Legal Support Specialist

Legal Clerical Support Specialist

Provide a variety of legal clerical support services to the assigned attorneys for the administrative, civil, family support and the criminal divisions of the Prosecuting Attorney's Office. Duties and responsibilities may vary based on the division of assignment.

Assist in explaining detailed regulations, procedures, and complex requirements within the legal or judicial system. Screen calls and schedule appointments and/or interviews. Research and answer questions or inquiries for the public, law enforcement, or other agencies. Review file, input case information into database system, draft and edit various legal documents. Receive, monitor, and process case files and legal documents and maintain records. Review incoming documents and process according to procedures. File and record legal documents, obtain required signatures, and record dates on which subsequent actions must occur. Verify appropriate information, accuracy/completeness of paperwork, including identifying inconsistency with statutes. Maintain timely and accurate files and records. Ensure confidentiality of all case information. Provide and request information to and from stakeholders requesting specific defendant information and case dispositions. Track and monitor files as prescribed and close, purge, and archive files according to policy and procedures. Assist and serve as liaison to witnesses, victims, and experts through the steps of the judicial system. Maintain frequent contact with victims, witnesses, law enforcement or administrative agencies, judges/court personnel, other public officials and employees, attorneys, and defendants, as appropriate. Prepare daily dockets and weekly trial calendars. Process mail, respond to routine inquiries from attorneys, agencies, and the public; compose answers to procedural correspondence for approval; route other correspondence to attorneys, calling attention to items needing immediate consideration. Review cases to determine what information is discoverable and ensure that this information is served in compliance with statutes and court rules. May be assigned to respond to public records requests. Locate addresses for defendants and respondents to be served with necessary court documents. May research financial and work-history records and perform numerical calculations. May determine restitution/reimbursement amounts on each case. Present documents for judge's signature or may attend court to assist the attorneys. May utilize appropriate techniques to effectively interview victims, witnesses, and members of the public to obtain information. Analyze collected information and assess needs of individuals, provide guidance through court procedures and processes, answer questions, coordinates testimony for hearings/trials. Communicate with neighboring county, city, state, and federal jurisdictions. Make travel arrangements for law enforcement personnel, victims and witnesses as needed. Coordinate arrangements for depositions/interviews, hearings, and meetings. Schedule interpreters as needed for interviews. Create and process subpoenas, request 911 calls, dash/body camera videos, certified documents, medical records, death certificates and outside agency police reports. May schedule appointments for the gathering of DNA specimens. Track testing compliance and, if necessary, prepares orders or warrants to require compliance. When assigned, gather specimens ensuring evidentiary chain-of-custody procedures are followed. Perform a wide range of other clerical duties to support the operations and administration of cases, public records requests, and civil matters along with department's functions including copying, faxing, assisting in preparing reports or special projects, and setting up appointments. Attend and participate in staff meetings. Perform a variety of coordinating activities for supervisor. Have working knowledge of the different positions within the office to provide coverage when needed. Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance. Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of: Criminal justice system, civil process, legal process, the form and preparation of legal documents and legal terminology. Legal research, protocols, and court rules. Standard format for legal and business correspondence. Business English, spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

Skill in: Microsoft Suite, Attention to detail and accuracy, Interpersonal and customer service skills.

Ability to: Operate standard office equipment, Work cases in a timely manner, with little to no monitoring, Organize and prioritize work to meet established deadlines, Follow oral and written instructions, Read, write, and communicate proficiently and appropriately, Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all stakeholders, Work effectively under pressure and multi-task to meet deadlines with frequent interruptions, Maintain complex records, Explain legal procedures and policies and apply guidelines, Effectively deal with individuals who are under emotional stress and/or hostile, Maintain appropriate confidentiality, Effectively handle the exposure to graphic language, photos, events, or evidence, Interview victims, witnesses, and candidates, Work well in a collaborative, as well as individual, work environment. Foresee needs and be pro-active in addressing them, Abide by all county and office policies, procedures, and guidelines, Utilize standard office equipment.

Other job duties: May be required to obtain additional education as required to conduct business functions.

Minimum qualifications: (Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job may be considered.) High school diploma, or G.E.D. One (1) years legal training, education, or background. Ability to pass a criminal background check. Licenses, certificates, and other requirements: A valid Washington State driver's license or accommodations to and from work.