Legal Clerk I/II/III

General Recruitment Information:

This recruitment will establish a list of candidates to be used in filling the vacancy as well as an eligibility list that may be used for future vacancies or temporary help for up to one (1) year.

Job Opportunity:

Only online applications are accepted. It is the responsibility of each applicant to review the full job description and requirements. Resumes are encouraged, but will not be accepted in lieu of required application materials. Applications which are incomplete as of the final date to apply will be eliminated from consideration. Candidates who meet all the minimum qualifications may be invited to an oral interview. 

Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities may be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

• Legal Clerk I: Graduation from high school or equivalent education with experience in responsible office and administrative support work.
• Legal Clerk II: Graduation from high school or equivalent education supplemented with college course work in a related field; A minimum of one (1) year experience in responsible clerical work, preferably with the use of legal terminology and court procedures. This work consists of varied and complex clerical and legal duties at a journeyman level.
• Legal Clerk III: Graduation from high school supplemented with college course work in a legal related field, three (3) years experience in a legal setting including some experience in direction or supervision of clerical personnel, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge of:

• Legal terminology, statutory time limits, and procedures.
•  English grammar, spelling and punctuation.
•  Modern office methods, procedures, equipment and practices.
• In addition, level III knowledge of:
  • English grammar, spelling, punctuation and composition at a level used in complex legal writing and editing.

Ability to: 

• Type legal documents rapidly and accurately at a rate sufficient to perform duties satisfactorily (45 WPM minimum).
• Learn, interpret and apply policies, laws, rules and regulations for an operational unit.
• Perform responsible legal clerical work with speed, accuracy and confidentiality.
• Prioritize work to meet statutory time limits pertaining to cases.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with legal and judicial personnel, outside agencies, fellow workers and the general public.
• Communicate effectively in oral and written form.
• In addition, level III abilities:
  • Respond to the support needs of the administrative staff.
  • Assume responsibility for managing the procedural activities of the office and/or departmental units.
  • Apply rules, regulations and legal procedures in making independent determination on the best possible resolution to office directed problems or situations.
  • Type legal documents rapidly and accurately at a rate sufficient to perform duties satisfactorily (55-60 WPM minimum).
  • Prioritize and direct the work of others to meet statutory time limits pertaining to cases.
  • Oversee and maintain case files, reports, documents and various materials.
  • Compose and/or process complex legal documents and/or letters.

Selection Process:

The County of Del Norte does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, gender, age, sexual preference, or disability in any of its programs, activities, or hiring practices.  All applications will be reviewed and those individuals with backgrounds most closely meeting the needs of the county will be selected for further review.  In the event of a large number of qualifying applicants, a written examination may be given to determine which applicants will be invited to attend an oral interview.  An eligibility list will be established upon completion of the oral interviews.  Expenses (i.e. travel, food, lodging) incurred in connection with the interview shall be the burden of the applicant.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if special accommodations are necessary at any stage of the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Office prior to the interview/examination so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Condition of Employment:

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, Del Norte County is required to verify, within three days of employment of any person, that he/she is: 1) a citizen or national of the United States; 2) an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence or authorized by the Immigration and Naturalization Service to work in the United States.

Disaster Service Workers: All County of Del Norte employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through State law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County of Del Norte requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect.  Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Work related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Del Norte County is an equal opportunity employer hiring employment eligible applicants. Disabled applicants who require special testing arrangements should contact the Human Resources Department prior to the filing deadline. In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, applicants must provide acceptable proof of identity or authorization to work in the United States. A thorough background investigation will be conducted prior to employment.  The investigation may include reference checks, fingerprinting, credit check, driver history and inquiry to local, state and federal files to obtain criminal history information.  All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the selection process. Selection processes may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following:  application review, competitive screening, written examination, performance examination, and/or oral examination. This bulletin is solely for the purpose of announcing a job opening.  It does not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, and any provisions contained herein may be modified or revised without notice.