Legal Assistant II (Public Defender)

**NOTE*** To be considered for this position, please apply at the Skagit County Job Opportunity site:

http://agency.governmentjobs.com/skagitwa/default.cfm

Summary

Under direct supervision of management, this position is responsible for providing complex legal support to assigned attorneys in the Skagit County Public Defender’s office. This position requires specialized legal knowledge and the ability to exercise considerable independent judgement in routine administrative matters and other matter of similar complexity. This position acts as a liaison between the client and attorney and also provides assistance to the general public.

- NOTE: Opening is for Legal Assistant II only.

- You must attach a resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.
- Premium pay of $100-$200 additional per month may be provided for Public Defender Legal Assistants who are able to provide interpreter services as a function of their job position. Spanish speaking abilities strongly desired.

Salary upon hire for a Legal Assistant II is step 1 - 3 ($27.60/hr. - $29.52/hr.), dependent upon qualifications.

Progressive increases are based upon years of service with Skagit County, up to 8 total steps (top step is $35.08/hr.). The Legal Assistant II is Range 12 of the AFSCME PD Support salary schedule.

Essential Functions

• Represent the office in a professional capacity, including frequent interaction with the public, both over the telephone and in-person.
• Assumes confidentiality in all matters.
• Process incoming referrals, sets up files, prepare pleadings and correspondence, draft and file legal forms and pleadings, schedule and calendar appointments or court appearances, screen in-coming phone calls and assist as able, maintaining case files entry of data and updates in various database systems, organization and maintenance of discovery and archiving of closed files in accordance with the file storage and record retention policies.
• Prepares, organizes and maintains case files from commencement to closure. Types and files legal documents and correspondence, including but not limited to: briefs, pleadings, orders, affidavits, subpoenas, jury instructions and other legal documents from verbal, written or standing instruction.
• Processes legal documents after each court date and completes related tasks as requested by attorney.
• Inputs, retrieves and modifies client and case data stored in computerized database system; assisting other uses with problems associated with system or program as requested.
• Serves as liaison between their assigned attorneys and clients, prosecutors, other county staff, experts, parents, the public and other legal professionals.
• May interpret for Spanish speaking clients, parents or other involved parties, if able. This includes: client appointments, interviews, phone calls, discussions before or after court and/or assistance in the Juvenile Detention or Skagit County Community Justice Center.
• Prints and highlights weekly court calendars, ensuring all the files are accounted for and all necessary paperwork is in each file prior to court.
• Screens, relays and responds to a wide variety of requests for information and/or voicemail messages from clients. Explains a variety of policies and procedures regarding services to the public, clients and other staff members. Schedules attorney appointments and manages attorney’s calendar.
• Utilizes both internal and external databases and other legal resources to conduct research relating to cases, including ascertaining the nature of involved parties and a person’s role in the particular matter, then gathering the necessary documents for management to determine if the case is a conflict and/or needs to be re-assigned.
• Perform receptionist duties when needed, managing a multi-line phone, distributing in-coming faxes, opening, date stamping, sorting and distributing incoming mail quickly and accurately, and assisting the general public in-person or over the phone by answering a variety of questions and taking detailed messages when attorney’s legal advice and/or feedback is required. Often interacts with distraught or mentally ill individuals, de-escalating situations to the best of their ability.
• May be assigned to respond to public disclosure requests, assist with transcription requests and distribute when completed, assist with the conversion of audio or video discovery that is not otherwise supported on the County network, run errands and deliver interoffice mail, or assist with or other duties as assigned.
• Consistently contribute to the department through work product and by communicating and collaborating in a manner that enhances individual and team productivity. Displays professionalism, quality service and a positivity “can do attitude” to clients, co-workers and other department personnel.
• Participates in special projects or other secretarial functions as assigned.

Supervisory:
None.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Interpret for Spanish speaking clients (if applicable).
• May be required to become a Notary Public and maintain throughout employment.
• May acts as backup receptionist, serving as customer service representative by providing assistance to the public and answering inquiries related to procedure. This includes handling a high-volume multi-line phone system and screening incoming phone calls, mail, faxes and other relevant matters independently in order to refer the caller and/or document to the appropriate persons.
• May be required to pass job-related tests – typing, interpreting/translating or basic knowledge.
• May be tasked with performing related duties. Related duties as required are duties that may not be specifically listed in the position description, but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s classification of work.

**NOTE*** To be considered for this position, please apply at the Skagit County Job Opportunity site:

http://agency.governmentjobs.com/skagitwa/default.cfm

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical path to obtain the required qualifications would be:

High school diploma or G.E.D. required, additional education desired.

Legal Assistant I
A year of secretarial office experience, with experience in the legal field desired but not required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted which provides the skills, knowledge and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Legal Assistant II
Three years of secretarial office experience including some experience in the legal field or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted which provides the skills, knowledge and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Legal Assistant III
Five years of progressively responsible law office experience or experience in the legal field.

Requires knowledge of:

• Standard office and clerical practices and procedures.
• Rules of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and word usage.
• Microsoft Word, Excel and other computer and software applications.
• Basic mathematical calculations.

Requires the ability to:

• Communicate efficiently both orally and in writing.
• Proficient typing skills with high degree of accuracy.
• Maintain patience and flexibility while working with people in crisis situations.
• Set work priorities, adjusting as needed to managing time efficiently.
• Work calmly under pressure.
• Manage a high volume of work, meeting deadlines while coping with constant interruptions.
• Learn and retain complex procedures, laws, rules, and regulations.
• Understand and explain legal processes and procedures as needed.
• Produce work product that meets professional standards of quality, neatness, accuracy, and promptness.
• Maintain all ethical and professional standards.
• Handle a high volume of phone calls.
• Interact well with individuals from a wide variety of economic, education and ethnic backgrounds who are often in stressful situations.
• Quickly learn the names, locations, and functions of departmental actives through the County.
• Locate and utilize new sources of information and assistance if/when they become available with little direction or training.
• Perform work independently with minimal supervision.
• Exercise careful judgement, diplomacy and tact.

Licenses and/or Certifications:
None.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Work is performed primarily in an office environment. Job requires sitting at a desk for extended periods of time. Some bending, stooping or light lifting to access files may be required.

Hazards:
Normal hazards in an office environment. A physical hazard may occur from agitated clients or the general public with threats either verbal, physical or with weapons, and exposure to germs from dealing with the public.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $27.60 - $29.52 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $28 - $30