Legal Clerk

ABOUT THE POSITION

Performs specialized and responsible office support work that requires knowledge of legal terminology and legal clerical procedures; and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Working under general supervision, incumbents are expected to be fully qualified and able to perform a wide range of legal office support work. They work with a higher level of independent responsibility for precision and accuracy in producing notices and documents identified with legal matters and proceedings.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate will have two years clerical experience. This candidate will have good working knowledge of and experience in the legal arena and with programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. They will have knowledge of legal terminology, forms, and documents. They will have experience working with the court system and legal partners. This candidate will have knowledge of how to complete legal documents and filings with the court. They will have the ability to perform difficult legal clerk duties involving the use of independent judgment, be able to organize their work effectively to meet critical deadlines. This candidate must have a friendly and outgoing demeanor with a commitment to outstanding teamwork.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following : Processes, maintains, and prepares a variety of legal forms, records, and reports; verifies that information or data is complete, accurate, consistent, and in conformance with prescribed format, procedures, and regulations; gathers and reviews confidential information from agencies and processes documents related to assignments; communicates with affected parties to gather needed information and explain procedures; determines acceptability of information and proper action to be taken based on established oral or written instructions; contacts various agencies and organizations regarding the status of documents such as releases of liens, case settlements, etc.; receives, assembles, and maintains files and other information related to court actions; updates computer information; maintains court calendars by scheduling and reviewing court dates; files information or forwards to staff members; files pleadings, orders, judgments, and a variety of other legal documents in the appropriate court; identifies and corrects deletions or errors in accordance with prescribed format; follows up to secure additional information as needed; produces a variety of legal documents including, but not limited to, Notices of Hearing, Subpoenas, Petitions, Dispositions, Dismissals, Monthly and Special Reviews, Warrants, and Special Orders, in addition to letters, reports, and fiscal or statistical reports; types from electronic recording devices; proofs typewritten materials for grammar, punctuation, spelling, sentence structure, format, layout, and clarity of language; may verify the consistency, completeness and accuracy of references and other information; receives and screens calls for attorneys; provides information based on knowledge of policies and procedures; performs follow up on caller requests as needed; logs reports from law enforcement agencies; searches manual and automated systems for prior offenses and other relevant information; receives and processes discovery requests and gathers information; maintains information related to assignments by entering information into a manual or computerized data system; serves as a court liaison regarding assigned work activities and related matters; may attend court proceedings to take notes and / or enter narratives into a database; may produce and file documents as a result of court proceedings; performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

Knowledge of : Modern office procedures, techniques, and equipment; clerical and department work practices, procedures, specific rules, precedence, and regulations; proper English grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and punctuation; knowledge of legal terminology, phraseology, documents, and procedures; business letter writing; filing, indexing, and recording systems and procedures.

Ability to : Understand and carry out oral and written instructions; understand and apply laws, rules, and policies applicable to legal office procedures; exercise independent judgment in determining and selecting the appropriate processes, alternatives, forms, and desired actions within the bonds of established work practices, procedures, and commonly used regulations; prepare and maintain accurate and comprehensive reports and records; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships; maintain confidentiality; use discretion in organizing work and carrying out assignments with minimum supervision.

Minimum Qualifications

EITHER

One (1) year of full-time experience as an Office Assistant II;

Two (2) years of full-time experience performing clerical work in a legal office environment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Some positions in this classification may require possession of a valid California driver's license. Employees who drive on County business to carry out job-related duties must possess a valid California driver's license for the class of vehicle driven and meet automobile insurability requirements of the County. Eligibility for employment for those who do not meet this requirement due to disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the appointing authority.

Some positions may require the ability to type at a net corrected speed of 45 words per minute.

Some positions may require possession of special language and culture skills as a bona fide qualification standard. In these cases, candidates must demonstrate that they possess the required skills.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS

Responses to the following must be submitted with a completed application.

• Do you possess two (2) years of full-time experience performing clerical work in a legal office environment? If “Yes,” please provide details including, but not limited to, employers, dates of employment, job titles, and job duties. If “No,” please type N / A.
• Do you possess one (1) year of full-time experience as an Office Assistant II? If “Yes,” please provide details including, but not limited to, employers, dates of employment, job titles, and job duties. If “No,” please type N / A.
• Are you able to understand and implement written policies and procedures for completing and maintaining various legal documents? Yes / No
• Can you produce a variety of legal documents including, but not limited to : Notices of Hearing, Petitions, Dispositions, and a variety of Court Reports? Yes / No
• I acknowledge this position may require a valid California driver’s license. Yes / No

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and / or move up to ten (10) pounds.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURES

Shasta County Personnel will accept applications and responses to the supplemental questions until 12 : 00 p.m., on March 10, 2025. A Resume and / or Cover Letter will be accepted in addition to the application form but will not serve as a substitute for a completed application. It is not acceptable to complete the application with statements such as, “Refer to Resume and / or Cover Letter,” or “See Attached Resume and / or Cover Letter” the employment application must be completed in its entirety prior to submission. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Closing date postmarks or faxes will NOT be accepted. This recruitment will establish a list that may or may not be used by other departments. Prior applicants must reapply to be considered.

Applicants will be screened and those considered best qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and / or written examination. Meeting the announced requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and / or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.

Veterans' Credit : Veterans (as defined by California Government Code section 18973) who have been discharged from military service under conditions other than dishonorable and who receive a passing score on all components of the employment examinations (up to and including oral examinations) shall receive credit for an additional five points to be added to their final examination score. To be considered for this credit, a veteran MUST provide a copy of his or her discharge document (DD-214 or equivalent) and information as to the type of discharge (honorable, dishonorable, etc.) WITH THE EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION ON OR BEFORE THE FINAL FILING DATE.

Applicants are encouraged to apply on-line at  www.ShastaCountyCareers.com  or submit an application to the Shasta County Personnel Office.

Arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants with disabilities. Requests for accommodations may be made to the Shasta County Personnel Office by the filing deadline posted on this bulletin. Shasta County does not discriminate on the basis of disability. If you feel you are being denied service based on a disability, our ADA Coordinator may be reached at (530) 225-5515; relay service (800) 735-2922; fax (530) 225-5345.

Shasta County will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Shasta County is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting calcivilrights.ca.gov / fair-chance-act.

SHASTA COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Salary : $39,504 - $50,424