LEGAL ASSISTANT II AND III - OAHU (OHHI)
Salary
See Position Description
Location
Island of Oahu
Job Type
Various
Job Number
OHHI-26060
Department
Various
Opening Date
07/23/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
Recruitment Information
Recruitment Number OHHI-26060
This recruitment is being conducted under the Operation Hire Hawaii (OH-HI) project, a targeted outreach initiative featuring an expedited hiring process, fast-tracking qualified applicants into job opportunities throughout Hawai'i.
Applications received for this recruitment will be reviewed for Legal Authorization to work in the US. All applicants who pass the Legal Authorization review will be referred to the hiring department for consideration and an initial review of the application.
Applicants who meet the initial review requirements at the departmental level may be contacted by the hiring program for an interview. All applicants interviewed by the hiring program will be notified of their selection or non-selection by the department.
The application referral and potential interview conducted at the departmental level does not imply that applicants have met all Minimum Qualification Requirements. A thorough review of all applications received will be conducted by the Department of Human Resources Development and all applicants will be notified of the final disposition.
Salary: Legal Assistant II: $4,725 per month (SR-18, Step D)
Legal Assistant III: $5,107 to $6,221 per month (SR-20, Step D to I)
Note: The starting monthly salary for vacancies in Step D, is at the minimum rate of pay. For vacancies at Step D to I, hiring rates will be based on availability of funds, the applicants qualifications, and other relevant factors.
This continuous recruitment may be closed at any time. The notice of the last day to file applications will be posted on the State of Hawaiis Civil Service Job Opportunities Listing page of our website.
Duties Summary
Performs substantive legal work which attorneys otherwise perform, except that Legal Assistants may not give independent legal advice, appear in court, or perform other duties that may constitute the unauthorized practice of law. Legal Assistants performs services such as:
Level II is the independent worker in the series. Positions in this class reflect workers who are fully competent in basic Legal Assistant functions, procedures, techniques and skills.
Level III is the journey worker level in the series. Positions in this class reflect workers who are under the general supervision of an attorney, positions at this level provide the full range of Legal Assistant services required in an assigned program area. Positions independently provide preliminary legal consultation services to line departmental personnel; establish evidence and develop cases; perform legal research; prepare drafts, outlines or summaries of legal subjects, laws, statutes, briefs and other legal documents and related duties. Work at this level may also include training new Legal Assistant employees.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Applicants will be placed on the eligible list for ALL levels for which they are qualified.
To qualify, you must meet all of the following requirements:
Legal Authorization to Work:
The State of Hawaii requires all persons seeking employment with the government of the State shall be citizens, nationals, or permanent resident aliens of the United States, or eligible under federal law for unrestricted employment in the United States.
LEGAL ASSISTANT II:
General Experience/Education: Four (4) years of progressively responsible administrative, professional or analytical work experience that provided knowledge, skills and abilities comparable to those acquired in four (4) years of successful study while completing a college or university curriculum leading to a baccalaureate degree. To be acceptable, the experience must have been of such scope, level and quality as to assure the possession of comparable knowledge, skills and abilities; OR Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with a bachelor's degree.
AND
Specialized Experience: Two (2) years of paralegal work experience which demonstrates that the applicant possesses knowledge of rules of evidence; the legal system and procedures; legal research methods and sources of legal information; and that the applicant also has the ability to understand and explain legal processes and procedures; evaluate and analyze facts and legal issues; prepare legal reports, documents and correspondence; speak clearly, and follow oral and written instructions.
LEGAL ASSISTANT III:
General Experience/Education: Four (4) years of progressively responsible administrative, professional or analytical work experience that provided knowledge, skills and abilities comparable to those acquired in four (4) years of successful study while completing a college or university curriculum leading to a baccalaureate degree. To be acceptable, the experience must have been of such scope, level and quality as to assure the possession of comparable knowledge, skills and abilities; OR Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with a bachelor's degree.
AND
Specialized Experience: Four (4) years of paralegal work experience which demonstrates that the applicant possesses knowledge of rules of evidence; the legal system and procedures; legal research methods and sources of legal information; and that the applicant also has the ability to understand and explain legal processes and procedures; evaluate and analyze facts and legal issues; prepare legal reports, documents and correspondence; speak clearly, and follow oral and written instructions.
Note: Experience as a legal stenographer or legal secretary involving only the checking, filing, and processing of legal forms and documents is not considered qualifying.
Substitutions Allowed: Relevant substitutions as described in the Minimum Qualification Requirements will apply.
The information provided above represents a summary of the complete Minimum Qualification Requirements. To view the Requirements in their entirety, please CLICK HERE.
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Other Information
The State of Hawaii complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations in completing an application, any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the selection process, please call 808-587-1111 for assistance.
PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS (PSLF) PROGRAM
The PSLF Program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer. For more information, please click: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION TO APPLICANTS
The Department of Human Resources Development (HRD) will use electronic mail (email) to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of their applications as part of our ongoing efforts to increase operational efficiency, promote the conservation of green resources, and minimize delays and costs.
Please ensure that the email address and contact information you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our emails or fail to check your email-box in a timely manner. In addition, please be aware that you may no longer receive notification about applications submitted if you choose to disable the Job Application Emails feature in your Account Settings.
TESTING INFORMATION
The examination for this recruitment will be conducted on an unassembled basis where the examination score is based on an evaluation and rating of your education and experience. It is therefore important that your employment application provide a clear and detailed description of the duties and responsibilities of each position you held.
In-person interviews and/or further testing in Hawaii may be required at the discretion of the hiring agency. If in-person interviews and/or further testing is a requirement, applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements and are referred to the vacancy must be available to participate in person and at their own expense in this required phase of the selection process.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible. In addition to employment availability and score, the referral of qualified applicants may be based upon other factors including date of receipt of application.
CLICK HERE for further information about Equal Employment Opportunity, the Merit Civil Service System, Citizenship and other requirements, Reasonable Accommodation, Veterans Preference, Examination Requirements, and the State Recruiting Offices Levels of Review.
YOUR JOB BENEFITS WITH THE STATE OF HAWAII
The State of Hawaii offers its employees who are members of the civil service a range of benefits. Some benefits are offered as a result of collective bargaining agreements and changes may occur.
A summary of these benefits, which is based on full-time employment, is listed below.
Note: Benefits for NON-CIVIL SERVICE appointments will be provided by the hiring department at the time of interview.
With Civil Service modernization, effective July 1, 2002, employees appointed to temporary positions may also gain membership in the civil service upon satisfactory completion of an initial probation period of at least six months. As a temporary member of the civil service, you will be eligible to apply for promotion and transfer opportunities to permanent as well as other temporary positions. You may also enjoy other rights and benefits afforded to members of the civil service, with the exception of return rights and placement rights associated with a reduction-in-force of a permanent member of the civil service.
Paid Holidays
You may be eligible for 13 paid holidays each year; 14 holidays during an election year.
Paid Vacation
You may earn vacation leave at a rate that other employers find tough to match - 21 days each full year from the FIRST year of employment. This compares to an average of 10 days offered by private companies. You may accumulate up to a total of 90 days (720 hours) of vacation.
Paid Sick Leave
You may earn sick leave at the same rate as vacation - 21 days per year from the FIRST year, and there is no limit on the amount you can accumulate. Expectant mothers may also use sick leave for pre-natal or post-natal check-ups or any illness related to pregnancy. Plus, unused accumulated sick leave may eventually be used to increase your retirement benefits in certain situations.
Other Leaves
Reasonable time off with pay may be provided for jury or witness duty, a death in the family, some military duty, and donation to the Blood Bank. Leave sharing donations may be granted to eligible employees who have serious personal illnesses or injuries or need to care for a seriously ill or injured family member. Various leaves without pay may also be granted with full re-employment rights.
Health Insurance
The State pays a part of the premiums for each employees enrollment in a State sponsored Medical, Drug, Vision, and Dental Plan. For more information, visit the Employer Union Trust Fund website www.eutf.hawaii.gov for coverage and options.
Group Life Insurance
The State provides a free life insurance policy for employees.
Retirement Plan
The State contributes to a retirement plan for eligible employees. Generally, employees under the Hybrid Plan with 10 years of credited service and who have reached 65 years of age or have 30 years of credited service and have reached 60 years of age may retire and receive benefits. To find out more about the options you have, go to http://ers.ehawaii.gov.
