LEGAL ASSISTANT II

Thurston County • Olympia, WA

1d • $4,446 - $5,914 • Onsite

About The Position

The Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney's Office is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual to join the Criminal Division as a Legal Assistant II. This role provides essential technical and clerical support to assigned attorneys, involving specialized and program-specific information. Responsibilities include managing data, tracking cases, generating reports, conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, and managing schedules and communications.

Requirements

• 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.
• Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in a legal-related field, which include two years in a Legal Assistant I level position; 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 60 words per minute.
• Knowledge of applicable Washington State law.

Nice To Haves

• Strong technical skill set; able to work effectively with various case management systems, Microsoft Office applications, i.e. Outlook, PowerPoint, and media players.
• Superior communication skills (written, oral, and listening) with the ability to work with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently and be self-motivated, handling multiple competing priorities, sensitive situations and crisis situations and functioning well under time pressure.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to interact with difficult individuals.
• Familiarity with correct and effective use of legal terminology and legal case management techniques.

Responsibilities

• Proficiently perform essential job functions of the Legal Assistant I classification.
• Prepare, file, and serve correspondence, legal briefs, pleadings, charging information, complaints, orders, court orders, affidavits, notices of appearance, motions, notices of infraction, summonses, warrants, subpoenas, jury instructions, and other legal documents.
• Develop procedures for handling and locating case files from intake through the appellate process.
• Prepare, organize, and maintain case files; review case files and court rules to ensure timely action by attorneys and initiate document preparation at each stage of case progress.
• Organize, assemble, and maintain other attorneys' files and records, including correspondence, opinions, information, and research files.
• Maintain statistical records, update case status and information, and enter caseload information into a computer for monthly and/or annual statistics compilation.
• Certify disposition of all criminal cases and forward disposition notices to appropriate authorities.
• Review court files for complete information and consistency of court dates.
• Perform basic legal research to verify citations of statutes and cases.
• Research and investigate records of potential plaintiffs and/or defendants/respondents and recommend legal action.
• Gather information and perform investigation work to locate addresses for defendants to be served with court documents.
• Determine restitution/reimbursement amounts on each case; set up and maintain files for payment monitoring.
• Present documents for judge's signature or attend court to assist the attorney.
• Provide assistance and serve as a liaison to witnesses, victims, and experts.
• Maintain contact with victims, witnesses, law enforcement, administrative agencies, judges/court personnel, other public officials, attorneys, and defendants.
• Receive and review incoming mail; compose responses to routine inquiries.
• Route correspondence to attorneys, highlighting items needing immediate attention.
• Review cases to determine discoverable information and ensure compliance with statutes and court rules.
• Respond to public record requests.
• Utilize appropriate techniques to interview witnesses, victims, and the public to obtain factual information.
• Analyze collected information, assess individual needs, provide guidance on court procedures, answer questions, and coordinate testimony for hearings/trials.
• Communicate with neighboring county, city, state, and federal jurisdictions.
• Make reservations and travel arrangements for attorneys, law enforcement personnel, victims, and witnesses.
• Coordinate arrangements for depositions/interviews, hearings, and meetings.
• Provide direction, assistance, and guidance to other staff and assist in training new Legal/Office Assistants.
• Provide coverage for Legal/Office Assistant positions during periods of absence.
• Perform coordinating activities for supervisor.
• Have working knowledge of different positions within the office to provide coverage when needed.

Benefits

• Retirement plan
• Pre-tax savings accounts
• Comprehensive health care
• Dental care
• Vision care
• Paid vacation
• Paid holidays
• County paid training
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible work schedules (alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working)
• Deferred compensation plans
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree