Public Defense Legal Assistant, Front Desk (TLT/SDA)

King County, WA; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension plan

Transit pass (ORCA)

Flexible schedules/telecommuting where

Training and career development

Job summary

King County’s Department of Public Defense (DPD) is seeking a Legal Assistant to provide vital front desk support in the Director’s Office. The role requires independent judgment, professional communication, and compassionate, trauma-informed service to clients, in person and by phone.

This recruitment will fill a Term-Limited Temporary or Special Duty Assignment position, with assignments lasting up to 24 months and potential extensions based on business needs.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in a receptionist, administrative assistant, or customer service role.
• Ability to lift/move up to 20 pounds.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License or ability to travel to required destinations around King County.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and oversee front desk operations, handling confidential documents and inquiries with initiative and discretion.
• Provide excellent customer service in person and by phone; greet clients and connect them with the appropriate staff.
• Maintain appointment schedules, respond to voicemail and email messages, and manage client interactions with sensitivity and confidentiality.
• Assist with facilities requests, office supplies, and routine administrative tasks to support office efficiency.

Skills

Customer service

Reception/front desk

Communication skills

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Job description

Summary

King County’s Department of Public Defense (DPD) is actively recruiting for one (1) Legal Assistant to deliver vital front desk office support within the Director’s Office. We are seeking an individual capable of showcasing robust independent judgment, adeptly applying office protocols and procedures, demonstrating cultural sensitivity and compassion while providing exceptional customer service both in-person and over the phone. The successful candidate for this position should have the ability to work five (5) days on-site, at the Dexter Horton Building.

This recruitment will be used to fill a Term‑Limited Temporary (TLT) or Special Duty Assignment (SDA) position and to create an eligibility pool to fill TLT or SDA vacancies that may occur within the next six (6) months. Assignments are anticipated to last for up to 24 months but may have the ability to be extended or end early based on business needs.

WHY JOIN DPD?

The King County Department of Public Defense (DPD) provides high quality legal representation to indigent clients in felonies, misdemeanors, juvenile defense, family defense (dependency cases), involuntary commitment (mental illness), and sex offender commitment proceedings.

As An Organization We Work With The Community

• To dismantle the systems that oppress our clients.
• To make the traditional systems that remain as restorative as possible.
• To advocate for pathways that will allow our clients to succeed.

We also advocate to reduce the harm and reach of the criminal legal system and civil legal systems that restrict our clients’ liberties and to address systemic racism. We strive to create a flexible workplace culture that is inclusive, respectful, and supportive, premised on a shared anti‑oppression framework. To learn more about DPD, visit our website.

Job Duties

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES include but are not limited to the following:

Administrative Support

• Coordinates and oversees logistical front desk operations, to include performing a wide range of advanced administrative duties, such as in‑person interactions, and the word processing of accurate, complex, and confidential documents both in electronic and written format. Demonstrates independent judgment, initiative, and timeliness in handling sensitive information and tasks, in accordance with department procedures.
  • Distribute incoming mail daily to designated recipients.
  • Process incoming packages promptly, ensuring timely delivery or notification.
  • Oversee Director’s Office supply inventory, reporting low stock levels.
  • Communicates clearly and promptly in both oral/written form.
  • Travel to various locations within King County to stock or retrieve DPD property.
  • Provide backup and perform various administrative tasks for office efficiency.

Customer Service And Communication

• Provide excellent customer service, both in-person and via the phone, as the first line of contact with DPD clients and visitors.
  • Demonstrates the ability to be onsite at least 5 days a week.
  • Demonstrates and practices cultural sensitivity when engaging with a diverse population.
  • Uses professional communication skills and demonstrates compassion for DPD’s clients many of whom suffer from trauma and/or mental illness, via the phone and in‑person.
  • Reliably answers and returns calls, providing the DPD community authentic support and demonstrating a willingness to assist them.
  • Manages appointment and reliably responds to voicemail and email messages.
  • Greets clients, visitors, and staff with professionalism and discretion ensuring their needs are promptly addressed and facilitating their connection with the relevant office staff.
  • Provides clear and reassuring communication to DPD clients.
  • Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
  • Foster a welcoming environment for individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Other Functions

• Organize office supplies.
• Back up for clothing requests.
• Assist with facilities requests for department.
• Assist with copier service requests for department.
• Assist with retrieval of client trial clothes at KCCF and MRJC.

The Department reserves the right to assign additional duties in support of DPD’s mission.

• Detailed specifics of job duties are assigned by case type and division.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 1+ years of experience in a receptionist, administrative assistant, or customer service role. Prior work in a legal setting and criminal legal system is a plus.
• Ability to lift/move up to 20‑pound boxes.
• Have a valid Washington State Driver’s License or ability to travel to required destinations around King County in a timely manner.

Knowledge Of

• Current office practices, methods, and procedures.
• Spelling, grammar, and vocabulary skills.
• Advanced office equipment and software programs.

