Legal Processing Assistant 3 - District Court

Pierce County; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Pierce County District Court in Tacoma seeks a Courtroom Services Assistant to support a fast-paced court environment. You will contribute to case processing, courtroom support, and the timely handling of orders and records.

The role requires attention to detail, reliability, and familiarity with legal terminology. You will work under supervision, with opportunities to grow within the district court and county operations.

Qualifications

• Must be detail‑oriented and accurate in recording data.
• Reliable and punctual, with strong dependability.
• Familiar with legal terminology and court processes.
• Able to listen to a judge’s direction and record the same on a court order.

Responsibilities

• Serve as back‑up to Judicial Assistant by attending court and noting minutes.
• Process orders of the Court and oversee exhibits.
• Record case-related data across databases and systems.
• Maintain accuracy while multitasking in a live courtroom.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Reliable and punctual

Familiar with legal terminology

Multitask in live courtroom

Job description

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:

Pierce County District Court is a court of limited jurisdiction and hears a wide range of cases, including:

• 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
• Anti‑harassment protection orders
• Stalking 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. To view the complete classification, click here.

• Additional education or experience may substitute for the recruiting requirements.
• A cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references are required for this position. Applications without cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references 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.

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.