Legal Assistant 3 – Prosecuting Attorney

Pierce County; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office seeks a skilled Legal Assistant to support litigation management, from opening case files to filing court documents for state and federal courts. You will handle witness interviews, discovery management, exhibit and trial preparation, and provide guidance to the public, attorneys, and justice system personnel.

Applicants should have at least two years in legal support, be able to explain rules clearly, and commit to a diverse, welcoming workplace

Qualifications

• Two or more years of progressive, responsible experience in the legal field as a legal assistant or related staff.
• Related legal training by vocational school or college preferred.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to explain rules and procedures to the public and attorneys.

Responsibilities

• Creates, organizes and maintains computerized and paper files and records.
• Files court documents and manages discovery and trial materials.
• Provides information to the public and advises attorneys.
• Supervises tasks over workers and coordinates assigned duties.
• Prepares complex reports requiring technical knowledge of office operations.

Skills

Litigation support

Case management

Legal research

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Related legal training

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Case management software

Job description

The salary reflected here does not include any General Wage Increases negotiated between the County and the union.

Why It's a Great Opportunity:

As a proven Legal Assistant with expertise in all aspects of litigation management, this is a great opportunity to provide legal support work for the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

This includes the opening of case files, filing of all court documents, legal correspondence, client and agency contact, witness interviews, discovery management, exhibit preparation, and trial preparation in both State Superior Court and Federal Court.

You will explain rules and interpret established guidelines to persons who may have no knowledge of legal procedures, as well as provide technical assistance and procedural information to the public, attorneys, and other justice system personnel and agencies. As a Prosecuting Attorney’s Office employee, you make a difference in people's lives and a positive contribution to Pierce County.

Learn more about the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office here.

Why It's a Great Department:

The Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney's Office is committed to the recruitment, hiring, retention, and promotion of a diverse staff. Our commitment to diversity creates a strong and collegial office that promotes respect for the community we serve.

Our Department takes great pride in the collegial environment we have created. We are supportive of one another, highly competent, and thrive on the collective teamwork of those who work in our office. We have high standards in our work product and for the support we provide.

How to be Successful in the Role:

In this position, you will provide difficult clerical and support work for general tort defense litigation of a variety of claims made against the county, including personal injury, wrongful death, sexual abuse, constitutional rights, or wrongful termination. This team is comprised of experienced deputy prosecutors and knowledgeable legal assistants who work closely together through conclusion of the matter.

Your Future in this Role:

This is a great opportunity to give back to the community in which you live and help make Pierce County a place people are proud to call home.

Core Daily Responsibilities:

• Creates, organizes and maintains computerized and paper files and records and retrieves information, files, documents and records. Manually files and retrieves paper records. Distributes new case files.
• Ability to understand and apply available legal guidelines or regulations to varied operational requirements, and to follow clearly stated oral and written instructions.
• Provides information to the public and advises attorneys and other interested parties regarding status of cases. Required to maintain security and confidentiality. May deal with sensitive and/or potentially volatile situations.
• Provides task supervision over workers in an office section or unit. Makes work assignments, oversees performance of assigned jobs and provides assistance as needed. Also provides supervision over part time workers.
• Coordinates or participates in the collection and preparation of complex reports requiring technical expertise or thorough knowledge of departmental operations, procedures and regulations.

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. To view the complete classification, click here.

• Additional education or experience may substitute for the recruiting requirements.
• Two or more years of progressive, responsible experience in the legal field as a legal assistant, legal secretary or related legal staff support function.

Preferred Requirements:

• Related legal training by an accredited vocational school, college or university is preferred.
• Experience in civil torts litigation

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.

Our Recruitment Practices:

This is a competitive and meritorious selection process. Pierce County applications are reviewed by human hiring staff in accordance with the qualifications listed for the position.

Pierce County understands applicants may use AI tools when preparing application materials. We recognize these tools can make the process easier; however, we ask that everything you submit genuinely reflects your own experience, skills, knowledge, and writing style.

During the interview process, you may be asked to demonstrate your skills, including writing and subject knowledge, and to speak to your experience in your own voice. Applicants should be prepared to respond to interview questions without relying on AI-generated responses or reading prepared answers from a screen. Any misrepresentation may result in disqualification or separation.

Applicants whose qualifications most closely align with the County’s needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status typically occurs within two to three weeks after the closing date. Some applicants may receive short notice to participate in additional selection steps, which may include assessments, phone screens, or interviews.

Upon offer, compensation is based on a range of job-related factors, including the requirements of the role, your skills and experience, and internal pay equity.

Our Welcoming Workplace Commitment:

Pierce County is committed to fostering a Welcoming Workplace where employees are supported, respected, and able to thrive. We believe a strong public workforce is representative of the community it serves and that fair and just access to opportunity strengthens public service.

Guided by the County Executive’s Forward Together mission, Pierce County works to build communities that are safe, welcoming, and connected. This same commitment shapes how we recruit, develop, and retain our employees. County employees make a direct and visible impact in the lives of residents every day, and we invite you to join us in helping keep Pierce County a place people are proud to call home.

If you have questions about this opportunity, email the Recruitment Team at [e-mail]