Job Description

Description
This position is onsite at the Pierce County County City Building in Tacoma WA.
Position Summary
Why It's a Great Opportunity:
Are you ready to lead with empathy and precision in a fast-paced legal environment? As a Legal Assistant 3, you'll play a key role in guiding individuals through complex court processes, which include providing information on court procedures, starting new cases, and assisting in scheduling court dates. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, communicates with clarity and empathy, and enjoys helping others navigate challenging legal processes with confidence and care.
Why It's a Great Department:
The Clerk of the Superior Court plays a vital administrative role in the justice system, ensuring accurate and secure maintenance of all case records filed within the . As a cornerstone of public service, we help individuals navigate unfamiliar legal processes with clarity, compassion, and respect. Our commitment is to provide a safe and supportive environment for all county residents during some of life's most challenging moments.
Learn more about our mission and services by visiting the Clerk of the Superior Court .
How to be Successful in the Role:
Success as a Legal Assistant 3 in the Clerk of Superior Court comes from delivering exceptional customer service in a fast-paced, public-facing environment. You will serve as a knowledgeable and professional resource for the public, attorneys, and court staff, providing accurate information, processing complex legal documents, and ensuring each interaction reflects patience, respect, and efficiency. Candidates who are fluent in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) will thrive in this environment.
Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm and courteous under pressure are essential. You'll use sound judgment to navigate sensitive or emotionally charged situations while maintaining professionalism and upholding court standards. Those who take pride in helping others, handle high volumes of inquiries with accuracy, and demonstrate empathy and understanding toward individuals from diverse backgrounds will thrive in this role.
Your Future in this Role:
Your work as a Legal Assistant 3 will make a meaningful difference in the community by ensuring the public receives accurate, timely, and compassionate service. This role also serves as an excellent foundation for future growth within the Clerk of Superior Court and Pierce County. With opportunities for cross-training and skill development across multiple areas of the Clerk's Office, you'll gain valuable experience that prepares you for broader responsibilities and career advancement. This position is more than a job; it's the start of a rewarding and impactful career in public service.
Core Daily Responsibilities:

• Perform counter and/or phone work providing information to the public, advising self-represented parties and attorneys regarding the status of cases and legal procedures while maintaining security and confidentiality. May deal with sensitive and/or potentially volatile situations.
• Makes certified copies of legal documents.
• Maintain legal files and case controls; extract information from files, prepare legal forms and papers; prepare and review files.
• Provide task supervision over workers in a department section of the unit. Make work assignments, oversee the performance of assigned jobs, and provide technical assistance as needed.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found .
Qualifications

• Two or more years of progressive, responsible experience as a legal assistant, legal secretary, or related legal staff support function.
• Other education or experience that clearly indicates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position may substitute for the recruiting requirements.

Submit a current resume with your application. Applications without a resume will be considered incomplete.
Preferred Qualification:

• Training by an accredited vocational school, college, or university in the field of legal support work or a related area is preferred.

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed on a case-by-case basis and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.
Supplemental Information
To be considered for this opportunity, please:

• Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to:

. * If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at
and specify the Job Number and Title. * If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.

• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480 at least two days prior to the need.

This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes, which may include assessments, phone screens, and interviews.
At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion mean commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have a local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a place people are proud to call home?
We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Pierce County offers a competitive benefits package that offers flexibility and peace of mind. We are proud to offer Employee Resource Groups, a focus on professional development in our , and a County Book Club.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of and , , staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Our benefits:
Vacation (Annual Leave)
After approximately six months, employees receive six days of vacation leave.
Since we value your experience, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Vacation accrues on a bi-weekly basis for full-time employees as follows:
Vacation Accruals:
During years 1-3, 12 Days
During years 4-7, 16 Days
During years 8-13, 20 Days
During years 14-18, 23 Days
During years 19, 24 Days
During years 20, 25 Days
During years 21, 26 Days
During years 22, 27 Days
During years 23, 28 Days
During years 24, 29 Days
During years 25 & thereafter, 30 Days
A maximum of 45 days may be carried from one year into the next.
Pro-Rated for Part-Time based on % of 1.0 FTE.
Military Leave:
Pierce County has a proud history of supporting the armed forces and provides members of the armed forces with up to 21 days paid military leave per state fiscal year.
Holidays:
Some full-time employees are entitled to eleven paid holidays as follows:
New Year's Day - January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday - Third Monday in January
President's Day - Third Monday in February
Memorial Day - Last Monday in May
Juneteenth - June 19
Independence Day - July 4
Labor Day - First Monday in September
Veteran's Day - November 11
Thanksgiving Day - Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
Christmas Day - December 25
Personal Holidays:
Regular full-time and regular part-time employees, and employees occupying limited duration positions, shall also receive two additional paid personal holidays. Paid personal holidays shall only accrue for those employees on County payroll as of January 1 of each year or the first work day following January 1 and must be taken during the calendar year in which it was accrued.
Furlough:
Some Pierce County employees may be designated to receive 10 "furlough" days per year in lieu of holidays. Furlough days are available for use on January 1 and must be scheduled and taken within the calendar year. Employees who leave employment with Pierce County must reimburse the employer for used furlough days based upon the number of remaining holidays.
Sick Leave:
Sick leave accrues on a bi-weekly basis, at the rate of one day per month.
Insurance Benefits:
Employees and families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with very affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout Pierce County. Employees are eligible to enroll each year in a flexible spending plan, which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care and dependent care expenses. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in supplemental life and long term disability insurance plans. To view premium rates, summary of benefit coverage, and other information, please visit the website.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation:
Pierce County employees are members of the State of Washington's Department of Retirement System (DRS) and depending on the position or previous DRS enrollment will be able to enroll in one of many programs DRS offers. For additional information, check out the web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Nationwide Deferred Compensation Plan. This is a supplemental retirement savings program that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security:
All Pierce County employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The county and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
ORCA Passport Program
Pierce County employees may participate in the County's ORCA (One Regional Card for All) Passport program.
Your Pierce County issued ORCA card is loaded with an annual Passport pass. The pass automatically renews every year. The pass will provide you with free transportation on regularly scheduled service on several public transit systems.
Miscellaneous Benefits:
Please visit website for more information.
Telework/Remote Options:
Some departments allow for telework or work-from-home options dependent on the body of work. Learn more about our telework policy
**All employees are required to be WA State residents after 30 days of employment.

Skills Required