Public Records​/Legal Assistant ; Internal

A cost of living increase of 3.8% has been approved for 2027.

THIS IS AN INTERNAL OPPORTUNITY. ONLY CURRENT CITY OF BREMERTON EMPLOYEES ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY.

Under the direction of the City Attorney or designee, performs technical, clerical, and administrative duties related to public records and litigation support. Serves as backup to the City Clerk, Risk Management Specialist, and Civil Legal Assistant. Work is performed with limited supervision and requires strong organizational, prioritization, and communication skills to complete assignments accurately and on time while managing competing deadlines.

(Note – this list is intended only to illustrate the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position.)

• Receives, logs, and processes public disclosure requests (PDR) in a timely and legally compliant manner.
• Reviews each PDR to determine the appropriate response; identifies records sources; coordinates with relevant departments to gather responsive records and clarify questions; reviews records for applicable red actions and withholding exemptions; assembles and submits response packets; and provides departments with general assistance and guidance.
• Prepares and submits response notifications to requesters; schedules appointments and oversees the review of records;
• Responds to questions regarding City policies and procedures, including the appeal process and closure of requests.
• Maintains the public-records request tracking system to monitor reviews and responses, support compliance, and provide accurate State reporting.
• Trains City employees in use of the system and serves as its subject‑matter expert.
• Works closely with the Legal Department to support compliance on complex public disclosure requests and requests involving legal discovery.
• Provides support to and serves as backup to the City Clerk, as requested or necessary.

• Assists City attorneys with preparing court files and documents related to drug forfeitures, abatements, tort-claim responses, litigation, and other legal matters.
• Receives, logs, and processes tort claims and lawsuits and promptly notifies City attorneys of urgent matters requiring immediate action.
• Conducts special research and compiles case-background information for attorneys.
• Responds to requests for information from courts, attorneys, defendants, and others in accordance with department policies and practices.
• Maintains case files and the file‑maintenance system to support timely follow‑up with defendants, attorneys, and the courts.
• Provides administrative, clerical, research, assignment, and special‑project support to legal assistants and other department personnel.
• Drafts letters, motions, affidavits, and case offers from brief instructions or notes.

• Maintains the confidentiality of work‑related matters, client records, and City information.
• Answers telephones and performs receptionist duties as needed.
• Maintains regular attendance.
• Performs related work as assigned or required.

• Applicable laws, rules, and regulations governing public disclosure, records retention, release, and dissemination of official records and documents, including the Washington Public Records Act, Local Government Records Retention Schedules, and Bremerton Municipal Code.
• Functions and responsibilities of the City Clerk's Office.
• City organization, operations, policies, and objectives.
• Filing methods and systems, including indexing and cross‑indexing principles and techniques.
• Modern office practices, procedures, and equipment.
• Grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, and spelling appropriate for professional business communication.
• Legal forms and procedures, including the functions and procedures of Municipal Court, Superior Court, and the Court of Appeals.

• Using word‑processing, spreadsheet, database, email, and document‑management applications, including Microsoft Office products and systems such as GovQA.
• Organizing, prioritizing, and tracking detailed assignments and projects with competing deadlines.
• Maintaining, indexing,…