The Skagit County Public Defender Office is a high-volume and fast-paced law office that represents indigent clients accused of criminal offenses or who otherwise qualify for a court appointed attorney. Under direct supervision of management, this position is responsible for providing complex legal support to assigned attorneys in the office. This position requires legal knowledge and the ability to exercise considerable independent judgement in routine administrative matters.

Salary upon hire is step 1 through 3 ($27.60/hr. - $29.52/hr.) dependent upon qualifications.

Progressive increases are based upon years of service with Skagit County, up to 8 total steps. Top step $35.08/hr.). The Legal Assistant II is Range 12 of the AFSCME (PD Support Staff) union salary schedule.

Bilingual pay of $100 - $200 per month is available for employees who qualify in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement.

Essential Functions

Represent the office in a professional capacity, including frequent interaction with the public, both over the telephone and in-person.

Maintain Confidentiality

Process incoming referrals and sets up files in our electronic file management system.

Organize and maintain case files from commencement to closure.

Type and file legal documents and correspondence, including but not limited to: briefs, pleadings, orders, affidavits, subpoenas, jury instructions and other legal documents from verbal, written, or standing instruction

Processes legal documents after each court date and completes related tasks as requested by the attorney.

Receive, organize, and maintain discovery.

Input, retrieves, and modify client and case data stored in computerized database system; assisting other users with problems associated with system or program as requested.

Serves as liaison between attorneys and clients, prosecutors, other county staff, experts, parents, the public and other legal professionals.

May interpret for Spanish speaking clients, parents or other involved parties, if able. This includes client appointments, interviews, phone calls, discussions before or after court and/or assistance in the Juvenile Detention or Skagit County Community Justice Center.

Screen, relay, and respond to a wide variety of requests for information and/or voicemail messages.

Schedule attorney appointments and manages attorney calendars.

Utilize both internal and external databases and other legal resources to conduct research.

Act as receptionist, managing a multi-line phone, distributing in-coming faxes, opening, date stamping, sorting and distributing incoming mail quickly and accurately, and assisting the general public in-person or over the phone by answering a variety of questions and taking detailed messages.

May be assigned to respond to public disclosure requests, assist with transcription requests, assist with discovery and data management, redact documents, deliver interoffice mail, or assist with or other duties as assigned.

May support department accounting processes.

Displays professionalism, quality service and a positivity “can do attitude” to clients, co-workers and other department personnel.

Participates in special projects or other administrative functions as assigned.

While the primary work environment is an office setting, Legal Assistants may be required to attend court hearings with attorneys, interact with clients in the courtroom, and interact with clients inside the Skagit County Jail or Juvenile Detention (for example, to review and sign paperwork).

Supervisory:

None.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

Interpret for Spanish speaking clients (if applicable). Premium pay may be provided for Public Defender Legal Assistants who are able to provide interpreter services as a function of their job position. Spanish speaking abilities strongly desired.

May be required to become a Notary Public and maintain throughout employment.

May serve as a customer service representative by providing assistance to the public and answering inquiries related to procedure. This includes handling a high-volume multi-line phone system and screening incoming phone calls, mail, faxes and other relevant matters independently in order to refer the caller and/or document to the appropriate persons.

May be required to pass job-related tests – typing, interpreting/translating or basic knowledge.

May be tasked with performing related duties. Related duties as required are duties that may not be specifically listed in the position description but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s classification of work.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical path to obtain the required qualifications would be:

High school diploma or G.E.D. required

AA in Office Administration, Paralegal Studies, or related field preferred.

Legal Assistant I

One year of administrative office experience, with experience in the legal field desired but not required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted which provides the skills, knowledge and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. A certificate or degree in Office Administration, Paralegal Studies, or related field may substitute for some or all of the experience.

Legal Assistant II

Three years of administrative office experience, with experience in the legal field desired but not required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted which provides the skills, knowledge and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. A certificate or degree in Office Administration, Paralegal Studies, or related field may substitute for some or all of the experience.

Legal Assistant III

Five years of progressively responsible administrative office experience with at least three years of that experience in the legal field. A certificate or degree in Office Administration, Paralegal Studies, or related field may substitute for some or all of the experience.

Requires knowledge of:

Standard office and clerical practices and procedures.
Rules of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and word usage.
Microsoft Word, Excel and other computer and software applications.
Basic mathematical calculations.

Requires the ability to:

Maintain patience and flexibility while working with people in crisis situations.
Learn and retain complex procedures, laws, rules, and regulations.
Produce work product that meets professional standards of quality, neatness, accuracy, and promptness.
Maintain all ethical and professional standards, including confidentiality.
Interact calmly and professionally with individuals who are distraught, in crisis, under the influence of substances, or mentally ill.
Interact well with individuals from a wide variety of economic, educational, and ethnic backgrounds who are often in stressful situations.
De-escalate emotionally charged interactions with clients and the public.
Communicate efficiently both orally and in writing.
Proficient typing skills with a high degree of accuracy.
Set work priorities, adjusting as needed to managing time efficiently.
Work calmly under pressure.
Manage a high volume of work, meeting deadlines while coping with constant interruptions.
Understand and explain legal processes and procedures as needed.
Handle a high volume of phone calls.
Quickly learn the names, locations, and functions of departmental activities through the County.
Locate and utilize new sources of information and assistance if/when they become available with little direction or training.
Perform work independently with minimal supervision.
Exercise careful judgement, and professionalism.

Licenses and/or Certifications:

None.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is performed primarily in an office environment. Job requires sitting at a desk for extended periods of time. Some bending, stooping or light lifting to access files may be required.

Hazards:

Normal hazards in an office environment.

Supplemental Information

Skagit County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

It is the policy of Skagit County to follow all federal and state laws to ensure non-discrimination in its employment practices.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.

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