Hybrid Legal Processing Assistant 3 - District Court (2 positions) at Pierce County, WA

About the Department

Position Duties

Why It's a Great Opportunity:

Pursuant to the terms of GR 29, all District Court personnel are under the supervision of the Presiding Judge and under the direction of the Court Administrator, who reports directly to the Presiding Judge. In this role with District Court, you'll step into a fast-paced environment where no two days are alike. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on exposure to a wide range of court operations—from case processing to courtroom support and beyond. Are you ready to dive in? 

You’ll take the lead on a variety of clerical functions essential to case processing, along with some key administrative tasks that keep the court running smoothly. Working under the guidance of a more senior staff member, you’ll develop a deep understanding of both the structure and flow of court operations.

On a regular basis, you’ll find yourself working inside courtrooms and correctional facilities, making real-time docket entries, recording detailed case data in multiple third-party systems, creating court orders, and ensuring that follow-up tasks and future hearings are accurately processed.

If you're someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment where priorities shift quickly and precision matters, this could be your perfect next step.

Why It's a Great Department: 

The mission of Pierce County District Court, as an independent and impartial branch of government, is to promote respect for law, society, and individual rights; provide open, accessible, and effective forums for dispute resolution; resolve legal matters in a just, efficient, and timely manner and assure the dignified and fair treatment of all parties.  Pierce County District Court is a court of limited jurisdiction hearing the following cases:

• Traffic and non-traffic infractions
• Criminal and criminal-traffic misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors
• Civil matters for damages for injury to individuals or personal property, and contract disputes no greater than $100,000
• Small claims for recovery of money not to exceed $10,000
• Name changes
• Civil protection orders

We encourage you to learn more about our department by clicking HERE. 
 

How to be Successful in the Role: 

• Must be detail-oriented
• Reliable and punctual
• Familiar with legal terminology
• Able to listen to a judge’s direction and record the same on a court order
• Accuracy and thoroughness are imperative
• Able to work well independently and as part of a team
• Ability to keep up with continual changes in process and legal requirements
• Ability to multitask while working in a live courtroom
• Ability to work in multiple operating and case management systems
• Experience working with elected officials is a plus

Throughout the training process, you will meet with your supervisor regularly to set expectations and goals for yourself, introduce you to the specific Court unit training plan you will follow, and familiarize you with the current District Court policies, procedures, and technology.

Your Future in this Role: 

District Court has a comprehensive onboarding process that exposes you to all court functions and processes and involves real-time training opportunities alongside more experienced teammates. Your work will have a direct impact on your community, and it provides a great foundation for future positions within the District Court and Pierce County. 

Core Daily Responsibilities:

Courtroom Services Unit-

• Serve as back-up to Judicial Assistant by routinely attending court and making accurate minutes of court proceedings 
• Process orders of the Court
• Oversee exhibits
• Record case-related data in various databases

This announcement is not intended to reflect all duties to be performed by our next team member, but shall present a descriptive list of the range of duties that may be performed.

Minimum Qualifications

• A resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references are required for this position. Applications without this material will not be considered. 
• Four or more years of progressive, responsible experience as a legal processing assistant, legal secretary, or related legal staff support function.
• Additional education or experience that clearly indicates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position may substitute for recruiting requirements on a year-for-year basis.

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case basis and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

Other Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, please:

• Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to:   www.piercecountywa.org/jobs. 
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at [email protected] 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?