Legal Secretary - Public Defense

Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks, which may be found in positions of this class.

Please review the full position description for additional information.

Provides legal secretarial and office support for the public defender’s office by managing assigned cases, preparing legal documents and files, generating routine correspondence and paperwork, and for maintaining the case tracking databases.   

• Receives, records and prepares new cases, enters all case information on the computer and pulls and files cases set for court hearings to provide information to attorneys. 
• Maintains statistical reports on all cases and referrals and reviews case files to assure timely action or review by court and attorneys. 
• Maintain client database as well as a monthly caseload worksheet for assigned and contracted attorneys.
• Prepares, proofreads, records and files legal documents such as briefs, complaints, affidavits, tickets and subpoenas to ensure accuracy. Takes and transcribes machine dictation and performs basic legal research to assist in case management, such as researching case citations, etc.
• Contacts defendants, victims, witnesses, law enforcement agencies and attorneys in order to obtain information, schedule appointments and assist in completing reports.
• Provide backup support to the Administrative Assistant by answering incoming calls, assisting visitors, taking messages, determining needs, answering general questions and furnishing information regarding established procedures, policies and services.
• Files all incoming case-related documents in the appropriate client file.
• Ensures client files are organized and prepared for use.
• Ensure Public Record Requests received are given to the department Public Records Officer and assists in gathering documents as necessary.
• Ensures confidentiality of all case information.
• Assists attorneys in performing case audits and closing out files as necessary. 
• Assists attorneys with client interaction if necessary.
• Provide backup support to the Administrative Assistant in reception and calendaring duties as needed. 
• Reliable and punctual attendance is required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the Chief Public Defender.

High school diploma or G.E.D. and two years college level coursework and two years legal secretarial experience.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS: 
A valid Washington State drivers’ license.