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Summary of Duties

This employment opportunity will remain open until filled. The Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office reserves the right to close the recruitment at any time.  To ensure consideration for this position, please submit your application as soon as possible.
The Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is looking for a Legal Assistant I professional to join their Criminal Division. The successful candidate will have excellent technical skills and proficiency in a legal environment and will serve as a primary customer service representative.
This is a fulltime project position with an end date of December 31, 2024.  
The primary duties and responsibilities include providing assistance to the public, including attorneys, law enforcement, court and community agencies by answering inquiries and explaining the detailed regulations, procedures and complex requirements of the legal or judicial process. In order to determine the nature and urgency of requests, the candidate will screen, refer telephone calls and inquires, read and route incoming mail to the appropriate office or person. Responds to questions and provides answers to the public accessing readily available information from office records and in accordance with regulations on public records and confidentiality.
Additional responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:
  • Reviews incoming documents and processes according to procedures. Generates basic legal documents for court proceedings according to established formats, policies and procedures.
  • Prepares responses to legal correspondence either from oral instruction or independently.
  • Files and records legal documents, obtains required signatures and authorizations, maintains case files, and records dates on which subsequent actions must occur. Verifies that appropriate information is included on paperwork or in file to ensure accurate processing.
  • Sets up and monitors case files to assure timely action or review. Reviews and inputs pertinent case information into computer-based data system. 
  • Tracks, updates, logs and monitors activities of cases. Provides and requests information to and from agencies and other jurisdictions.
  • Tracks and monitors files as prescribed and closes, purges and archives files according to policies and procedures.
  • Obtains and prepares case files for court sessions ensuring appropriate documentation is in the files. May be requested to attend and assist attorneys in court.
  • Prepares documents in required order for imaging, to search and solve document series discrepancies. Operates personal computer, scanning, and image conversion equipment.  Enters record indexing data and sets-up and maintains filing system.
  • Maintains frequent contact with victims, witnesses, law enforcement agencies, judges, court personnel, defense attorneys, and defendants, as appropriate.
  • Analyzes case specifications and assists in the selection of appropriate mandatory forms required to proceed in court. May set appointments or court hearing dates.
  • May serve as backup to other department support positions.

Qualifications

  • Must have a high school diploma or GED.
  • Associate degree in legal assistant or paralegal studies, or legal-related studies, and/or Paralegal certificate from an accredited program. Or, two (2) years of progressively responsible customer service experience in a court or legal office environment; or any combination of education and relevant experience which demonstrates the ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.
  • Must be able to type 55 words per minute.
  • Current Washington State Driver’s license, or have requested and obtained an appropriate accommodation, may be required.

Desired Skills

  • Thorough knowledge of legal terminology, forms, policies and techniques; general office practices and procedures; appropriate business and legal grammar; word processing and database applications; operation of general office equipment such as copiers, faxes, telephones, and personal computers.
  • Knowledge of scanning/imaging equipment and case management software is highly desired.
  • The ability to word process legal documents with few errors; communicate effectively orally and in writing; operate general office equipment; and accomplish work within established timeframes.
  • Ability to adhere to prescribed office routines; establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, public officials, and the general public.
  • Maintain a neat personal appearance and professional demeanor toward the public and fellow employees. Exceptional interpersonal skills.

Other Position Related Information

Questions about this employment opportunity?
The contact person for this recruitment is: Wendy Ireland, Legal Support Manager/ 360.786.5540 x6271

This position is:
– Eligible for benefits
– Represented by a Union
– Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
– Contingent upon passing a background check

Items required for consideration:
– Application
– Resume
– Letter of Interest