Legal Assistant I

The Legal Assistant is responsible for providing secretarial support to the Public Defense Attorneys within the Department of Public Defense. Must maintain courteous and cooperative working relationships with administrative and other County personnel, public agencies, and the general public, and work under the guidance of Local/State/Federal regulations and County policies/procedures.

• Serve as initial point of contact for the public in a professional and courteous manner. Answer and route calls to the appropriate staff or department.
• Prepare a variety of legal documents, pleadings, notices, agreements, contracts, and correspondence under the direction of the Defense Attorneys and the Chief Administrator.
• Prepare reports, briefs, and legal documents from hand-written notes, taped, dictation, and computer disk/cd. Ensure documents are consistently prepared and completed in accordance with format rules of the Department of Public Defense.
• Assist in maintaining a library of briefs and research materials for future use by others in the Department of Public Defense.
• Enter all cases received into Case Management Software (unless otherwise instructed) and upload all documents that relate to each case (paperless – electronic files) so that the records are complete and accurate (Internal Software Program) to ensure tracking and logging for annual and internal reports as well as records management.
• File and record legal documents with the appropriate officials and agencies in a timely manner and ensures correct dissemination to appropriate parties.
• Maintain and organize all assigned cases (paper or electronic format). Retrieve materials as necessary.
• Add reminders to attorneys’ calendars with notifications.
• Schedule meetings, make room arrangements, and send out schedule changes and notices.
• Proofread documents and correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, legal terminology and format without altering meaning.
• Process invoices and prepare weekly vouchers and submit to the Auditor’s office for payment.
• Monitor and process records according to the department’s policies and procedures relating to the management of records and the Washington Secretary of State Archives records retention schedules (CORE).
• Prepare paperwork based on job assignments and instruction from attorneys and supervisors as not otherwise provided in this job description.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

• Complete special projects as required.

This job description is a summary of the primary functions and expectations for this position. Additional department-related duties may be assigned as required.

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• 0 – 5 years of experience in a legal office or related setting.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license.
• A criminal history and background check will be performed on qualified candidates.   Convictions may preclude candidates from employment in certain circumstances.  Factors such as relativity to the position, age and time of the offense, seriousness and nature of the violation, and rehabilitation will be taken into account.

Work is generally performed in a high volume office environment with sustained posture in a seated position, prolonged periods of computer operation, and periods of standing; frequent use of standard office equipment; regular interaction with employees and the public; periods of increased activity and exposure to angry or emotional customers; strength to lift, pull, push, and/or carry up to 25 pounds and potentially more with assistance; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and hearing and speech to communicate clearly in person or over the telephone; ability to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch,   ascend/descend stairs,  and reach with arms and legs. Periodic duties may require performance in non-office settings, outdoors, or at a variety of County locations.  

Work is typically performed during standard business hours with some extended shift or weekend and evening work as needed. Regular attendance and punctuality are required. Periodic travel will be required for meetings and/or training opportunities. Must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle in varied weather conditions and levels of daylight.

Kittitas County is an equal opportunity employer. This means that Kittitas County does not discriminate against any employee on the basis of protected class status. All employees will be recruited, selected, trained, promoted, compensated, and if appropriate, disciplined or terminated without regard to race, color, religion or creed, ethnicity, national origin, sex, age (over 40), marital status, pregnancy or maternity, sexual orientation or gender identity, veteran status, use of a guide or service animal, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability (unless based on a bona fide occupational qualification).