Legal Assistant

City of Kelso•Kelso, WA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Legal Assistant performs administrative support, public relations, and research and analysis services for the Legal department. The position is expected to: (a) perform a varied range of clerical and specialized activities of a moderately difficult nature; (b) work from general directions within a broad scope; and (c) exercise judgment and initiative in the performance of duties that positively impact the City's public image. The position also provides administrative and paralegal support to the City's prosecuting attorney and Kelso Municipal Court.

Requirements

High School Graduation or GED equivalent.
Three (3) years' experience providing progressively-responsible experience supporting executive leadership in City, County, or State government or the private sector.
Any combination of education, or work experience that demonstrates attainment of the necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities provided within the position description.
Minimum three (3) years' experience of a legal background. Civil or criminal.
Knowledge of principles and practices of municipal administrative support, research, surveys, and office practices and procedures.
Knowledge of applicable Washington state laws and regulations related to municipal government.
Knowledge of customer service concepts and principles.
Thorough knowledge of legal procedures for City of Kelso, Cowlitz County District Court, and Washington State.
Skill in operating office computer software including word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation programs.
Skill in general record-keeping and file preparation/organization.
Skill in managing, organizing, and tracking criminal case files at City Hall and within Prosecutor's possession.
Skill in performing basic mathematics; basic bookkeeping or accounting.
Ability to work independently under broad direction and goals.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
Ability to use sound judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions on a variety of politically-sensitive and confidential issues.
Ability to analyze complex office operating procedures and develop effective solutions or courses of action.
Ability to accurately record and transcribe dictation and meeting minutes; prepare routine meeting minutes, correspondence and other documents.
Ability to effectively communicate in diagram form, orally and in writing.
Ability to communicate legal information, both verbally and in writing, in a clear and concise manner to audiences of varying degrees of subject familiarity.
Ability to organize and coordinate multiple projects and activities.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal support units, vendors, and citizens.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers, attorneys, court employees, police officers, other City employees and the general public.
Ability to resolve conflicts and issues with staff, public and other stakeholders appropriately and timely.
Ability to keep supervisors and police department informed on case status.
Ability to work within strict deadlines.
Punctual, regular and reliable attendance is essential for successful job performance.
Successfully pass a modified background investigation.
A valid driver's license is required.
Appointees not possessing a valid Washington or Oregon State Driver's License upon hire must obtain one within currently effective statutory time limit.
Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Graduation from a community college or vocational school with a two (2) year Associates degree specializing in Paralegal studies preferred.

Responsibilities

Responsible for complex and routine clerical and/or administrative support duties.
Review and prepare content for the City's website.
Manage schedules, make travel arrangements, and process department expenses for the City Attorneys.
Prepare and manage grant application/awards for public defense programs.
Process public records requests in accordance with state law, city codes and policies.
Create and maintain all criminal case proceedings for Kelso Municipal Court.
Prepare case files for the District Court docket.
Process warrant and case review requests received from the Kelso Police Department as needed.
Attend District Court proceedings as requested by the City Prosecuting Attorney.
Manage all aspects of the City Attorney and City Attorney’s office as represented to the public.
Draft contracts, legal briefs, and legal correspondence with direction and review by the City Attorney.
Act as custodian of documents and records for the department, to include retention, maintenance, distribution and disposition of all records, in accordance to the Washington Secretary of State retention schedule.
Act as liaison between the Legal Department and other internal City departments as directed.
Inventory control and purchasing agent for the department’s office forms, supplies, and equipment.
Attend governmental, business, and community meetings on behalf of the City as directed.
Prepare departmental claims for processing.
Perform other duties as assigned by the City Manager.