Legal Assistant

The Legal Assistant coordinates and performs legal secretarial and office management duties in the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney; coordinates and provides legal assistant services to the Mayor and City Council, Municipal Court, departments, boards, and commissions; and guides and facilitates the department’s network and computerized data functions.

Prepares initial documents related to criminal and civil cases; reviews all municipal court cases, compiles reports and determines necessary witnesses; prepares most pretrial documents on own initiative for review by attorneys. 

Communicates with witnesses, police, other attorneys and defendants as needed;  communicates and coordinates with court personnel, city departments, public defenders and other individuals in matters related to criminal cases.  

Organizes case information, prepares and maintains criminal files; tracks case dispositions and maintains records including accident reports, citations, police reports, subpoenas, officer court schedules, evidence releases upon Order, revocations, discovery, drug forfeiture hearings, abatements and court forms.

Types opinions, contracts, deeds affidavits, briefs and other legal documents requested by attorneys.

Maintains small legal office library and assists City staff in researching questions.

Formulates correspondence concerning matters of judgment and interpretation (as opposed to fact and procedure); frequently selects ideas as well as language to convey desired meaning; types confidential and business correspondence.  Acts, within general limits, for supervisor in his or her absence.

Receives and screens incoming calls and visitors; provides information and assistance to the public, public officials, groups and agencies regarding municipal ordinances and court-related activities.

Receives and routes incoming mail; reviews outgoing mail prepared by others for form, content and agreement with policies.

Maintains budget and records to provide accurate information on department accounts; orders supplies and prepares vouchers for payment of bills incurred by department.

Maintains departmental filing system and personnel and payroll records;  organizes and maintains all electronic and hard copy  files, records and forms.

Updates  and evaluates office procedures,  networks and computerized systems, technical filing, index systems and forms; implements changes subject to general approval of supervisor.

Keeps calendar of events and keeps attorneys informed of significant and important items requiring their review or action; makes appointments, arranges for transportation, accommodations and   conferences.

Performs other related duties as required.

Knowledge of:  

Washington State codes and principles (criminal law, municipal law, public administration; Public Records Act; etc.); legal terminology, forms and publications; law office management principles and procedures, including Rules of Professional Conduct; law library use and maintenance; Washington State court rules and deadlines; legal research and legal writing; real property procedures including foreclosures and liens; business letter writing; correct punctuation, spelling and rules of grammar; sources for checking legal citations; processing requirements and procedures for public documents.

Ability to:   

Maintain calm and professional demeanor in high-pressure interpersonal interactions; research and prepare legal reports and correspondence independently; learn, apply and interpret laws, legal documents, ordinances, policies and procedures;  understand and follow written and oral instructions; use good judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions; maintain confidentiality of sensitive and confidential materials;  maintain effective public relations and interact positively and effectively with diverse individuals using tact, patience and courtesy; organize physical space and coordinate scheduling to avoid conflicts; keyboard  rapidly and accurately; and, conduct administrative work of Corporation Counsel to assure timely and efficient office operations.    

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Experience, education, or training which provides the level of knowledge, skill and ability equivalent to:

• High school degree or GED and two years of college (criminal justice, business, paralegal courses preferred), and
• Five years legal or administrative professional experience in a court or legal office, which included high level customer service response.  

Resume and Cover Letter are required