The responsibilities of this position include providing reception, case management, processing, filing, workflow management and legal support services in the office of the Clallam County Prosecuting Attorney. The incumbent may be assigned to support Deputy Prosecuting Attorney(s). The incumbent works under general supervision and may exercise independent judgment to accomplish assigned tasks. Discretion and confidentiality must be exercised. Duties call for in-depth understanding and an application of office guidelines, policies, procedures and work methods, as well as legal office practices and procedures. The incumbent must keep apprised of current projects, issues and potential problems and inform key personnel of such matters.

Distinguishing Characteristics
This is the first level of a two-level classification series for the support staff track within the Clallam County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The Legal Assistant differs from the other level in this classification series in that the emphasis of work is highly skilled. Promotion to this classification is determined solely on merit and is at the discretion of the Clallam County Prosecutor.

Scope of Responsibility
The individual assigned to this classification is responsible for independently carrying out a broad range of complex criminal and/or civil support assignments under the direction of higher level management staff and attorneys. This classification is also responsible for performing other duties as assigned.

• Prepares draft legal pleadings and correspondence for use in conjunction with criminal prosecution, civil litigation, and other governmental matters
• Performs initial file set up for a wide variety of legal proceedings and intra-office files. Provides comprehensive clerical support to attorneys and other support staff
• Coordinates the scheduling of court hearings and other matters with state and county offices, private sector law firms, and others
• Enters and retrieves data from electronic information systems
• Maintains electronic information systems and forms contained therein
• Locates and provides records to other governmental agencies and the public. Proof reads office work product
• Files pleadings and other documents with the courts
• Researches case history
• Schedules and coordinates appointments for other professional staff. Receives the public in person and over the phone and helps answer requests for assistance
• Calendars hearings, meetings, and other compliance dates
• Documents work performed in court files and in office memoranda
• Cross trains attorneys and other support staff
• Interviews parties to obtain information necessary for completion of a variety of legal forms
• In addition to regular duties, legal assistants perform special projects as assigned by management. Representative examples have included, but are not limited to, compiling statistical data, preparing charts and graphs that depict workflow indicators, assisting in long range office planning, preparing information for inclusion in annual reports, authoring draft policy and procedure manuals, critiquing department policies and procedures, evaluating existing practices and recommending modifications thereto

• Meet attendance standards necessary for successful job performance
• Exercise sound judgment in the performance of assigned duties on the basis of law, applicable policies and procedures, and ethical responsibilities
• Prepare clear, concise, coherent, and grammatically correct written work product
• Be attentive to detail
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Work independently
• Work well with others
• Prioritize work assignments
• Operate a variety of office equipment including, but not limited to, computers and installed software applications, bates stamp machines, and multi-line conference phones
• Establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

• Ethics and Integrity: Respects and maintains confidentiality. Earns trust, respect, and confidence through honesty, forthrightness, and professionalism in all interactions

• Valuing Diversity: Helps create a work environment that embraces and appreciates diversity treats all with acceptance and respect; and values diverse perspectives

• Communication: Effective communication skills to convey thought and information clearly and concisely to a broad audience. Strong writing and editing skills

• Relationship Building: Proven skills to create and maintain effective teams and partnerships

• Multi-tasking: Proven multi-tasking skills with the ability to handle multiple assignments in various stages simultaneously. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities

• Analytical Skills: Analytical skills with exceptional attention to detail

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge of:
Knowledge of the job assignment sufficient to perform thoroughly and accurately the full scope of responsibility as illustrated by examples in the above job description
Knowledge of basic civics
Knowledge of role of county government in Washington State
Knowledge of County government structure
Knowledge of operation of the criminal justice system
Knowledge of role of the county prosecuting attorney within the broader criminal justice system
Knowledge of principles of clerical and administrative support
Knowledge of principles of business and legal document preparation and composition
Knowledge of principles of mathematics including but not limited to, complex addition, subtraction, and calculation of fractions and percentages
Knowledge of modern office methods, practices, and procedures including computers, word processing, spreadsheets, and database applications
Knowledge of methods and techniques of calendaring and creating trial dockets
Knowledge of principles and practices of legal document record keeping
Knowledge of standard legal references and their content
Knowledge of legal terminology and principles
Knowledge of court procedures and document requirements
Knowledge of pertinent Federal, State and Local laws, codes and regulations
Knowledge of Rules of Professional Conduct
Knowledge of confidentiality

Skill in:
Skill in communication, both orally and in writing
Skill in teamwork
Skill in operating standard office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet and database applications
Skill in keyboarding (speed required)
Skill in Microsoft Office products (i.e. Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, One Note, etc)

Ability to:
Ability to demonstrate competency in required job skills and knowledge
Ability to prepare and maintain a variety of legal documents, both in hard copy and electronic format
Ability to make decisions independently in accordance with established policies and procedures
Ability to use initiative and judgment in carrying out tasks and responsibilities with general instructions and guidance
Ability to properly document trial date schedules and prioritize the filing or completion of necessary court documents
Ability to ensure the proper handling of confidential and proprietary information
Ability to use tact and judgment in dealing with the public, victims of crime, and executives or officials of other agencies
Ability to compose letters, reports, and legal documents in effective style and proper form
Ability to conduct research, gather and analyze information and data and prepare reports
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
Ability to exhibit good listening and comprehension
Ability to demonstrate attention to detail
Ability to demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness at all times
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral or verbal form
Ability to assess one’s own strengths and weaknesses
Ability to seek feedback to improve performance
Ability to pursue training and development opportunities
Ability to continuously build knowledge and skills
Ability to understand the implications of decisions and the effect on the organization
Ability to work closely in a team environment
Ability to get along well with others
Ability to cooperate in a team environment
Ability to problem solve in a group environment
Ability to confront difficult situations while maintaining objectivity
Ability to keep emotions under control
Ability to establish and maintain effective relations
Ability to work under pressure

Requires knowledge of the field of assignment sufficient to perform thoroughly and accurately the full scope of responsibility as illustrated by examples in the above job description

Education/Training
AA Degree or equivalent supplemented by specialized training in legal administration and support or any combination of education, training and work experience which demonstrates the incumbent is otherwise fully qualified

Experience
Three (3) years or more increasingly responsible professional experience as a Legal Assistant in the public service environment preferred. Additional education in a related discipline may be substituted for the position requirements

Licensing/Certification Requirements
Washington State Driver’s License
U.S. citizenship (selected positions)
Pass polygraph test (selected positions)
Pass Psychological Evaluation (selected positions)
Pass Physical (selected positions)
Drug testing (selected positions)
Pass Background Check
Pass OSHA/Designated Required Training

Note: Any first aid rendered by such persons is rendered only as a collateral duty responding solely to injuries resulting from workplace incidents, generally at the location where the incident occurred.

Physical Demands and Environment