Premium Conversion Plan
Participating employees may increase their take-home pay by having the State deduct the cost of health care premiums before payroll taxes are withheld.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Eligible employees can reduce their federal and state income taxes and social security taxes through a tax-savings benefit program called Island Flex. This program allows employees to set aside money from their paychecks to pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and eligible dependent care expenses on a BEFORE-TAX basis.
Transportation Benefits
Participating employees may increase their take-home pay by having the State deduct qualified transportation expenses (i.e. eligible parking fees, monthly bus passes for TheBus, fare coupons for The Handi-Van, Vanpool Hawaii participation fee, etc.) through pre-tax payroll deductions.
Deferred Compensation
The State offers employees a voluntary pre-tax retirement savings plan designed to give employees a tax break today and an opportunity to build a retirement nest egg through voluntary payroll deductions. Several types of investment options are available.
Temporary Disability Insurance
Qualified employees may be eligible to receive benefits for a disability caused by a non-work related injury or illness under this program.
Social Security
As an employer, the State also contributes to an employees social security account.
Promotions & Transfers
For employees with membership in the civil service, the State offers promotion and transfer opportunities throughout the State Executive Branch.
Training & Continuing Education
The State supports developmental activities related to an employees work. In many departments there are numerous in-service training opportunities available. Sabbatical leaves with pay are available for qualified employees.
Travel Expenses
The State may pay for certain business related travel expenses including mileage reimbursement for use of a personal car during work, airfare, meals and lodging expenses for trips to neighbor islands or out of state.
Incentive & Service Awards
The State has a program that recognizes employees for their years of service and provides cash awards for their superior accomplishments and other contributions that improve State operations.
Union & Collective Bargaining
Employees have the right to join the union for collective bargaining with the State and employee representation. Some employee unions provide discounts, insurance and other opportunities. Employees may also decide not to join a union, however, employees are required to pay union service fees unless the employees job is excluded from collective bargaining.
The above information is solely intended as a summary of the benefits available to State of Hawaii employees and is subject to change. Whether or not you are entitled to a particular benefit will depend on your specific appointment and employment status (included, excluded, exempt, non-exempt). Please refer to the appropriate collective bargaining agreement or executive order and all applicable laws, rules, policies, or plan documents for further details. Nothing herein shall be deemed as creating an employment contract, promise of employment, promise of continued employment, or obligation of any kind on the part of the State of Hawaii.
CLICK HERE for more information on the State of Hawaiis Benefits At-A-Glance.
The State of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Revised 01/13
01
RECRUITMENT SURVEY (MANDATORY) Completion of this survey is mandatory. You must select one option; multiple selections permitted. The information you provide will be used to improve our recruitment efforts. We appreciate your cooperation.
What led you to explore career opportunities with the State of Hawaii?
02
EMPLOYMENT STATUS SURVEY #1
Completion of this survey is mandatory. You must select one option. This information will assist us with our recruiting efforts. We appreciate your cooperation.
Which of the following reflects your current employment status?
03
EMPLOYMENT STATUS SURVEY #2
Completion of this survey is mandatory. This information will assist us with our recruiting efforts. We appreciate your cooperation.
If you selected recently laid off in response to Employment Status Survey #1, please indicate the name of the employer from which you were laid off.
If you selected other in response to Employment Status Survey #1, please explain.
if these two options do not apply to you, please indicate "N/A."
04
APPLICANTS ACKNOWLEDGMENT - REQUIRED SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS
The responses you provide to these Supplemental Questions will be used in combination with your application to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements and/or your final score. Failure to provide detailed and complete information may result in your application being rejected or receiving a lower score.
Please do not submit a resume in place of completing the Supplemental Questions.A resume submitted in lieu of addressing the supplemental questions and/or answering "n/a," "no experience" or in any other manner that does not address the questions below will not be accepted and your application will be deemed ineligible.
You must submit verification (e.g., copies of official transcripts or diploma as instructed below) in order to receive credit for education. In general, proof of education downloaded from and/or submitted through the internet will not be accepted. Education obtained outside the United States must be comparable to education earned at an accredited school in the United States. We also reserve the right to request further information about your academic program, evidence of comparability, or an original transcript.
