Basic Job Purpose/Function

Legal Administrative Assistant I or II - Clerk's Office - Goldendale, WA - Full-time, Non Exempt - Grade 35, Steps 1-3, $ 19.66- $20.83/Hr or Grade 36, Steps 1-3, $20.81 - $22.07 03/22/2024-1st review. Open until filled.

Legal Administrative Assistant I

• Performs specialized legal administrative support for the County Clerk’s office, Prosecuting Attorney’s office, or District or Superior Courts. Typical duties include entering data, researching legal or criminal records, preparing or processing documents, taking notes, receiving fines, answering inquiries about legal processes, and other related clerical or accounting responsibilities for the assigned work area.

Legal Administrative Assistant II

Performs technically difficult legal administrative support for the County Clerk’s office, Prosecuting Attorney’s office, or District or Superior Courts. Typical duties include drafting basic legal pleadings and motions, performing legal research, entering data, preparing or processing legal documents, taking notes, receiving fines, answering inquiries about legal processes, and other related responsibilities for the assigned work area.

Essential Job Duties

Legal Administrative Assistant I

• Prepares legal or court documents and correspondence from rough draft, verbal instruction or machine recordings using a word processor. Types various forms and notices. Drafts legal documents or routine correspondence for approval; proofreads and edits drafts. Follows applicable rules and procedures in preparing documents.
• Enters legal, accounting, or payroll information into databases and ensures accuracy of records. Compiles data for reports as directed.
• Responds to telephone inquiries, or greets and assists the public at the counter. Provides general or specific information within scope of authority from knowledge of established procedures and policies, or applicable laws, rules or regulations.
• Reviews legal documents or case files, and initiates further procedures as required. Advises legal staff of any discrepancies or missing information in documentation.
• Processes and tracks legal documents and cases. Verifies documents, and obtains additional reports or records as required. Monitors exhibits and evidence, and obtains proper clearance before released.
• Arranges payment schedules for fines or judgments according to established procedures. Monitors payments and takes appropriate action for delinquent accounts.
• Receives and posts payments, adjusts or corrects fees, prepares bank deposits, reconciles accounts, and performs other bookkeeping or accounting functions within assigned department.
• Assists with scheduling of appointments and calendars for various types of cases. Coordinates dates or actions with applicable departments. Records or takes notes of proceedings.
• Establishes, updates, and closes files as appropriate. Releases information in accordance with state guidelines. Maintains sensitive and confidential information.
• Assists with selection and training of jury members
• Opens, sorts and distributes mail; photocopies or scans documents.

Legal Administrative Assistant II

• Performs complex legal secretarial and administrative support tasks for assigned area. Drafts basic legal pleadings, specialized motions, subpoenas, or other documents for review according to established guidelines.
• Prepares various legal or other department documents and correspondence from rough draft, verbal instruction or machine recordings using a word processor. Types various forms and notices. Follows applicable rules and procedures in preparing documents.
• Receives and follows up on court action items within assigned scope of authority.
• Develops documentation management controls, templates and procedures for use by other Legal Assistants.
• Arranges depositions, court reporters, witness appearances, jury selections, and other activities necessary for trial or court appearance.
• Assists with technical research and analysis, conducts public records searches, or performs other legal research as needed.
• Responds to records requests by providing necessary information.
• Reviews legal documents or case files, and advises legal staff of any discrepancies or missing information in documentation.
• Advises staff of changes to legal rules and forms, and modifies current forms or creates new forms to implement required changes.
• Answers calls, or greets and assists the public at the counter. Provides general or specific information within scope of authority from knowledge of established procedures and policies, or applicable laws, rules or regulations.
• Arranges payment schedules for fines or judgments according to established procedures. Monitors payments and takes appropriate action for delinquent accounts.
• Assists with scheduling of appointments and calendars for various types of cases. Coordinates dates or actions with applicable departments. Records or takes notes of proceedings.
• Establishes, updates, and closes files as appropriate. Releases information in accordance with state guidelines. Maintains sensitive and confidential case information.

Requirements/Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques and related tools/equipment to accomplish the basic function of this position, including any safety and/or legal requirements. This may, but not necessarily, include specialized skills.
• Basic knowledge of legal terminology and court rules and procedures.
• Ability to multi-task, maintain confidentiality, and exercise discretion and judgment to resolve routine problems.
• Knowledge and ability to use standard office software programs including email, word processing, accounting, and/or specialized database applications.
• Knowledge and ability to operate standard office equipment including a personal computer, telephone, facsimile machine, photocopier, or other equipment required for the position.
• Ability to use tact and discretion when dealing with difficult individuals or sensitive situations.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques for legal research and investigation

• Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the applicant with the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform this job. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

High school diploma or GED and two to four years of progressively responsible legal secretarial or related experience

Licenses, Certificates and Other Requirements

Valid state driver’s license in state of residence.

Specific positions may require specialized training or certification.