Legal Assistant I

**This is a regular full-time position with an end date of June 30, 2025**

Thurston County Public Defense Mission:

"To Defend and Protect Our Clients' Constitutional Rights, One Person at a Time"

Thurston County Public Defense is currently recruiting for one (1) regular full-time Legal Assistant I position. A Legal Assistant I provides assistance in explaining detailed regulations, procedures, and complex requirements within the legal or judicial system. This position supports Defense Attorneys and researches and answers questions or inquiries from the public, law enforcement, or other agencies. Immediate placement for this position will be in the Blake Unit consistent with the summary of duties outlined below:

Responsibilities may include, and are not limited to, the following:

• Provides legal support to Public Defense Attorneys that are representing clients in response to clients that have been affected by State vs. Blake.
• Responds to inquiries made to the State vs. Blake email account.
• Maintains State vs. Blake assignment data and client information using tracking software.

Additional responsibilities may also include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Receives, monitors, and processes case files and legal documents and maintains records. Reviews incoming documents and processes according to procedures. Files and records legal documents, obtains required signatures and authorizations, maintains case files, and records dates on which subsequent actions must occur. Verifies appropriate information is included on paperwork or in file to ensure accurate processing. Verifies the accuracy/completeness of legal documents identifying inconsistency with statutes and provides technical information for compliance.
• Enters and retrieves case information using the appropriate computer-based data system. Sets up and monitors casefiles to assure timely action or review. Reviews and inputs pertinent case information into database. Identifies appropriate RCWs, court rules and procedures before entering judgments. Tracks, updates, logs, and monitors activities of cases.
• May prepare reports requiring the extraction of database information and provides information to affiliated agencies for program compliance. Provides and requests information to and from agencies and other jurisdictions requesting specific defendant information and case disposition. Tracks and monitors files as prescribed and closes, purges and archives files according to policies and procedures.
• Obtains and prepares case files for court sessions ensuring appropriate documentation is in the files and may be requested to attend and assist attorneys in court.
• Using a word processor, generates basic legal documents for court proceedings according to established formats, policies, and procedures. Prepares responses to legal correspondence either from dictation, oral instruction or independently.

What we offer our employees:

• Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle. 
• Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family. Please visit Employee Benefits | Thurston County (thurstoncountywa.gov) website for more information. 
• Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn a minimum of 12 paid vacation days per year in addition to 11 paid holidays. 
• Robust Training Program: Employees are encouraged to attend County paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry. We also encourage our staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences.
• Flexible Work Schedules: Some of the options that employees may take advantage of include alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working.
• Deferred Compensation: The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan. 
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: This is a federal program which allows full-time public service employees who have made 120 qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Why you’ll love it here:

Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washington’s South Puget Sound Region. Perched in between the mountains and the ocean, the area boasts the perfect blend of year-round outdoor activities including boating, hiking, skiing, and more. The region is also home to the state capitol city of Olympia, known for its many restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, farmer’s markets, kids’ activities, history, and art events. Discover more about life in Thurston County at experienceolympia.com.

• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• Associate degree in legal assistant or paralegal studies, or legal-related studies, and/or Paralegal certificate from an accredited program. 
• Or, two (2) years of progressively responsible customer service experience in a court or legal office environment; or any combination of education and relevant experience which demonstrates the ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.
• Must be able to type 55 words per minute.
• Current Washington State Driver's license, or have requested and obtained an appropriate accommodation, may be required.
  

Questions about this position?

For more information about this position, please contact Katelyn Vena - (360) 462-7980.

This position is:

• NOT represented by a Union
• Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• Eligible for benefits

Items required for consideration:

• Application
• Letter of Interest
• Resume
• Supplemental Questionnaire (Question 1 and 2)
• Applicant Disclosure Form (Pursuant to RCW Section 43.43.830) (Questions 3-8)