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NEOGOV · 4 days ago

Legal Specialist I - III (Depending on Qualifications) - INTERNAL CANDIDATES ONLY thru 1/22/26

Friday Harbor

Full-time

Onsite

Entry, Mid, Senior Level

$3,791.15/mo - $6,073.60/mo

1+ years exp

San Juan County is excited to invite candidates to apply for our Legal Specialist position. This role involves providing varied and complex support for the Office of the County Clerk and Clerk of Superior Court functions, requiring independent decision-making in a high-pressure environment.

GovTechHuman ResourcesInformation TechnologySoftware

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Responds to and answers inquiries by phone, correspondence and in person from litigants, attorneys, judges and the general public; provides assistance without dispensing legal advice regarding court procedures and processes

With minimal supervision accurately generates and preserves minutes of courtroom proceedings, as well as recording proceedings

Prepares for court proceedings by reviewing files, ascertaining issues to be argued or heard by the trier of facts, whether by jury or bench

Performs over the counter and mail transactions involving receipt of court fines, filing fees, criminal/juvenile restitution, bond/tendered moneys, certification costs and enters same into the Court’s Case Management system

May Serve as an agent for Passport Services under the U.S. Department of State. Processes applications, responds to telephone inquiries maintains current knowledge of the policies and regulations as set forth by U.S. Passport Services under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of State

Reviews, prepares as necessary, and files all legal documents presented in simple civil cases under the jurisdiction of the court. Enters all filed legal documents into the Court’s Case Management system; prepares and maintains an accurate, complete and timely court record for all documents handled. Endeavors to develop knowledge of the laws and procedures related to record keeping. Elevates issues outside of knowledge to the Chief Deputy or Clerk

Assist and advocate for persons seeking Orders of Protection for unlawful harassment or under the Domestic Violence Statutes, provides guidance, assistance and direction to facilitate the successful issuance of the appropriate orders. Affords victims information as to other interfacing agencies and the assistance they provide. Maintains a professional demeanor in stressful, volatile and/or potentially violent circumstances; maintains an effective, competent manner during sexually and /or violently explicit accounts or testimony

Provide assistance and direction to the public who are acting as pro se litigants in various types of litigation. Ensures that all pro se individuals can access proper forms and legal reference materials. Responds and answers simple requests for information regarding the legal system without dispensing legal advice

Interfaces and maintains positive working relationships with elected officials, department heads, Law and Justice team, a variety of public agencies, members of the bar and the public in order to assure that the functions of the Superior Court Clerk’s Office are performed in a manner consistent with the Revised Code of Washington and sound public relations techniques

Uses document management software program to assist with scanning, uploading, re-filing, e-mailing and numbering/stamping of court documents

Research records to find requested information, including case history and documentation searches for FBI firearms resolution requests

Uses time management, self-direction, resources and tools to complete multiple tasks with extreme accuracy while establishing priorities and adapting to changes to meet deadlines

Retains custodial responsibility for all evidence presented as exhibits at the time of trial properly stores such evidence as required by statute

Prepares and maintains an accurate, complete and timely court record for all documents, such as judgment execution dockets for monetary and real property judgments. Reads, interprets and processes legal documents including simple judgments, tax warrants, orders, bench warrants, received for processing; including Foreign Judgments and Abstracts of Judgments for filing in this court’s jurisdiction or other counties/states/countries. Working toward developing competent knowledge of the laws and procedures related to record keeping and appropriate issuance of writs, orders, and transcripts of Judgment. Elevates issues outside of knowledge to Chief Deputy as needed

Responds and answers moderately complex request for information regarding the legal system without dispensing legal advice and refers more complex requests to the Chief Deputy Clerk or Clerk

Reviews, prepares as necessary, and files all legal documents presented in all civil cases, probate matters, dissolution proceedings, dependency matters, mental health proceedings and adoptions under the jurisdiction of the court

Responds and answers complex requests for information regarding the legal system without dispensing legal advice

Applies good knowledge of the laws and procedures related to record keeping and appropriate issuance of writs, orders, appeals and transcripts of Judgment. Elevates issues to Chief Deputy and Clerk as needed

May plan, direct and document the collection of court-ordered financial obligations, monitor compliance with court orders for payment of monetary obligations, investigate and recommend to Prosecuting Attorney and/or Superior Court Judge level of ability of adult offenders to pay

May track offender financial compliance and prepare detailed analysis on collection amounts on monthly, quarterly and annual basis. Enter data regarding collection efforts into case management system

Acting within the scope of their responsibilities, work as a public employee and municipal officer with courtesy and professionalism, adhering to the highest standard of ethics in accordance with RCW 42.52

Perform other related duties as assigned

Qualification

Clerical experienceCourt-related experienceOffice proceduresData entryVerbal communicationWritten communicationBasic computer skillsIndependent judgmentAdaptabilityAttention to detail

Required

High school diploma or equivalent and one year of clerical or court-related experience, or any combination of education and experience that demonstrates ability to perform essential functions

General office experience performing a variety of duties requiring independent judgment and knowledge of office policies and procedures

Basic computer skills, including data entry and keyboarding

Willingness to develop verbal and written communication skills and adapt to new tasks

High school diploma or equivalent and two years of clerical or court-related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience

Experience performing moderately complex office duties requiring independent judgment and extensive knowledge of office policies and procedures

Strong computer skills, including data entry and keyboarding

Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to learn quickly and adapt to changing priorities

High school diploma or equivalent and five years of clerical or court-related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience

Extensive experience performing complex office duties requiring independent judgment and thorough knowledge of office policies, procedures, and responsibilities

Must be a U.S. citizen, bondable, pass a criminal background check, qualify for a notary public license, and hold a valid WA State Driver's License