LEGAL SECRETARY 0060
DISTINGUISHING
FEATURES OF THE CLASS
Under direct
supervision, an employee in this class performs legal secretarial work. The incumbent must be familiar with legal
terminology, legal format and procedures, and routine legal forms. The incumbent may also be responsible for
routine secretarial and clerical duties such as filing, indexing, posting,
proofreading and operating a small switchboard.
The
employee, if qualified, may be asked to take dictation, but stenographic skill
is not a requirement for positions in the class. Work is performed in accordance with established procedures and
employees work with some independence on routine assignments. All material is reviewed upon completion for
content and accuracy, and related clerical work is periodically checked for
accuracy. Does related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK
ACTIVITIES
Assists attorneys with clerical
tasks associated with the preparation, compiling, serving and filing of legal
documents such as briefs, motions, petitions, orders, opinions and drafts of
various kinds;
Types and proofreads correspondence
on legal matters involving deeds, releases, easements, options, contracts,
etc.;
Prepares routine legal forms in
connection with the work of a law office;
Checks, proofreads and files
documents to verify accuracy and completeness of citations and court
proceedings;
May perform the related clerical
duties of indexing, posting, collecting legal fees, acting as receptionist or
operating a small switchboard;
Operates standard office machines,
including a word processor.
Handles telephone calls concerning
adjournments, postponements, etc. and arranges meetings.
FULL PERFORMANCE
KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Good knowledge of
legal terminology, the general course of legal proceedings and legal forms;
good knowledge of office practices; good knowledge of business English,
spelling and arithmetic; skill in typing accurately at a reasonable speed; ability
to understand and carry out complex written and oral instructions; ability to
establish and maintain effective working relationships with attorneys, other
employees and the general public; ability to compose routine letters and
memoranda; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
MINIMUM
QUALIFICATIONS
OPEN COMPETITIVE
Graduation from a standard senior
high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma, and one (1)
year of experience in a law office working with legal documents such as briefs,
motions, petitions, etc.
NOTE: Additional education in Legal Secretarial Science or Paralegal Studies from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or
registration by NY State will be substituted for experience on a year-for-year
basis.
02/03/2011
Competitive