Attorney Assistant

CLASS SUMMARY

Performs paraprofessional legal and secretarial work in the Office of the City Attorney, Office of the Hearing Examiner, the Police Department's Civil Enforcement Unit or other department that employs attorneys.

EXAMPLES OF JOB FUNCTIONS

* Prepares, organizes, reviews and files a variety of legal pleadings such as trial briefs, motions, orders, judgments, notices of appearance, answers to complaints, depositions, affidavits, interrogatories, summons and subpoenas.

* Prepares ordinances and resolutions using proper forms of execution and acknowledgment.

* Prepares contracts for attorney approval.

* Selects, prepares, and completes legal documents incidental to the closing of real estate transactions, such as deeds, promissory notes, deeds of trust, reconveyances, closing statements, UCC documents and excise tax affidavits, under a limited practice certification from the Washington State Supreme Court pursuant to APR 12. Effectuates closing between the parties.

* Locates debtors, arranges accounts receivable payments, maintains payment records and data bases, drafts legal documents to press claims on behalf of the City, presents City's case in Small Claims Court, works with collection agencies and performs related collection duties.

* Maintains case docket and diary; collects, assembles and organizes documents into working files.

* Files, retrieves and disposes of documents.

* Creates and maintains files by extracting information from local and state databases; enters case and client information into applicable computer databases and manages documents within.

* Responsible for closing, storage and/or destruction of files according to policies and procedures.

* Selects and/or makes recommendations for purchase of supplies and equipment.

* Assists in the preparation of the office's budget and maintains budget and expense account records, financial records, and payroll records.

* Acts as receptionist as required. Sorts, reads, and annotates incoming mail and legal documents; attaches appropriate files to facilitate the necessary action; maintains follow up.

* Maintains the office's library.

* Makes arrangements for and coordinates appointments, meetings, conferences and depositions.

* Independently meets the public and other City employees; answers inquiries requiring knowledge of City policies, procedures and activities, or directs persons to proper offices.

* Operates various office equipment.

* Performs other duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must meet all requirements when they apply.

* Education:

High school diploma or equivalent

* Experience:

Two years of experience as a legal secretary under the direction of an attorney in a predominantly civil or appellate practice.

* Substitution:
Satisfactory completion of a legal secretary or similar training program OR a Limited Practice Officer (LPO) certification may substitute for one year of experience.

* Equivalency:
We may accept different combinations of education and experience. We welcome job seekers with relevant backgrounds to apply.

EXAMINATION DETAILS

Applicants must first meet the minimum qualifications to be invited to take the examination. Those who pass the examination will then go on the hiring list.

The examination will consist of a Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E),

A Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E) is a written test where the applicant answers structured questions based on their previous experience and training or education. Please view this video for tips to help you fill out the T&E.

This is an online examination that will require a computer. If you do not have access to a computer, please notify Civil Service so that one may be provided. Computer reservations can also be made through your local public library.

Training and Experience Examination instructions and links will be emailed to qualified applicants on July 8th, 2026. The testing window is July 9th - 13th.

Please note:

The email will come from City of Spokane ().

For information on what to expect with the hiring process, a test information guide, and frequently asked questions, please visit our website.

Upon request, at time of application, City of Spokane will provide alternative accessible tests to individuals with disabilities that impair manual, sensory, or speaking skills needed to take the test, unless the test is intended to measure those skills.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, genetic information, veteran/military status, or disability status. As a Fair Chance Employer, City of Spokane does not conduct initial background screening for non-public safety positions.