Ability To

• Communicate clearly, respectfully, and empathetically with clients from all walks of life, including those who may be in crisis, under stress, suffering from mental, or navigating complex legal related issues.
• Work with diverse populations, including individuals from marginalized communities, non‑native English speakers, and those impacted by the criminal legal system.
• Perform de‑escalation techniques to clients/visitors in distress via phone and in person.
• Maintain a calm, courteous, and composed presence at all times, especially when handling sensitive or emotionally charged situations.
• Use office productivity tools such as Microsoft Office 365 (Excel, Word, and Outlook) document management, and Internet search engines.
• Quickly assess client needs and provides accurate information or referrals, while maintaining confidentiality and adhering to legal protocols.
• Manage difficult interactions with patience and professionalism, using active listening and de‑escalation techniques when needed.
• Ensure timely and accurate responses to inquiries, follows up on client needs, and supports a seamless front desk.
• Use Adobe Pro for manipulation of .pdf documents.
• Apply procedures, policies, and guidelines.
• Adapt to ever changing work needs and requirements.
• Learn new and/or increasing complex duties.
• Work in a fast‑paced, and multifaceted environment with high attention to detail.

The Following Qualifications Are a Plus

• Fluency in a foreign language.
• Have lived experience involving the criminal legal system.
• Knowledge of various City, State and King County Court portals.
• Knowledge of legal procedures, work methods, court rules, and applicable laws.

Supplemental Information

King County offers great benefits, to include a pension plan, holidays, transit pass, plus training and education opportunities to promote growth and development. Our focus is to provide our employees with work life balance.

This opportunity is open to all applicants.

To be considered for this role submit the following items:

• Completed King County application.
• A current/chronological resume
• Cover letter detailing your background and what you can bring to the Department of Public Defense.

This recruitment may be used to fill a Term‑limited‑Temporary or Special Duty Assignment Legal Assistant position, and to establish an eligibility list for vacancies that may occur within the next six months. This Term‑Limited Temporary and Special Duty Assignment may last up to 24 months and may be extended or end early based on business needs.

Note: Special Duty opportunities are only open to current King County career service employees that have completed their initial probation. Special Duty applicants must have approval from their current supervisor to accept an assignment.

Pay Upon Special Duty Placement: current employees selected for special duty will be compensated based upon the provisions of the King County Code/Personnel Guidelines for their base position.

The selection process may include evaluation of application materials and supplemental questions, interviewing, references, a personnel file review going back the last three (3) years, and if applicable a background check. You must completely fill out the application with your relevant education and work experience and attach the required documents to your application.

WORK SCHEDULE AND LOCATION

The Front Desk team works in a hybrid model, with an onsite minimum of three (3) days per week. During the probationary period, employees are required to work onsite four (4) days per week. The ratio of telecommuting to onsite work will be dependent on business needs and is subject to change. The primary onsite location for this position is the Dexter Horton Building, 710 Second Avenue, Seattle.

Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will join an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department’s hybrid environment. Employees will be provided with a County‑issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.

The typical workweek is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This position is non‑exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is eligible for overtime.

Rotations of work location and practice area and/or workflow are an essential function and can occur based on business need. You may be required to report to any of our Seattle and/or Kent locations.

DPD Policies

Outside Work Policy for Administrative Staff will apply to employees, such that you must receive approval from your supervisor and Managing Attorney before being permitted to engage in outside employment for compensation or volunteer.

Union Membership

This position is not represented by a union.

King County's Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values unite us.

King County serves residents with a relentless sense of urgency, delivering on commitments with transparency and accountability. We are action‑oriented, creative problem solvers who collaborate across roles, engage directly with communities, and challenge the status quo to achieve meaningful impact. As a unified team, we uphold high ethical and stewardship standards, embrace change, stay curious, and continuously improve. Across all interactions, we listen first, act quickly, and stay aligned as a team to earn and sustain public trust. Learn more about our Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values here and visit our Why work at King County page here.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on sex, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religious affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age except by minimum age and retirement provisions, pregnancy, status as a family caregiver, parental status, marital status, military status or status as a veteran who was honorably discharged or who was discharged solely as a result of the person's sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, citizenship or immigration status, genetic information, or other protected class. However, to the extent that distinction or differential treatment on the basis of citizenship or immigration status is authorized by either federal or state law, regulation, or government contract, it is not an unfair practice.

Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

Benefits

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what’s best for themselves and their eligible dependents.
• Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents.
• Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred‑compensation plan.
• Transportation program and ORCA transit pass.
• 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays.
• Generous vacation and paid sick leave.
• Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves.
• Flexible Spending Account.
• Wellness programs.
• Onsite activity centers.
• Employee Giving Program.
• Employee assistance programs.
• Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position.
• Training and career development programs.

For additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page.

NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.

For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.