service in a fast-paced, public-facing environment. You will serve as a knowledgeable and professional resource for the public, attorneys, and court staff, providing accurate information, processing complex legal documents, and ensuring each interaction reflects patience, respect, and efficiency. Candidates who are fluent in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) will thrive in this environment.

Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm and courteous under pressure are essential. You’ll use sound judgment to navigate sensitive or emotionally charged situations while maintaining professionalism and upholding court standards. Those who take pride in helping others, handle high volumes of inquiries with accuracy, and demonstrate empathy and understanding toward individuals from diverse backgrounds will thrive in this role.

Your Future in this Role: 

Your work as a Legal Assistant 3 will make a meaningful difference in the community by ensuring the public receives accurate, timely, and compassionate service. This role also serves as an excellent foundation for future growth within the Clerk of Superior Court and Pierce County. With opportunities for cross-training and skill development across multiple areas of the Clerk’s Office, you’ll gain valuable experience that prepares you for broader responsibilities and career advancement. This position is more than a job; it’s the start of a rewarding and impactful career in public service.

Core Daily Responsibilities:

• Perform counter and/or phone work providing information to the public, advising self-represented parties and attorneys regarding the status of cases and legal procedures while maintaining security and confidentiality. May deal with sensitive and/or potentially volatile situations.
• Makes certified copies of legal documents.
• Maintain legal files and case controls; extract information from files, prepare legal forms and papers; prepare and review files.
• Provide task supervision over workers in a department section of the unit. Make work assignments, oversee the performance of assigned jobs, and provide technical assistance as needed.  

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.

• Two or more years of progressive, responsible experience as a legal assistant, legal secretary, or related legal staff support function.
• Other education or experience that clearly indicates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position may substitute for the recruiting requirements.
• Submit a current resume with your application. Applications without a resume will be considered incomplete.

Preferred Qualification:

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed on a case-by-case basis and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

To be considered for this opportunity, please:

• Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to:   www.piercecountywa.org/jobs. 
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and specify the Job Number and Title. 
• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480 at least two days prior to the need.  

This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes, which may include assessments, phone screens, and interviews.

At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion mean commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have a local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a place people are proud to call home?

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.