LEGAL ASSISTANT I at Thurston County in Olympia, WA

The salary for this position is: $4,033 - $5,364 monthly.

The Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented individual to join our team as a Legal Assistant I in the Criminal Division, Front Desk. Serving as the primary point of contact for the public including attorneys, law enforcement personnel, and various court and community agencies, this position plays a key role in supporting the daily operations of the office. The ideal candidate will provide clear, courteous, and knowledgeable assistance while navigating detailed regulations, procedures, and complex requirements within the legal and judicial system.

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Serves as primary point of contact by answering multiline incoming telephone calls. Provides assistance to the public, including attorneys, law enforcement, court and community agencies by answering inquiries and explaining the detailed regulations, procedures and complex requirements of the legal or judicial process.  In order to determine the nature and urgency of requests, screens and refers telephone calls and inquires, and reads and routes incoming mail to the appropriate office or person.
• Responds to questions and provides answers to the public accessing readily available information from office records and in accordance with regulations on public records and confidentiality.
• Analyzes case specifications and assists in the selection of appropriate mandatory forms required to proceed in court.  
• 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, reviews, and retrieves case information using the appropriate computer-based data system. Sets up and monitors case files to assure timely action or review. Identifies appropriate RCWs, court rules and procedures before entering judgments and filing legal documents.  
• Tracks, updates, logs and monitors activities of cases. Provides and requests information to and from agencies and other jurisdictions.
• 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.
• Maintains frequent contact with clients, witnesses, law enforcement agencies, judges, court personnel, attorneys, and support staff as appropriate.
• Generates basic legal documents for court proceedings according to established formats, policies and procedures. Transcribes legal correspondence and documents following instructions and within established formats and/or by reference to similar documents.
• May evaluate customer’s need for domestic violence, harassment and/or restraining orders.  
• May set appointments or court hearing dates.  Answers or refers procedural questions of technical nature.

To view the full job classification, click here: Legal Assistant I

 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Environment – Work is performed primarily in an office environment. Minimal physical exertion is required.
• Schedule - Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Workload demands may occasionally require work outside the assigned work hours.
• Travel Requirements - Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings or trainings.
• Customer Interactions - Substantial contact with the public, departmental staff, and other County departments. May come into contact with individuals who are irate, argumentative and in highly emotional situations.

 

WHO WE ARE:

The Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is committed to Excellence in Public Service. We serve our community by upholding justice, protecting public safety, and providing trusted legal counsel to Thurston County government. Guided by our core values, Excellence, Professionalism, Teamwork, Service, and Leadership, we strive to deliver results that make a meaningful difference.

Our team is proactive in addressing challenges and opportunities. We partner with local governments, law enforcement, and community organizations to prevent crime, support victims, and promote fairness. We believe that investing in education, mentoring, and family support today creates a safer, stronger community tomorrow.

We value diversity and inclusion, recognizing that the strength of our office comes from the unique perspectives and talents of our team. Together, we work with integrity and purpose to ensure justice and improve the quality of life for all Thurston County residents.

Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion to us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. We are dedicated to recruiting and developing a talented workforce from various cultures, lifestyles, backgrounds, and perspectives who are committed to our vision and core values. Thurston County Racial Equity and Inclusion Webpage

 

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 Thurston County Employee Benefit Plans for more information.
• Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to 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 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.

Message to potential applicants: We understand that some potential applicants are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the functions or skills listed in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and we understand that may be someone who will learn some of these skills on the job. If you are interested in this position, and meet the minimum qualifications, we encourage you to go ahead and apply! Feel free to think about how you will bring your own set of skills to the role and tell us about the potential that you hold. 

 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• Associate’s 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.

DESIRED SKILLS: 

• Thorough knowledge of legal terminology, forms, polices and techniques; general office practices and procedures; appropriate business and legal grammar; word processing and database applications; operation of general office equipment such as copiers, faxes, telephones, personal computers.
• Ability to generate and proof legal documents with few errors; communicate effectively orally and in writing; and accomplish work within established timeframes. 
• Ability to adhere to prescribed office routines; establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, public officials, clients, and the general public; and maintain a neat personal appearance and demeanor toward the public and fellow employees.

 

OTHER RELATED RECRUITMENT INFORMATION:

Questions about this recruitment? Please contact: Michelle Wall, Legal Support Manager: (360) 786-5540 x6268 

 

This position is:

• Represented by a union
• Eligible for benefits
• Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Items requested for consideration:

• Application
• Resume
• Letter of Interest

 

Please note: Information in this announcement is subject to change without notice at any time during the length of the job advertisement.

THURSTON COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Thurston County is committed to provide equal opportunity to all persons seeking or having access to its employment, services and activities, which is free from restriction based on race, sex, marital status, color, creed or religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, pregnancy, status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, unless based upon bona fide occupational qualifications. Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation with the application or selection process should contact Thurston County’s Human Resources, at (360) 786-5498. Those who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing or speech impaired may use the statewide relay system to reach Thurston County offices and departments to conduct their business telephonically. Relay users can simply dial 7-1-1 (or 1-800-833-6388) to connect with Washington Relay.