To receive credit for substitute, internship, temporary assignment, or volunteer experience, you must submit an official letter of verification. The letter should include the job title, employment dates, number of hours worked, a description of the duties performed, and a contact name and phone number.
Any information you submit may be verified.
Supporting documents must be either electronically attached to your application or submitted to our office at: State of Hawaii - Department of Human Resources Development - 235 South Beretania Street, 11th Floor - Honolulu, Hawaii 96813.
05
APPLICANTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT (Continued)
Applicants must meet all the requirements for the position they are seeking as of the date of the application, unless otherwise specified.
In general, concurrent experiences and/or education will not be double credited unless otherwise specified.
Your possession of the required amount of experience will not in and of itself be accepted as proof of qualification for the position. The overall paid or unpaid experience must be of such scope and responsibility as to conclusively demonstrate that you have the ability to perform the duties of the position.
Our calculation of experience will be based upon a full-time, 40-hour work week. Part-time experience will be pro-rated.
Example: Twelve months of experience at 20 hours/week will be pro-rated to six months of experience. Also, hours worked in excess of 40 hours/week will not be extra credited.
Example: Twelve months of experience at 60 hours/week will be credited as one year of experience, not one and a half years.
06
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS (Complete information and details)
A link to the Minimum Qualification Requirements has been provided in the job announcement. Please review the requirements in their entirety.
07
GENERAL EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION REQUIREMENT
Do you possess the relevant work experience as described in the Minimum Qualification Requirements and/or a bachelors degree from an accredited college or university?
08
GENERAL EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION REQUIREMENT (continued)
If you answered NO to the question above, please indicate N/A below.
If you stated that you possess the required General Experience, please provide the following information: (1) A copy of your OFFICIAL DIPLOMA and/or OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS attached to your online application. OR (2) Name of your employer in which you gained your relevant experience, your job title, your dates of employment and a description of your duties and responsibilities which demonstrate the required knowledges and abilities as described in the Minimum Qualification Requirements.
09
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT: REQUIRED INFORMATION BELOW MUST SUPPLEMENT YOUR RESUME.
If you stated No Experience in the question above, please indicate N/A below.
If you stated that you possess the Specialized Experience, identify each experience you would like us to consider and provide the following information.
Address each change in employer or positions with the same employer separately. The information for EACH employer should include:
A. Name of employer, dates of employment (mo/yr to mo/yr), your official job title and number of hours per week spent collectively on the duties below.
B. Describe this employer, the services provided and to whom (describe clientele)?
C. What department or section did you work in? What was the primary function and major duties and responsibilities of your position?
D. Describe your experience that demonstrates your knowledge and abilities in each of the following areas. Include your specific role, the steps you took, and give relevant examples.
1) Interviewing techniques. 2) Rules of evidence. 3) The legal system and procedures. 4) Legal research methods and sources of legal information. 5) The ability to understand and explain legal processes and procedures. 6) The ability to evaluate and analyze facts and legal issues. 7) Types of legal documents you prepared or drafted. 8)Case management. 9) The ability to speak clearly and follow oral and written instructions.
E. Did this employer have or employ a separate entity or person to whom all legal questions and/or representation were referred to? If yes, what was the relationship of your position to this entity?
F. What was the official job title of your supervisor? How did your responsibilities and authority differ from those of your supervisor?
Be specific and complete in your responses. Employers and each position held must be identified in your resume. We do not make assumptions.
If your write up and resume are unclear, you may be asked to provide a copy of your official Job/Position Description.
10
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR GENERAL AND/OR SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE
Please indicate if you are using the substitution to meet the General Experience requirement.
In order to receive credit for your academic training, you MUST SUBMIT a legible copy of your OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS, by attaching it to your online application, if you have not already done so.
Your education may not substitute for all of the required experience. Refer to the Minimum Qualification Requirements (see link) for more information.
Required Question
Employer State of Hawaii
Address DHRD - Employee Staffing Division
235 S. Beretania Street, 11th Floor, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96813-2437
Phone 808-587-1111 or 1-877-447-5990 (TTY)