Legal Secretary I - CWA

Legal Secretary I - CWA Salary $41,775.00 - $66,839.00 Annually

Location: Norfolk, VA Job Type: Unclassified Job Number: 13314 Department: Commonwealths Attorney Opening Date: January 22, 2026 Closing Date: February 1, 2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Description

The Office of the Norfolk Commonwealths Attorney is responsible for the prosecution of all felony charges and some misdemeanor charges resulting from violations of the Criminal Code of Virginia occurring in the City of Norfolk. The Office also handles certain civil matters, including forfeiture actions against property used in connection with crimes, expungement and sealing of criminal records, and restoration of driving privileges.

Our office is seeking a Legal Secretary I to perform secretarial duties using legal terminology, procedures, and documents. This position will prepare legal papers and correspondence, such as summonses, complaints, motions, and subpoenas, and may also assist with legal research.

Essential Functions

The essential functions of this position are responsible for but are not limited to, customer service, administrative duties of the Commonwealths Attorneys Office, typing letters, filing documents by hand and electronically, updating the office's case management system (Prosecutor by Karpel), preparing indictments, and creating subpoenas, transportation orders, and other legal documents.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

To be successful in this role, the ideal candidate will have:

• Knowledge, skills, and ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing
• Proficient in the use of computers and software programs to include word processing, database management, and spreadsheets
• Ability to maintain and organize records, file alphabetically, numerically, and chronologically
• Effective listening, understanding, and following directions
• Ability to write legibly, schedule and coordinate meetings and conferences, interpret written material, and learn the policies and procedures of the team to which assigned
• Ensure all data is verified, detailed, and organized
• Demonstrate tact, discretion, good judgment, regular and punctual attendance, and good telephone etiquette

Education/Experience

Requires a high school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of one year of related clerical/secretarial experience. The ideal candidate will have experience working in a legal office environment, be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook; Adobe Acrobat or Nuance PowerPDF; and a legal case management system, preferably Prosecutor by Karpel.

Additional Information & Requirements

• Work Location: 810 Union Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
• Work Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday
• Regular full-time and permanent part-time employees may receive paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave, employer-paid pension plan, basic life insurance, voluntary participation in medical and dental, Section 457 deferred compensation, long-term disability, optional life insurance for self, spouse, and children, medical and dependent care reimbursement plans, access to membership in credit union, and employer-provided parking.
• Special project/grant employees are generally eligible for the same benefits of regular full-time employees; however, retirement, life insurance, and participation in health plans vary depending upon funding and authorization.
• Temporary/seasonal and part-time employees are generally only eligible for employer-provided parking and access to membership in credit union.

Benefits

• Retirement: If hired October 5, 2010, or after to a position with City of Norfolk Retirement System benefits, you will be required to contribute five percent (5%) of your salary toward your retirement benefit. This will be a pre-tax payroll deduction.
• If hired January 1, 2022, or after to a position with Virginia Retirement System (VRS) benefits, you will be required to contribute five percent (5%) of your salary toward your retirement benefit. This will be a pre-tax payroll deduction.
• The Tuition Assistance Program is established to encourage employees toward continued self-development and education. Permanent full-time and permanent part-time classified, unclassified permanent, full-time special projects, and constitutional employees who have completed six months continuous service will be eligible to apply.

Supplemental Questions

Please select the highest level of education you have completed:

1. High School Diploma/GED

2. Some College (6 months or more)

3. Vocational/Technical Degree

4. Associates Degree

5. Bachelors Degree

6. Masters Degree or higher

7. Do you have experience working in an office setting performing administrative or secretarial work?

Yes No

3. How many years of experience do you have working in an office setting performing administrative or secretarial work?

1 - 2 years 2 - 4 years 4 + years I have no prior experience

4. Briefly describe your experience working in an office setting performing administrative or secretarial work. If you do not have experience, enter N/A

5. Please rate your level of proficiency with the Microsoft Suite (Applicants may be subject to a skills assessment)

Not Proficient Beginner Intermediate Advanced

6. Do you have experience using a dictating machine to compose correspondence?

Yes No

7. Do you have experience researching information on various topics for use in legal proceedings or briefings?

Yes No

8. Please describe your experience researching information on various topics for use in legal proceedings or briefings. Specify your research method(s), the subject matter researched, and the purpose. If you do not have experience, enter N/A

9. Do you have experience assisting clients or customers with inquiries, providing timely responses to requests, and answering phones in a customer-focused office environment?

Yes No

10. Are you currently a resident of Norfolk, Virginia?

Yes No

11. Are you a current or previous City of Norfolk employee?

Yes - I am a current City of Norfolk Employee Yes - I am a previous City of Norfolk Employee No - I am not a previous or current City of Norfolk employee

12. Please indicate your veteran status. (A copy of your long form DD-214 may be required)

I am not a Veteran I am a Veteran I am a Disabled Veteran