To apply for this position, please visit our website at www.cityofventura.jobs before the July 26 deadline.
THE POSITION
Under general supervision, performs a variety of complex confidential legal secretarial work emphasizing litigation skills. Assists attorneys by accurately completing technical details and performing other secretarial tasks. Incumbent will assist attorneys in all phases of litigation, including, but not limited to, discovery and trial preparation.
This position is designated as "at will," subject to discharge without cause and without the right of appeal. This position is also designated as "confidential" under the City's Employer-Employee Relations Resolution.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Legal Litigation Secretary is distinguished from the Administrative Secretary in that it is utilized exclusively in the City Attorney's Office and focuses on supporting the litigation function in the office. The Legal Litigation Secretary performs the most complex legal secretarial work, requiring a thorough knowledge and understanding of legal documents and procedures.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
Has extensive litigation experience and is well versed in both state and federal court procedural requirements.
Exercises initiative, utilizes good judgement, and keeps information confidential.
Is highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to perform multiple tasks, while meeting deadlines and maintaining accuracy.
Has excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer services skills
Is proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.
Has excellent proofreading skills and performs tasks with attention to detail.
Is flexible in work assignments, moving quickly from one project to the next, as priorities change.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
Receives and transcribes confidential and routine material. Composes and prepares correspondence and legal forms, working independently or from oral instructions. Responds to letters and written correspondence. Edits and proofreads documents to ensure accuracy.
Assists attorneys in the preparation of legal documents for court. Files documents with appropriate courts. Locates source material and other records and information.
Prepares pleadings and discovery, files the same with court when appropriate, and arranges for service as required.
Schedules depositions, mediations, and medical examinations.
Schedules hearing dates with the court and interacts with court staff as required.
Acts as receptionist for the City Attorney's office. Arranges appointments and meetings for assigned attorneys. Makes reservations and travel arrangements. Maintains master litigation calendar for office. Maintains the “priors” database to support the criminal prosecution function.
Researches, compiles and analyzes data for special projects and reports. Maintains complex litigation filing systems and ensures accurate filing procedures. Maintains databases of information. Prepares purchase orders and requisitions as required.
Prepares final documents submitted by attorneys ensuring proper form to meet filing requirements of the courts, including the ability to use Microsoft Word to prepare Tables of Authorities and Tables of Contents as appropriate.
Maintains manuals and updates resource materials. Maintains office law library.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
LICENSE/CERTIFICATES
Licenses: Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain a valid California Class C driver's license is required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
A combination of education, training and experience equivalent to completion of high school, keyboarding sufficient to perform the duties of the job, and five years of increasingly responsible secretarial experience, including two years of recent legal secretarial experience supporting litigation is required with three years preferred.