Legal Assistant III - Civil Division

Overview and Minimum Class Requirements

The City of Yakima Legal Department is looking to add a talented new Legal Assistant to the Civil division. The successful candidate must be self-motivated, well organized, responsible, flexible, and able to work collaboratively in a professional law office environment that requires discretion and confidentiality.

THE FOLLOWING MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH APPLICATION TO BE CONSIDERED: All applications must be completed in full AND have the following attachment to be considered. (Resume and/or cover letter may not substitute for education and/or work history information required in the application)

• Cover Letter (Letter of Interest) including any additional information that is not included in the application.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent AND:
• Four (4) years of increasingly responsible legal paralegal, legal assistant and/or legal administrative work experience in civil litigation, civil municipal law and/or in direct support of an attorney.
• A Bachelor’s degree in one or more of the following fields: pre-law, economics, business, political science, English, communication or sociology from an accredited college or university may substitute for one year of experience.
• OR Two (2) years of paralegal, legal assistant and/or legal administrative work experience PLUS legal certification(s) to include:
  Professional Legal Assistant (PLS);
  Legal Studies;
  Accredited Legal Professional (ALP);
  Certified Paralegal; or directly related.
• Previous experience in a municipal legal department or private law firm with a focus on municipal law (i.e. civil municipal law, not criminal prosecution or defense) or civil litigation is preferred.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES

• Must pass Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) background check and become CJIS ACCESS approved by the Washington State Patrol before hire date.
• Must have the ability to become bonded as a notary public of the State of Washington.
• May be asked to attend remote training for specialized operations and skills.

Under limited supervision, independently performs a variety of case management and litigation support work involving complex paraprofessional, research and documentation supporting the civil division staff members of the City Attorney’s Office. Applies substantial independent judgment and discretion, makes responsible decisions, resolves unusual problems and interprets guidelines, regulations and policies. May coordinate office support and office functions within the Legal Department. Assists supervisor with various other leadership responsibilities.

Performs the duties of either a Legal Assistant I or II, while applying higher level of operational knowledge and experience in drafting, formatting, and filing pleadings in municipal, district, superior court or higher. Provides ongoing leadership, assistance, guidance, training, direction and support to subordinate staff members. Performs as a resource to other employees; possesses and demonstrates a high level of knowledge and skill concerning policies, procedures and techniques necessary to handle issues as they arise.

Provides information and feedback to the office supervisor or City attorneys on process improvements, policy issues, and/or subordinate performance and may contribute to the performance evaluation process.

Prepares, organizes, reviews, and files a variety of legal pleadings such as trial briefs, motions and orders, judgments, notices of appearance, answers to summons and complaints, depositions, affidavits, interrogatories, and subpoenas. Prepares and finalizes discovery, both propounded and responsive. Reviews discovery requests provided by opposing party and identifies necessary information needed to obtain appropriate records. May provide assistance to attorneys during trial.

Organizes, drafts, prepares, types and processes a variety of legal forms and documents such as ordinances, resolutions, legislation, leases, agreements, contracts, easements, legal descriptions, jury instructions, memoranda, and briefs for trial and appellate advocacy; submits to attorneys for approval,…