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State of Washington Classified Job Specification

LEGAL ASSISTANT 1

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LEGAL ASSISTANT 1
Class Code: 425E
Category: Legal Services


Definition

In a legal or judicial setting, performs routine legal support functions for attorney(s), administrative law judge(s), industrial insurance appeals judge(s), review judge(s) or equivalent.

 

Distinguishing Characteristics

This class differs from general clerical and secretarial classes in that legal assistants support the work of attorneys, judges or equivalent. Under close supervision, this level performs routine legal support functions such as: preparing routine legal pleadings and/or forms; performing data entry and navigating legal databases in order to meet legal deadlines; creating and maintaining legal files; reviewing and identifying relevant information for docketing; coordinating, scheduling and calendaring hearings, conferences, depositions and meetings.

Typical Work

Performs the duties of the Legal Office Assistant;

Prepares routine legal documents for review;

Prepares routine expert witness agreements and stipulations, releases, subpoenas and correspondence for obtaining records;

Reviews mail received for attorney; routes, monitors and updates case status in a case management system; calculates calendars and tracks significant events and identifies critical deadlines;

Creates and maintains existing case files, in hard copy and electronically; obtains appropriate supporting documentation to assist in the timely preparation and filing of documents;

Prepares routine legal documents and pleadings for pre-trial, trial, and post-trial actions in local, state and federal courts;

Obtains documents from client agencies, boards or courts to be used for case development;

Accepts calls for attorneys and makes tentative appointments for various hearings and meetings;

Makes travel arrangements;

Schedules conferences, depositions and hearings;

Arranges for interpreters and/or court reporters as needed;

Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of: legal terminology; local, state, and federal courts, boards and commissions rules and their application; court procedures; keyboarding; use of personal computer; legal forms and documents and their processing and formatting requirements; current legal office practices, methods and procedures; legal office communications; proper punctuation, spelling, grammar and vocabulary skills in compliance with standard law office practice.

Ability to: keyboard or type accurately; proofread for accuracy and content; understand and follow written and oral instructions; understand and apply procedures, policies and guidelines; prepare legal pleadings and correspondence under close supervision; use good judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions; demonstrate reliability and a desire to learn new skills; establish and maintain professional and respectful work relationships with co-workers, clients and the general public; maintain confidentiality; exhibit good oral and written communication; demonstrate professionalism at all times; use standard office equipment, software and databases typical of a law office.

Legal Requirement(s)

 None

Desirable Qualifications

High School diploma or equivalent and two years of clerical experience including a minimum of one year of experience in a legal environment;

                                                                                OR

Two years of legal office experience.   

                                                                                OR

A combination of three years of college education and/or relevant experience;

                                                                                OR

A two-year degree in Legal Secretary Studies, Paralegal studies or related field of study.

Note: Candidates may be required to demonstrate skills in keyboarding, filing, proofreading, grammar, spelling and use of office equipment through agency specific skills testing.

Class Specification History

New class: 3-13-81
Revise title (formerly Legal Secretarial Trainee), definition, distinguishing characteristics and minimum qualifications: 2-11-2000 (emergency). 04/21/00 (final)
Revise class code (formerly 01770); adopted May 10, 2007, effective July 1, 2007.
Salary adjustment adopted 6/30/2015, effective 7/1/2015.
Revised title (formerly 425E Legal Support Trainee) definition and distinguishing characteristics; adopted June 30, 2015; effective July 1, 2015.