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State of Washington Classified Job Specification

LEGAL ASSISTANT 4

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LEGAL ASSISTANT 4
Class Code: 425H
Category: Legal Services


Definition

In a legal or judicial setting, supervises legal support staff positions that assist attorney(s), administrative law judge(s), industrial insurance appeals judge(s), review judge(s) or equivalent and performs expert level legal support duties.

 

Distinguishing Characteristics

The primary focus of this level is to supervise legal support staff. Positions also perform expert level legal support functions for attorney(s), judge(s) or equivalent while applying independent judgment in completing complex tasks and projects such as:  determining the distribution of subordinates’ workload and resolving workload conflicts using expert knowledge of legal support assignments and drafting new office procedures and updating office manuals to maximize the efficiency and operations of a legal office.  

Typical Work

Performs the duties of the Legal Assistant 3; 

Determines the distribution of work and resolves workload conflicts to meet deadlines and minimize overtime; 

Supervises, trains and coaches legal assistants in the performance of all duties; 

Interviews and recommends individuals for appointment or promotion; provides training to new and existing staff; assigns and monitors work of lower level legal assistants;    

Develops and/or updates position description forms; 

Conducts interim and annual performance reviews; takes corrective action, recommends disciplinary action when needed;                                                                                    

Drafts office procedures and updates office manuals; 

Interviews and makes hiring recommendations to appointing authority; 

Provides new staff with orientation;

Schedules and conducts staff meetings; 

In absence of attorney, judge or equivalent independently takes appropriate action on urgent items; 

Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of: legal terminology; local, state and federal court rules and their application; court procedures; legal forms and documents and their processing; resources for verifying legal citations; current legal office practices, methods and procedures; legal office communications; correct punctuation, spelling, grammar and vocabulary skills, database/index systems and discovery procedures; advanced skills in computer software and database applications typical of a law office; supervisory techniques; performance management.

Ability to: analyze situations accurately and take effective action; deal tactfully with others; supervise, coach, counsel and train staff; keyboard or type accurately; use litigation software and case management systems; proofread for accuracy and content; understand and follow written and oral instructions; understand and apply procedures, policies and guidelines; prepare legal pleadings and correspondence; adapt to changing work needs, requirements and equipment; learn new and/or increasingly complex duties; learn and apply policies and procedures; use good judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions; demonstrate reliability and a desire to learn new skills; work effectively with others; maintain confidentiality; exhibit good oral and written communication; model professional and respectful behaviors at all times.

Legal Requirement(s)

 None

Desirable Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent and five years of experience in a legal environment in support of an attorney(s), administrative law judge(s), industrial insurance appeals judge(s), review judge(s) or equivalent including at least two years of supervising, leading, mentoring, coaching or training experience 

                                                                            OR

One year as a Legal Assistant 3; 

                                                                            OR

A combination of six years of college education and/or relevant experience including at least two years of supervising, leading, mentoring, coaching or training experience.


Note: Candidates may be required to demonstrate skills in keyboarding, filing, proofreading, grammar, spelling and use of office equipment through agency specific skills testing.

Class Specification History

New class: 7-11-96 (Part of May 911 legislation)
Revise class code (formerly 01821); adopted May 10, 2007, effective July 1, 2007.
Revised title (formerly Legal Secretary 3), definition, and distinguishing characteristics; adopted June 30, 2015, effective July 1, 2015.
Salary adjustment adopted 6/30/2015, effective 7/1/2015.