Legal Specialist II

Legal Specialist II

The City of Lynnwood is seeking to hire one or more Legal Specialists II!

Individuals assigned to this position are responsible for providing administrative support to the Court by performing clerical duties, providing excellent customer service on a daily basis, and processing legal documents. Duties include receipting of monies, public contact work on the telephone or over the counter, processing and maintaining court records, files and other legal documents, and staffing the courtroom. The position requires the application of considerable knowledge of court and general office practices and procedures.

Includes but is not limited to such essential functions listed below:

• Timely and regular attendance.
• Provide accurate information and assistance to all levels of court customers, including attorneys, prosecutors, outside law enforcement agencies, defendants, victims, state agencies, etc.
• Receive, process, and schedule motions. Process appeals, legal documents, FTA on citations, various reports, and requests for public information.
• Accurately research and evaluate cases to determine correct course of action in accordance with laws, rules, court policies and procedures.
• Provide customer service over the telephone, at the counter, or through correspondence. Responsibilities include maintaining confidentiality, tact and providing accurate information to the public, defendants, attorneys and other agencies about Municipal Court policies and procedures and schedules.
• Respond to telephone and counter inquiries, sort and route documents, and initiate correspondence responding to court-related inquiry or requested information.
• Maintain courtroom recording equipment, certification thereof and transcripts of all proceedings for appeal to superior court.
• Staff courtroom during sessions, record all proceedings; maintain recording logs, mark exhibits, and process orders of the court. Ensure accurate and timely case flow maintenance.
• Maintain accurate and complete records making required docket entries, prepares and processes orders for commitment and release, warrants, subpoenas, summonses, and other legal documents as ordered by the court.
• Receive payment of court fines, bail penalty assessments and fees; record and receipt payments according to established court procedures.
• Order, print, and mail time payment statements.
• Reconcile and balance cash box, including credit card payments.
• Prepare court calendars for criminal and traffic infraction cases; prepare case files for court sessions, ensuring appropriate documentation is in the file.
• Assist in the scheduling and coordination of jury trials, summoning jurors and notifying litigants.
• Arrange for time payments for fines, monitor payments and take appropriate action for delinquent payments in accordance with court policy.
• Process commitments, releases and referrals, and contact appropriate agencies.
• Monitor case dispositions for compliance with court orders.
• Perform primary filing of all papers, dockets, case files and case-related correspondence. Construct new files and retrieve documents as necessary.
• Process and forward traffic infraction dispositions to the Department of Licensing.
• Process notices to defendants of arraignment and hearing.

High school diploma or equivalent and with one (1) year in a legal or law enforcement situation or an equivalent combination of related education and experience. Familiarity with Word and Excel required, experience with Judicial Information System (JIS) preferred. Successfully complete a Criminal Background Check. Adhere to the Lynnwood Municipal Court's Professional Code of Conduct.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, 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. Work is performed in an office environment utilizing standard office equipment and including personal computer with associated software and peripherals. Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities include:

• Ability to remain flexible to changing priorities, exercise attention to detail, demonstrates initiative and performs tasks to completion in a high-volume environment.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, court policies and procedures.
• Ability to comprehend and communicate changes in policies, procedures, laws, and rules. Understand and carry out oral and written instructions. Meet stringent deadlines.
• Ability to exercise considerable discretion when handling confidential and/or privileged information.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative and exercise good judgment in evaluating cases to determine appropriate action.
• Knowledge of general office practices; skill in filing, typing and use of computer terminal operation and standard office equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively both in person and over the telephone with the general public, law enforcement and legal personnel and co-workers.
• Effectively deal with difficult and angry customers.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, high-pressure environment and adapt to quickly changing priorities.
• Ability to work successfully as part of a team.

Physical Demands include:

• Manual dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer terminal and other office equipment.
• Hearing and speaking to exchange information both in person and on the telephone.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time; to bend at the waist and reach overhead to maintain files.
• Visual acuity to maintain files and prepare documents.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Bargaining Unit: AFSCME