Human Resources

Job Location

County of Chelan Superior Court 401 Washington Street Wenatchee, Washington 98801

Description

Salary: PW22 Steps 2-4 at $6,175.22-$6,766.66 Longevity Steps 5-8 $7,084.75-$8,137.65

The position includes a state retirement system (PERS), with a Deferred Compensation Program available for supplemental retirement savings. Health insurance package includes Medical, Dental, Vision and county contributions to a personal Health Savings Account. Includes 11 paid holidays and 1 floating personal holiday with monthly accrued vacation and sick leave. This is a non-bargaining position.

SUMMARY

The Senior Law Clerk performs professional and technical research of legal issues as assigned by the judges and performs legal research for the court regarding administrative issues.  The incumbent reviews briefs and memoranda and researches cited law, serves as the County Law Librarian, and may have other duties assigned as needed.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Senior Law Clerk position is distinguished by the professional and technical legal administrative work.  Work is performed relatively independently with latitude for exercising independent judgement and initiative.  Work flow and priority setting is determined by the incumbent and supervision consists of general guidelines, statements of desired objective, discussion of procedures and problems, and review/discussion of results achieved.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are not intended to represent the entire functional capacity of the position at the task level.

• Perform legal research projects as assigned, research all statutes and case law necessary to complete projects, to include drafting memoranda that combines legal research with analysis in order to provide direction to the judicial officer.
• Perform legal research in confidential cases and advise judges as to questions of law, statutes and legal process as required.
• Receive, organize, and review citations of court cases and prepare written/oral summaries and recommendations for the judges for briefs and memoranda pertaining to complex litigation; review legal documents and assist judge with organization.
• Perform legal research of pending legislation, court administrative concerns, and other issues as assigned and provide written or oral evaluations and recommendations based on findings.
• Assist the general public in utilizing the resources offered by the Law Library.  Manage the Board of Trustees and insure the requirements of RCW 27.24 are met and perform duties as the County Law Library Public Records Officer.
• Keep all library and research material current including delivery and replacement materials and recycling of outdated material.
• May be assigned additional jury trial-related duties as necessary, including, but not limited to, orientation and supervision of jurors and assisting with the development and assembly of jury instructions.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Methods and techniques of legal research.
• Laws of the State of Washington and Chelan County, Local and Washington State Court Rules and applicable statutes.
• Working knowledge of computerized methods of researching and locating records.
• Analyze, appraise and organize facts, evidence, and legal precedent in cases.
• Communicate complex technical and legal information effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Maintain required records and prepare clear, concise written reports.
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills including consistently handling multiple matters at any one time.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with jurors, attorneys, co-workers, other county employees and the general public.

QUALIFICATIONS 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. 

Must be a member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association.  Three years of experience in the practice of law is preferred but a combination of education and relevant experience may in the court’s discretion be substituted for a portion of the practice experience.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

Work is performed in the usual office environment, law library and courtroom.

The employee may be subject to contact with people who may exhibit hostile behaviors, such as profanity, verbal abuse, and angry outbursts.  The environment can be hectic and stressful.