Legal Assistant

OPEN COMPETITIVE RECRUITMENT

Open to all qualified candidates.

Tentative examination dates for this recruitment:

Week of 08/05/24 - Blind supplemental scoring

Week of 09/02/24 - Written examination

Week of 09/16/24 - Oral interview

Dates may change due to unforeseen circumstances. Candidates who pass each phase of the recruitment process will be notified of the official examination dates.

Under general supervision, to perform confidential and complex litigation-related legal administrative work in the office of the City Attorney; to assist with all aspects of civil litigation, including the opening and closing of cases, discovery, electronic court filings, and trial preparation for state, federal, and appellate courts; to provide administrative support to other legal staff as needed; and perform related work as required.

Provides advanced support to the staff of the City Attorney's Office by preparing and editing a broad range of legal forms and documents, including correspondence, memoranda, discovery shells, deposition notices, closing documents, reports, and other legal documents, while demonstrating a high degree of independence; calendars and tracks litigation appointments and deadlines; requests and subpoenas records; opens, closes, and manages case files in case management system; manages correspondence and legal filings; keeps abreast of relevant changes in legal and City procedures; compares legal references to ensure accuracy of citations; assists with the maintenance and preservation of office files and records; prepares files and/or binders for hearings, depositions, meetings, and trial; schedules depositions, hearings, and other meetings; answers incoming calls and refers callers and visitors to the appropriate attorney, department, or outside agency, or takes detailed notes or messages and redirects calls when appropriate; processes invoices for payment; may drive on City business.

Employment Standards:

Knowledge of local, state, and federal court administrative rules, legal procedures, and statutory deadlines used in civil litigation practice and proceedings; modern law office methods and procedures; legal terminology, forms, and documents; basic arithmetic and accounting procedures; spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Skill in calendaring and electronic and manual filing methods; advanced proofreading and document editing; operating modern office equipment, computers, and related software, such as, but not limited to advanced skills in Adobe Acrobat Pro and Microsoft Outlook and Word programs; understanding and accurately following brief and complex oral and written instructions; exercising independent judgement and making decisions based on standard policy and procedures.

Ability to organize and maintain documents manually and in electronic record- keeping systems; prepare legal documents from general instructions; analyze administrative problems and develop effective solutions; receive confidential information and maintain confidentiality; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; work independently, using appropriate initiative to prioritize and meet multiple deadlines; be well organized, reliable, and detail-oriented; prepare comprehensive reports and related documents; establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, fellow employees, and the public.

Education/Training: Graduation from high school or equivalent and two years of recent experience as a legal assistant/legal secretary in civil litigation. NOTE: Graduation from an accredited legal secretary course or equivalent certification may be substituted for one year of the required work experience.

License & Certificates:  A valid California Class "C" driver's license or equivalent may be required at time of appointment.

A certificate indicating the ability to type or enter data at a speed necessary for successful job performance is required at time of application. All required licenses and certificates must be maintained throughout employment in this classification.

None.