Legal Secretary (Civil) Job at Polk County Attorney's Office in Des Moines

Chief of Staff/Public Information Officer – Polk County Attorney's Office

Under general supervision, performs legal secretarial work requiring extensive knowledge of legal terminology and involving material of a confidential, graphic and complex nature.

Illustrative Examples of Work

• Provides accurate and timely transcription of legal documents including minutes of testimony, trial information, court orders, opinions, briefs, subpoenas, and petitions, for court filing and other purposes in draft and final form.
• Organizes and maintains accurate and complete case files and prepares records of a confidential, complex, or otherwise sensitive nature including graphic pictures, medical records, etc.
• Inputs data into case tracking system; files and retrieves case and court files according to established procedures.
• Answers and screens telephone calls; distributes mail.
• Updates attorneys’ calendars and schedules appointments.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of legal terminology.
• Knowledge of format and use of various legal forms including briefs, petitions, complaints, motions, etc.
• Knowledge of court procedures.
• Knowledge of proper business English, grammar and spelling.
• Ability to pass a legal keyboarding test at 50 words per minute.
• Ability to pass a legal proofreading test at 70% accuracy.
• Ability to transcribe mechanical dictation.
• Ability to make moderately complex decisions in accordance with laws, rules, regulations, and departmental policies and procedures.
• Ability to discreetly manage confidential information.
• Ability to continuously prioritize/re-prioritize tasks.
• Ability to consistently demonstrate professionalism, courtesy and tact in telephone interactions.
• Ability to provide immediate response and perform intensive typing under substantial pressure utilizing word processing software and conventional typewriting equipment.
• Ability to demonstrate and maintain sensitivity to crime victims, witnesses, etc.
• Ability to function courteously and effectively in stressful situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain satisfactory working relationships with other County employees and the general public using patience, tact, and sensitivity to volatile situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to file and maintain accurate and complete office records.
• Ability to operate general office equipment.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.

Training and Experience

• Graduation from high school or equivalent education, and
• One year of related legal secretarial experience, or
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Special Requirements

• A criminal background check is required.
• A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.
• A data entry and keyboarding test is required.
• A legal proofreading test is required.

Seniority Level: Entry level

Employment Type: Full-time

Job Function: Legal