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Job Description
CAREER DESCRIPTION
SENIOR LEGAL SECRETARY
In addition to performance-based merit increases, this position is scheduled to receive salary range increases on the following dates:
Effective June 27, 2025 - 4.00% increase
$28.35 - $38.21 Hourly
Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and the successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
This recruitment is being held to establish an Open Eligible List to fill current and future Senior Legal Secretary positions. This recruitment may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower-level classifications throughout the County of Orange.
DEADLINE TO APPLY
This recruitment be open for a minimum of five (5) business days and will close on
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. (PST).
COUNTY COUNSEL
The Office of County Counsel is charged with providing civil legal services to the County government, e.g., defending and prosecuting litigation, advising the Board of Supervisors, and providing opinions to the County and district officers on matters pertaining to their duties. County Counsel acts as in-house counsel. The primary client is the Board of Supervisors, but all County officers and employees receive County Counsel's services. Legal services are also provided to some independent local public entities such as the Grand Jury and the Orange County Flood Control District. Legal services are not provided to individual citizens.
Click HERE to learn more about the County of Orange.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Senior Legal Secretary will provide legal secretarial support to assigned attorneys on the Office’s LPS/Probate or Litigation and Advisory teams. The position supports attorneys who represent different client agencies and diverse areas of the law. This position is critical to the timely preparation, processing, and filing of documents in a variety of complex and non-complex civil actions and litigation. The position will draft, prepare, proofread, and edit legal documents, such as opinions, agreements, contracts, pleadings, letters, and memoranda. Legal clerical support in a specialized area of civil law may be provided, but the capability of providing a full range of clerical support and other duties as assigned to any Deputy County Counsel is required. This position requires extensive knowledge and expertise to proficiently prepare and finalize legal pleadings for filing in the various federal and state courts. Additionally, this position often requires independent judgment, discretion, and is subject to minimal work direction and instruction. While this position does not directly supervise others, it may provide lead direction and training to other clerical staff within the department.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge and understanding in the following competencies:
Technical Knowledge | Legal Expertise
- Ability to create, format, and process procedures for a wide variety of legal forms and documents
- Ability to perform electronic research for court rules, procedures, citation checks, etc.
- Knowledge of the court system procedures regarding the processing of legal documents and filing deadlines
- Knowledge of organization of a law library in terms of finding relevant resources, conducting research as necessary and maintaining records
Communication | Interpersonal Skills- Knowledge of proper English grammar, punctuation, spelling, and usage with emphasis on the composition of both general business and legal correspondence
- Ability to present complex material clearly, concisely, logically, and persuasively, both orally and in writing
- Ability to provide leadership and direction to clerical staff
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other agency personnel, and the public
- Ability to obtain hearing dates and communicate changes in a timely manner with attorney and relevant court system(s) and other pertinent stake holders
Problem-Solving | Judgment Skills- Ability to perform difficult and complex legal and general clerical work with minimal supervision and instruction
- Ability to be resourceful by gathering data and information to complete time sensitive tasks and assignments
In addition to the competencies listed above, the ideal candidate must have demonstrated effective organization and time management skills to be able to manage tasks effectively, plan out assignments, and set priorities aligned with the needs of the office. They should have experience utilizing schedules, project plans, and other planning and organizing tools to achieve both short- and long-term goals.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Please click here for a full classification description of the Sr. Legal Secretary as well as the physical characteristics and environmental conditions.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Human Resource Services (HRS) screens all application materials for minimum and desirable qualifications. After screening, candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be referred to an Online Assessment.
Application Screening (Refer/Non-Refer)
Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those applicants who meet the qualifications listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.
Online Assessment (Weighted 100%)
Applicants who meet the qualifications will be invited to participate in one or more job-related assessments. Applicants will be notified of their test date and access code, if applicable. Only the most qualified applicants will move forward to the next step in the recruitment process.
Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure.
Eligible List | Score Group(s): Once all assessments have been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.
Veterans Employment Preference
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
EMAIL NOTIFICATION
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.
NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.
Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com .
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.
For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact Emmanuel Tamayo at Emmanuel.Tamayo@ocgov.com or (714) 834-4633.
EEO INFORMATION
Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Non-Management Benefits
In addition to the County's standard suite of benefits, such as a variety of health plan options, annual leave and paid holidays--we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as a Health Care Reimbursement Account, 457 Defined Contribution Plan and Annual Education and Professional Reimbursement. Employees are provided a Retirement Plan through the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS).
Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.
http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information
Click here for information about benefits offered to County of Orange employees.
Closing Date/Time: 3/19/2025 11:59 PM Pacific -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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County of Orange
Show moreDiscover a Fulfilling Career at the County of Orange
With a population of over 3 million residents and 34 cities, Orange County is a thriving community known for its beautiful beaches, diverse culture, and strong economy. As the third-largest employer in the county, the County of Orange offers over 18,000 employees the opportunity to make a difference in their community and build a fulfilling career in public service.
As a County of Orange employee, you will have the chance to work in a variety of departments, each providing vital services to our community. From law enforcement and healthcare to public works and environmental protection, there is a wide range of career paths to explore. And with opportunities for advancement and professional growth, you can build a long and rewarding career with us.
As a top employer in the region, the County of Orange is committed to providing our employees with excellent benefits, including a competitive salary, flexible work schedules, and outstanding healthcare coverage. We also offer opportunities for career development and training, ensuring that our employees have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
Whether you're just starting your career or looking for a new challenge, the County of Orange is a great place to work. With a supportive and collaborative work environment, a commitment to excellence, and opportunities for growth and advancement, we invite you to join our team and make a difference in your community.
Community Impact:
Working for the County of Orange means you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community. Whether you're providing critical services to residents, protecting the environment, or maintaining public safety, your work will make a difference in the lives of those around you.
Employee Wellness:
At the County of Orange, we prioritize our employees' well-being. We offer telecommuting options, generous health benefits, and wellness programs to promote work-life balance. We believe that by taking care of our employee’s health and well-being, we can help them excel in their careers while still enjoying their personal lives and taking care of their families.
Innovation:
The County of Orange is committed to embracing new technologies and innovative approaches to service delivery. We encourage our employees to think creatively and find ways to improve our processes and systems. If you're someone who loves to problem-solve and think outside the box, you'll find a supportive and dynamic environment here.
Collaboration:
Collaboration is key to our success at the County of Orange. We value teamwork, communication, and mutual support, and we work together across departments and functions to achieve our goals. If you're someone who enjoys collaborating with others and building strong relationships, you'll find a welcoming and inclusive community here.
Equality:
At the County of Orange, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. Our Equity Policy reflects this commitment and guides our efforts to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in everything we do.
Career Advancement:
The County of Orange is dedicated to helping our employees grow and advance in their careers. We offer a variety of training and development opportunities to help our employees reach their full potential. If you're looking for a place to build a long and fulfilling career, the County of Orange is an excellent choice.
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