Legal Secretary I - Superior Court

Legal Secretary I - Superior Court

Salary

$22.50 - $34.08 Hourly

Location

County Courthouse - 311 Grand Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

L500. 0926

Department

Superior/Juvenile Court Administration

Opening Date

09/23/2026

Closing Date

10/7/2026 4:59 PM Pacific

Salary

DOQ

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Summary

Whatcom County Superior and Juvenile court is hiring for multiple Legal Secretary Is.

These positions performs a variety of complex and diverse office, clerical and secretarial support work to facilitate the effective operations of the department. Under general supervision, prepares court documents, pleadings, reports and correspondence and coordinates collection and distribution of paperwork.

Whatcom County Superior Court is an independent branch of government and personnel employed under the judicial branch of government. The positions are in accordance with GR 29. Under GR 29, the Presiding Judge is responsible for the daily operations of the Court, which includes working conditions, hiring, discipline, and termination decisions.

Key Duties Include:

• Provides clerical, office and secretarial support for assigned areas.
• Prepares pleadings and correspondence such as summons, subpoenas, jury instructions, briefs or other legal documents. Performs basic research of documents and compiles data. Date stamps and distributes documents as required.
• Answers, screens or routes telephone and other inquiries. Identifies customer needs, explains services clearly and promptly responds to requests. Evaluates priorities and independently addresses routine and diverse matters, inquiries and complaints. Distributes, collects mail through numerous court runs daily and processes subsequent work related to the court runs.
• Maintains case-tracking system of case files, records, calendars, schedules appointments, special hearings, court appearances, interviews and meetings. Arranges, coordinates and attends meetings or hearings. Prepares and distributes agendas, minutes and other material.
• Organizes, updates, maintains purges, and archives databases, files, records, and other documents according to guidelines. Modifies processes and troubleshoots routine problems as needed.
• Prepares, edits and/or updates routine contracts, agreements, correspondence, procedures, reports, and other documents. Runs and compiles routine and diverse reports.
• Collects, researches, verifies, enters, updates and retrieves computer data.
• Acts as liaison between assigned attorneys or probation officers and the courts, other criminal justice departments and agencies and with the public, with regard to assigned caseload.

Supervisor: Administrative Supervisor

Hours of Work: Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM

For more information please review the Legal Secretary I job description.

Salary Range: $22.50 - $34.08 (MCBA - Range 109)

This position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated salary range (apx. 3.8%) subject to satisfactory performance, in addition to any negotiated Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).

We are required by State Law to list the full salary range. As a public entity and in a union-covered position, we are required to make pay decisions based on experience, qualifications, and equity with other employees. Hiring rate typically is limited to entry to mid of the posted salary range, subject to required approvals.

Qualifications

• Requires a Legal Secretary Certificate AND six months experience as a Legal Secretary OR two years experience in a law office, criminal justice system or a related field.
• Experience with court or legal procedures is preferred.
• Knowledge of legal terminology is preferred.

At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.

Distinguish yourself in public service and make a commitment to our future.

Whatcom County, WA is truly special and a great place to call home!

Whatcom County offers excellent benefits at no cost to employees, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees AND their family
• Generous paid leave provisions, including vacation, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays per year
• Eligibility for a lifetime pension through the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), with joint contributions required from the employee and the County
• $50,000 Life Insurance coverage for employees
• Option to invest in a 457 Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available for annual health care and/or dependent care expenses
• Voluntary Term Life Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Additional benefit information

01

Do you have a high school diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have experience working with court or legal procedures?

• Yes
• No

03

Please list any relevant experience you have with court or legal procedures.

04

Do you have a Legal Secretary Certificate AND six months experience as a Legal Secretary OR two years experience in a law office, criminal justice system or a related field?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Whatcom County

Address 311 Grand Ave, Suite 107

Bellingham, Washington, 98225

Phone (360) 778-5300

Website https://www.whatcomcounty.us/1675/Current-Job-Openings