Executive Legal Assistant

Salary: $27.92 Hourly
Location : Waukegan, IL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 02986
Department: Public Defender
Opening Date: 05/27/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


General Description
Under general supervision, provide secretarial and administative support to legal professionals within the Public Defenders Office. Considerable judgment and independant action is necessary in establishing or adapting work procedures to new situations. This position also requires the use of high levels of discretion and the application of administrative and business management skills.

Essential Functions


-Accurately prepare and maintain case files and filing system.
- Organize and prepare daily court calls.
- File and request documents with and from the Clerk of the Circuit Court as well as other agencies within the Lake County Government.
- Aid attorneys with facilitating client contact and other tasks as necessary.
- Perform back-up receptionist duties and operate a switchboard-like phone system by identifying the caller, nature of the call, and the appropriate party to forward the call to.
- Manage clients both in-person and over the phone.
- Input and maintain data in case management system and ensure data integrity.
- Prepare files for preservation in archive storage or destruction in accordance with regulations.
- Deliver court documents and files to courtrooms as needed.
- Operate office machinary and software with speed and accuracy.
- Notarize documents as needed.
Knowledge Skills Abilities and Education Required


-Considerable knowledge of PC operations and software (Outlook, Excel, Word, etc.).
- Knowledge of the court system as well as law office operations.
- Speedy and accurate typing skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively both in writing and verbally.
- Excellent telephone skills and knowledge of the operation of a multiple line telephone system, as well as the ability to operate one calmly and efficiently.
- Readily acquire knowledge of applicable policies and procedures.
- Ability to make minor independant decisions based on local statutes and office procedures.
- Ability to prioritze work and maintain workflow in a hectic environment.
- Ability to identify questions that should be answered by an attorney.
- Ability to use good judgment, tact and courtesy.
- Ability to exercise discretion, confidentiality, and uphold the ethical standards of the legal profession.
- Ability to maintain professional and pleasant working relationships within the office and with other offices within the county.
- Ability to multitask as needed.
- Ability to work with the general public in highly charged and emotional situations.


Education and/or Other Requirements:
-Completion of a standard high school program or equivalent.
- Ability to read, write, speak, and understand both English and Spanish.

Physical Requirements

- Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.
- Ability to file documents for extended periods of time if needed.
- Ability to return files to shelves that are close to the ground or above eye-level.

Supplemental Information
Lake County offers a competitive salary and benefit package. We also offer flexible working hours, and a comprehensive wellness and training program.

Visit our page to get additional information on why you should work for Lake County! Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing and may include a pre-employment medical exam.

Lake County is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
Here at the Health Department, we are proud to employ a diverse workforce of dedicated individuals focused on promoting the health and well-being of all who live, work, and play in Lake County. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought and collaboration, enabling each employee to perform at their maximum potential and to more effectively work with clients, patients, and employees. We offer:

• Comprehensive Benefits package (medical, dental, vision, etc.) for full-time employees
• Paid Time Off to support work-life balance
• IMRF Pension and 457 retirement plans
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement

You can find more details on our benefits on our website at