Legal Secretary II

The Position The Legal Secretary series provides an excellent career path for those interested in pursuing a career with the County of Mendocino. The position is located in Ukiah with Social Services, under direct supervision at the I (entry level) and general supervision at the II (journey level). The role provides specialized, confidential, and responsible diversified clerical and technical support in a legal office setting; maintains schedules, handles office details, and relieves staff (legal or otherwise) of procedural details. Job Requirements and Minimum Qualifications Participates in the efficient operation of the assigned area by performing a wide variety of legal secretarial and technical support duties to relieve attorneys and other staff of procedural details; performs general clerical tasks in support of the department. Initiates, updates and maintains case files by creating physical and computerized files for new cases and receiving, assembling, sorting, categorizing and storing subsequent case materials either physically or on a computer database to ensure information is current and accessible. Prepares a variety of legal documents, including subpoenas, warrants, petitions, briefs, motions, citations, pleadings, by typing from transcription, audio tapes, drafts, oral instruction, dictation or copy; reviews drafts for punctuation, spelling, grammar and corrects to produce final copies of professional work product. Files documents with court offices; processes returned orders and documents; maintains records as required. Mails copies to other parties when appropriate. Prepares service packets (summons, complaints, orders, etc.) and forwards to process servers for personal service; tracks service activities and status. Reviews confidential information from various sources and processes related documents; identifies and corrects deletions or errors in prescribed format; follows up to secure additional information as needed. Determines acceptability of information and proper action based on established instructions; contacts various individuals, agencies and organizations to obtain and relay information, including releases of liens and case settlements. Serves as contact/resource person for the area of assignment by screening calls, visitors, and mail; responds to complaints and requests for information from the public, County staff, and others by interpreting/explaining regulations, procedures, policies, systems, rules; researches and gathers information to provide accurate answers; refers more technical questions to appropriate legal staff. Coordinates activities in the area of assignment by maintaining calendars, scheduling attorney/client meetings, arranging necessary materials for meetings, and arranging business travel for management and professional staff to ensure smooth, efficient operations. Receives and/or requests discovery and processes information by copying reports, police tapes, photos, etc., requesting further needed information and documenting all actions to assist attorneys in case preparation. Researches, compiles and organizes information and data from various sources on specialized topics related to the assigned area; assists in division operations; performs special projects and assignments as requested. Logs reports from agencies by entering information into the computer; searches for prior offenses; organizes information; forwards information and follows up as needed. Composes and types letters, memoranda and basic reports, utilizing word processing software, from general instructions or information related to responsibilities; reviews drafts for punctuation, spelling, grammar and suggests corrections; arranges for, copies, distributes and files. Operates a variety of modern office equipment including copiers, computers, word processors, tape recorders, duplicators and printers. At the journey level, may train other staff or provide backup to other positions within the assigned department or unit. Performs other related duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Graduation from high school or G.E.D. equivalent and one (1) year full‑time experience comparable to a Legal Secretary I with Mendocino County; or two (2) years of full‑time experience providing legal secretarial support involving typing and preparation of legal documents, processing and filing, calendar coordination and project coordination tasks; or an equivalent combination of training and education. Valid Driver's License is preferred but not required. Some positions may require possession of a valid California driver’s license or an alternative method of transportation when needed. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Legal Secretary II Knowledge of legal terminology and proper usage and spelling. Knowledge of legal documents commonly used in the area of assignment and their correct usage and formatting. Knowledge of criminal and/or civil legal processes related to the area of assignment. Knowledge of applicable state, federal and local statutes, laws, rules and regulations that apply to the area of assignment. Skill in Drafting and finalizing legal documents from tapes, handwritten notes and information, and preparing other correspondence. Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines. Effectively interviewing individuals for the purpose of obtaining information. Exercising sound judgement when organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, monitoring workload and following up on assignments with minimal direction. Exercising independent judgment in determining and selecting appropriate processes, alternatives, forms and desired actions within scope of established work practices, procedures, and regulations. Communicating policies, procedures, statutes, local rules, codes and regulations pertaining to assigned programs and functions to others. Mental and Physical Ability to Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Understand and carry out oral and written instructions. Respond thoughtfully and courteously to the public, other agencies and County personnel regarding information requests and policies and procedures. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal staff, citizens and other departmental staff in a courteous manner. Use tact and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential material and information. Operate and perform minor upkeep/maintenance of modern office equipment including computer equipment and software programs. Perform essential functions that require walking, sitting, using hands to handle objects, reaching with hands and arms, speaking and hearing, and pushing, pulling, moving or lifting objects weighing up to 20 pounds. Selection Procedure & Other Important Information Demonstrate through application materials how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. Complete all sections of the application. A résumé or other supporting information may be attached but will not replace any required application section. Check application before submission for completeness and correctness; no additional information will be accepted after the closing date. Provide names and telephone numbers of supervisors on the application (former and current employers). Provide the names and contact information of at least three (3) references (not relatives) who know your job skills and experience. Application materials are the property of Mendocino County and will not be returned. Keep your NEOGOV profile updated; failure may result in missed notifications. The exam process is tentative; county reserves the right to modify the plan. Applicants will be notified of changes. Provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Examination Process All applications will be reviewed with those judged most qualified progressing further in the selection process; incomplete applications will not be considered. The examination process will consist of a written exam (weight 50%) and, for those who pass, an oral appraisal panel (weight 50%). A minimum score of 70 is required for placement on the employment list. Special Testing The County of Mendocino is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. If special accommodations are necessary for a disability or religious conviction at any stage of the application or testing process, notify Human Resources in advance at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Reasonable notice is required to allow adequate time for review and evaluation of the request. Special Requirements Employment in some County departments or positions may require the successful completion of a pre‑employment criminal background, which may include fingerprinting, and/or a medical examination, which may include drug screening. Benefits Summary Salary: $46,987.20 – $57,137.60 annually USD, based on a five‑step salary range with merit‑based increases within the range. Retirement: Covered under Social Security and the 1937 act; both employees and the County pay into the retirement fund. Current information . Holidays & Personal Leave: 11 paid holidays per year; 24‑48 hours of personal leave annually, depending on Bargaining Unit. Vacation: Accrues at two weeks per year for first three years; three weeks per year thereafter; four weeks after eight years; five weeks after 15 years. Sick Leave: Paid sick leave accrues at 1.25 days per month (15 days per year). Part‑time employees working at least 20 hours per week accrue proportionally. Employees working less than 20 hours receive up to 24 hours (3 days) annually. Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life Insurance: County shares cost of employee‑selected health care plan; enrollment includes $20,000 Life Insurance. Health Insurance: Information . Employee Assistance Program: Information . Employee Wellness Program: Information . Labor Contracts: Complete list of current agreements . Equal Opportunity Employer The County of Mendocino is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This information is a summary of general benefits. Benefits listed in Mendocino County Resolutions or Memorandums of Understanding prevail over this listing. This information is not legally binding, nor does it constitute a contract. Closing Date/Time 5/31/2026 11:59 PM Pacific Special Instructions Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board. About Mendocino County Mendocino County is located north of the San Francisco Bay Area and includes shoreline, redwood forests and a growing wine industry. Ukiah, the county seat, is approximately 100 miles north of San Francisco. The County employs about 1,200 people and operates on an annual budget of roughly $235 million. Additional Notes The County of Mendocino participates in the E‑Verify program to confirm employment eligibility. If hired, the information you provide on your Form I‑9 will be used to verify your authorization to work in the United States. Learn More E‑Verify Notice of Participation (PDF) Right to Work (PDF) #J-18808-Ljbffr