JOB DESCRIPTION
LEGAL SECRETARY
CITY ATTORNEY
Human Resources Department
700 Town Center Drive, Suite 200
Newport News, VA 23606
Phone: (757) 926-1800
Fax: (757) 926-1825
NEWPORT NEWS, VA
CITY OF OPPORTUNITY
GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES
Under general supervision, this position performs routine to difficult administrative support and
related functions.
May serve in a lead role; reports to the Law Office Administrator.
There are two (2) levels of Legal Secretary distinguished by the level of work performed and the
qualifications of the employee.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Performs administrative support work such as word processing, creating and maintaining
spreadsheets, data entry/retrieval, and functions that may require interpretation, judgment and
determining appropriate processes to be used.
Reviews forms, data and other information to ensure
accuracy and conformance to established procedures and policies.
Performs routine and repetitive administrative support functions such as compiling, posting or
recording information from a variety of sources that usually involves calculations, research and
verification of information.
Functions may include completing forms, reports, questionnaires and
other similar documents.
Interacts with the public and others outside the work unit to obtain and provide information and
assistance in a variety of circumstances.
Screens and responds to general inquiries and complaints;
provides information on policies and procedures; collects and balances payments received; monitors
and tracks small purchases; and performs other similar types of administrative support activities.
Responsible for establishing and coordinating filing or record keeping systems.
Performs other duties as assigned.
PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community
and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s Values.
Employees are also
expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE
Office Administration – Knowledge of office systems, practices, procedures and administration.
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Technology – Comprehensive knowledge of general office equipment and personal computers to
include word processing software, spreadsheet creation and maintenance, and scheduling software,
and file tracking software.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite desired.
REQUIRED SKILLS
Interpersonal Relationships – Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships
with employees and the public.
Able to effectively handle inquiries and complaints from or
disputes with customers.
Time Management - Plans and organizes daily work routine.
Estimates expected time of
completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly.
Implements work
activities in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules.
REQUIRED ABILITIES
Judgement/Decision Making – Ability to use logic and reasoning to understand, analyze, and
evaluate situations and exercise good judgment to make appropriate decisions.
Communication –Excellent ability to listen and understand directions, information and ideas
presented verbally and in writing.
Ability to handle a variety of customer service issues with tact
and diplomacy and in a confidential manner.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Legal Secretary I - Requires a high school diploma and 1 - 2 years of related legal administrative
support experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Legal Secretary II - Requires a high school diploma and 3 - 5 years of related legal administrative
support experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Requires an acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Requires the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work.
Some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10
pounds).
Tasks may involve extended periods of time at keyboard or work station.
SENSORY REQUIREMENTS
Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals.
Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES
Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.
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