Legal Assistant 1

Department: District Attorney

Union Affiliation: AFSCME 

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday

Total Hours Per Week: 40

Hourly Range: $20.13 - $25.69
Position is eligible for 5% premium pay if bilingual Spanish.

INTRODUCTION

This two-level classification series includes positions that are required to have practical knowledge of the form, content, and uses of legal instruments and documents as well as a practical knowledge of the steps and procedures involved in processing the legal actions that pertain to the work of the organization.

 

(Note:  In some settings, the Legal Assistant also serves as the clerical support for a legal staff.  In those settings it is not unusual to find the Legal Assistant making travel arrangements, preparing travel vouchers, ordering supplies, tracking office expenditures for the supervisor, answering the telephone, and serving as the first point of contact for the public.  While these clerical duties are important to the organization’s smooth functioning, they require substantially less in terms of technical skill and responsibility than do the legal assignments.)

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THIS LEVEL

Legal Assistant 1 is the journey-level for the classification series.  The incumbents prepare standard legal documents and files under general supervision.

(Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following examples.  Any one position may not perform all of the listed tasks.)

Draft and prepare standard forms used for the organization’s legal actions.  This includes initial legal documents, pleadings, subpoenas, summonses, notices of hearing, court orders, warrants, requests for extradition, and modification orders.  Documents are prepared based on employee research in files, manuals, judgments, notes, etc.  

Prepare legal files to ensure completeness and readiness when needed.  Log in documents.  Maintain associated master files and records.  Enter records into and expunge records from automated record keeping system.   

Schedule cases within time limits.  Notify and/or subpoena parties.  Prepare, issue, or ensure presence of all necessary legal documents, reports, and records.

Follow all County policies and procedures including but not limited to attendance policies. Criminal conduct may result in discipline or termination.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge:  Knowledge of legal office practices, procedures, documents, and terminology.   Knowledge of statutes, rules, and regulations governing legal office processes and procedures.

Skills:  Skill in keyboarding and use of word processing software.  Skill in use of electronic database, filing, and tracking systems.  Some Legal Assistants may be required to have skill in taking and transcribing dictation.

Abilities:  Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms.  Able to work independently in accordance with established procedures and precedents.  Able to courteously meet and deal with other employees, attorneys, court personnel, outside agency personnel, law enforcement officials, vendors, consultants, and the public.

QUALIFICATIONS

One year of progressively responsible legal assistant experience in a public or private law office OR a combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.  Must be a licensed Notary Public within 30 days of hire.

For LA1s in the DA’s office: within 30 days of hire, obtain and maintain LEDS/CJIS certification.  Maintain eligibility to access and use the program to run criminal histories, driving records and any other queries as needed for prosecution purposes.    

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

Works under general direction.  Recurring routine assignments are performed independently on the basis of past experience and training. Deviations from standard procedures are referred to the supervisor or higher classified Legal Assistant.

GUIDELINES

Work is performed within departmental policy and procedures, state and county statutes, rules, regulations, and ordinances; court regulations and procedures, and numerous legal references and manuals. The employee is expected to use judgment in selecting the appropriate guide or precedent for the work and in referring unusual or nonstandard situations to the supervisor or higher classified employee for assistance.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is performed in an office setting.   Prolonged sitting or standing may be required in addition to reaching, light lifting and carrying, kneeling, bending, and stooping.

SELECTION PROCESS
Following the closing date of this recruitment, if you are selected as a candidate for an interview, we will contact you by email to arrange a date and time. We want to ensure that we hire the best possible staff for our county team because we believe that the right people are our most valuable asset!

Salary : $41,870 - $53,435