Legal Assistant

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.

**SPECIAL** The position also provides administrative and paralegal support to the City's prosecuting attorney and Kelso Municipal Court.

• 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 Attorneys 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 departments 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.

(Sufficient education, training and experience to demonstrate the attainment of the knowledge and abilities listed below):

EDUCATION

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

EXPERIENCE

• 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.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• 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.

Contacts:

• Daily contact with the City Attorney, Prosecuting Attorney and other City employees for the purpose of sharing information and coordinating work: and daily contact with City management, professional staff, other governmental agencies and the general public for the purpose of responding to public comments, questions, complaints and/or requests for information
• Frequent contact with the Kelso Police Department, a variety of attorneys, court staff, county and State regulatory departments.
• Contact with these parties is primarily for information sharing and work coordination.

Supervision:

• May coordinate and direct project support to ensure completion of project tasks.
• No direct reports.

Accountability:

• Accountable for the efficient, effective and professional completion of all assigned tasks and to represent the City in a professional manner.
• Maintaining strict confidentiality in regards to all personnel and criminal/court records in possession or potential possession.

Working Conditions:

• Usually works in an office.
• The position is subject to the stress of meeting competing demands and strict time deadlines.
• Mobility sufficient to attend various meetings both on- and off-site.
• Criminal case processing requires considerable concentration and attention to detail and is performed in an environment of frequent work interruptions.
• Mobility to travel to and from the Cowlitz County Courthouse may be necessary.