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Job Description
Examples of Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
- Prepare documents and confirm compliance with statues, court decisions, or other legal authorities.
- Assist attorneys to prepare, assemble, and organize legal options and memoranda such as briefs, pleadings, appeals, motions, search warrants, contracts, complaints, petitions, ordinances, interrogatories and other legal documents used by attorneys.
- On behalf of attorneys, make appointments and maintain calendar of court dates and conferences.
- May recommend form revisions and procedural changes as appropriate.
- Take appropriate follow-up action on legal documents such as filing documents with appropriate courts, arranging for court trial dates and opposing counsel.
- Type a variety of material from handwritten or typed draft copy and prepare correspondence or reports.
- Perform routine clerical tasks such as filing, duplicating, photocopying, and assembling mail.
- May interview witnesses, collect statistical data and conduct financial investigations.
- May assist in training and directing the work of subordinate clerical staff.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience:
Three (3) years of experience preparing a variety of legal documents, supplemented by coursework in legal office practices and business law, preferably with at least one (1) year of experience equivalent to a Legal Secretary.
OR
Three (3) years of documented experience in performing research and analysis, and drafting subpoenas, writs, complaints, or similar para-legal activities.
OR
Completion of an approved legal para-professional training program and two (2) years of experience in the preparation of legal documents.
Essential Functions
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Process, prepare and maintain legal documents in the assigned office.
- Ability to research information from various codes and other legal records.
- Operate a personal computer and other office equipment.
- Communicate effectively with others in person and over the telephone.
- Analyze data, interpret directions, procedures and regulations, and develop appropriate responses.
- Perform job duties under stressful conditions and respond appropriately to situations.
- Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.
- Frequent use of depth perception, peripheral vision and color perception.
- Frequently lift, carry, reach, push, pull, twist and manipulate large and small objects.
- Frequent use of hand-eye coordination; use of data entry device; repetitive hand and arm motion.
- Occasionally lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
- Normal dexterity, frequent holding and grasping.
- Regular attendance is an essential function.
- Knowledge of legal documents, procedures, terminology, and forms.
- Various legal documents and their uses.
- Filing procedures and legal terminology.
- Legal office practices and procedures.
- Principles and practices of civil and/or criminal law.
- Operation and use of a computer, office equipment and machines.
- Business English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary and punctuation.
- Preparation and maintenance of court calendars.
- Perform difficult and complex assignments with speed and accuracy and meet deadlines.
- Collect and examine financial data.
- Understand and apply legal principles and precedents.
- Draft contracts, resolutions, letters and other legal documents.
- Make logical presentations of statements of facts.
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with attorneys, official and the general public.
- Read, understand, interpret and apply technical material and directions.
- Basic accounting procedures.
- Learn to input, access, and analyze data using a computer.
- Analyze situations accurately and adopt effective courses of action.
- Keep and maintain records.
- Use good judgment in recognizing the scope and limit of authority delegated.
HOLIDAYS & LEAVES
VACATION
10 days the first 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 160 hours), 15 days in the second 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 240 hours), and 20 days after 10 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 320 hours). Optional annual sell back of a portion of accumulated vacation leave hours (maximum - 40 hours).
SICK LEAVE
0.0625 hours sick leave for each paid regularly scheduled work hour. 16 days (130 hours per year) with unlimited accumulation. Optional annual buy back of a portion of accumulated sick leave hours upon meeting certain criteria.
HOLIDAYS
Twelve paid holidays annually plus two optional holidays.
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE
Five (5) regularly scheduled consecutive workdays.
INSURANCE
HEALTHINSURANCE
Medical Insurance -Merced County offers multiple Medical Plans and contributes towards employee and dependent premiums. Medical plan availability varies based on bargaining units.- Anthem 500 EPO
- Anthem 1500 EPO
- Anthem HDHP (High Deductible Medical Plan) with Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Anthem HDHP (High Deductible Medical Plan) without Health Savings Account (HSA)
- County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s)
- County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s)
Management Disability Insurance - Unit 20 Unrepresented Management Levels A-E - 100% premium paid by employer
LIFE INSURANCE
County-paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance- Unit 20 Unrepresented Management:
- Level A & B $85,000
- Level C $55,000
- Level D & E $35,000
RETIREMENT
DEFERRED COMPENSATION
The County offers a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan. Employees choose their investment funds and can make pretax contributions to the plan up to the maximum allowable.
MERCED COUNTY EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION
The retirement plan is a defined benefit plan administered pursuant to the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937 and other provisions of the California Government Code. MCERA members also pay into Social Security.The applicable benefit formula is dependent upon your hire date with an MCERA employer; yourpension amount will be determined by your age, years of service and final compensation amount.
EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS
EMPLOYEEASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)
Anthem EAP services provide up to five face-to-face counseling sessions per incident and provides a toll-free "800" hotline available 24/7 for emergencies and crisis intervention. EAP services include counseling services, legal services, financial services and work-life resource services.
EMPLOYEE TICKETS, COUPONS, and DISCOUNTS
The County of Merced has partnered with Employee Savings Tickets to provide discounted coupons and tickets for all county employees to attractions throughout the state and out-of-state. The discounts and coupons are available for shopping, movies, sporting events, theme parks, zoos and aquariums and much more.
THIS BULLETIN IS NOT A CONTRACT AND DOES NOT CREATE CONTRACTUAL OR LEGAL RIGHTS ON BEHALF OF ANY EMPLOYEE. THIS BULLETIN IS SUBJECT OF BEING SUPPLEMENTED, MODIFIED, WITHDRAWN OR OTHERWISE CHANGED PENDING LABOR AGREEMENTS AND/OR AT THE DISCRETION OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICER OR AS THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DEEM NECESSARY.
For answers to specific questions regarding employee benefits, please call Human Resources at 209.385.7682
Closing Date/Time: Continuous - Prepare documents and confirm compliance with statues, court decisions, or other legal authorities.
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ABOUT THE COMPANY
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Merced County
Show moreMerced County, located in the heart of California's Central Valley, offers a unique blend of vibrant agricultural heritage and modern development. Known as the "Gateway to Yosemite," Merced County is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, including nearby national parks, lush farmlands, and scenic rivers. The county's strategic location provides easy access to major urban centers like San Francisco, Sacramento, and Fresno, making it an ideal hub for both business and leisure. With a diverse economy anchored by agriculture, education, healthcare, and manufacturing, Merced County offers ample opportunities for career growth and professional development. The presence of the University of California, Merced, further enhances the county's reputation as a center for innovation and research, attracting top talent and fostering a dynamic workforce.
In addition to its economic strengths, Merced County boasts a high quality of life with a strong sense of community. Residents enjoy affordable housing, a lower cost of living compared to many other parts of California, and a family-friendly environment with excellent schools and recreational facilities. The county's rich cultural heritage is celebrated through numerous festivals, farmers' markets, and community events, creating a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers. With its combination of economic opportunity, educational excellence, and a supportive community, Merced County is not just a great place to work but also a wonderful place to live and thrive.
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