Legal Assistant - Non Merit

This job posting may close at any time. Applicants are advised to apply promptly.

 Regular Schedule: 34 hours per week

A Non-Merit vacancy exists in the Office of Law.

Non-Merit positions are not classified within the Baltimore County Government Classification and Compensation Plan.

A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below.

Current and future vacancies occurring in any Office or Department of Baltimore County General Government may be filled from the list of eligible applicants.

All interested candidates must apply at this time.  

List all promotions and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experiences on your application.  Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.

Note:  Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application will result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications for a position. Applicants selected for an interview may provide a resume at that time.

You can attach your transcript(s) or license(s) to your application.

Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.  

General Overview

Under general supervision of the County Attorney, Deputy County Attorney, Office Manager or designee(s), assists with litigation, operational, transactional and administrative matters concerning Baltimore County government.

Essential Job Functions

• Produces reports, correspondence, bills, legal opinions, deeds, contracts, affidavits, pleadings, motions, depositions, demurrers, briefs, manuscripts, or other legal documents. Prepares, drafts and processes some legal documents, following the cases through court procedures or administrative settlements. Checks legal references and proofreads legal documents. 
• Welcomes guests and clients by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries.  
• Produces information by transcribing, formatting, inputting, editing, retrieving, copying, and transmitting text, data, and graphics; coordinating case preparation.  
• Conserves attorneys time by reading, researching, reviewing, verifying, and routing correspondence, reports and legal documents; drafting letters and documents; collecting and analyzing information; initiating telecommunications; organizing client conferences, and attorney meetings; scheduling couriers, court reporters, expert witnesses, and other special functions; coordinating preparation of charts, graphs, and other courtroom visuals; preparing expense reports.  
• Maintains attorney calendar by planning and scheduling conferences, teleconferences, dispositions, and travel; recording and monitoring court appearance dates, pleadings, and filing requirements; monitoring evidence-gathering; anticipating changes in litigation or transaction preparation requirements.   
• Accurately file documents with the court ahead of deadlines
• Schedule court depositions, hearings, and other meetings
• Represents attorney by communicating and obtaining information; following-up on delegated assignments; knowing when to act and when to refer matters to attorney.   
• Maintains client confidence by keeping client/attorney information confidential. Provides historical reference by developing and utilizing filing and retrieval systems; recording meeting discussions; maintaining transcripts; documenting and maintaining evidence. Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products.   
• Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.  
• Process third party and vendor invoices.
• May act as clerk in court. May prepare case histories for cases being brought into court. May train or coordinate the work of other secretarial or clerical personnel. May perform receptionist duties. 
• Performs other related duties as required.

Other Job Functions

• Thorough knowledge of legal terminology, forms, methods, and procedures. Thorough knowledge of modern office practices and procedures. Thorough knowledge of English spelling and grammar, and arithmetic.
• Skill in operating office equipment and machinery as listed in essential duties.
• Ability to use automated office systems.
• Ability to compose simple letters and memos. 
• Ability to set up and maintain filing systems.
• Ability to take verbatim notes. 
• Ability to transcribe material from sound recordings. 
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. 
• Ability to type from plain copy at a rate equivalent to 45 WPM
• Ability to establish and maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with others (inside and outside the Law Department).
• Ability to maintain professionalism under pressure.
• A strong sense of ownership of tasks and responsibilities.
• Strong interpersonal skills required to work with the public and various agencies.
• Strong technology skills, including the ability to coordinate and conduct electronic discovery, as well as proficiency with Microsoft Office software and legal research platforms such as Westlaw.

 (NOTE: The duties and responsibilities listed above are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications for all positions in this class. They may not include all of the essential job functions of each position in the class. Each position may not be required to perform all of the essential job functions listed.)

Training and Experience 
Possession of a high school diploma or an appropriate equivalent

plus 

Two years' experience in legal secretarial, legal stenographic, or closely related work, or graduation from an accredited college or university with an A.A. degree in legal secretarial training. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education.)
 
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Full Performance)
Thorough knowledge of County and departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures governing performance of duties.
 
Skill in using automated office systems. Skill in composing simple letters and memos. Skill in setting up and maintaining filing systems. Skill in taking verbatim notes and in transcribing material from sound recordings.
 
Ability to summarize information. Ability to complete tasks in accordance with established guidelines and deadlines. Ability to work independently. Ability to assign and review the work of others.

Proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education
Applicants are required to submit proof of licenses, certifications and education beyond high school to meet the required and preferred qualifications of the position. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant's major field of study.

Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.

Proof of Degree Equivalency
Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from World Education Services, Inc. (www.WES.org)

Mail or deliver documents to:
ATTN:  Legal Assistant - Law - Non-Merit
Office of Human Resources
Baltimore County Government
308 Allegheny Avenue
Towson, MD 21204

You MUST attach your transcript(s) or license(s) to your application.

EXAMINATION PROCEDURE
Applicants will be qualified based on an evaluation of their training and experience, as stated on their application, which includes answers to the supplemental questions.  Applicants must state the dates and duties of past and present experience clearly and completely for evaluation purposes.

Employment Background Investigation
Applicants selected for an appointment to a position in Baltimore County must successfully complete an employment background investigation, including, but not limited to a criminal background, education, and fingerprint check.