SENIOR LEGAL SECRETARY 0061

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under general supervision, an employee in this class is responsible for performing the more difficult and confidential legal secretarial work of an office or a large legal bureau. The incumbent carries out work assignments with considerable independence within the rules, regulations and procedures of the agency. The employee, if qualified, may be asked to take dictation, but stenographic skill is not a requirement for positions in the class. Supervision may be exercised over a clerical staff engaged in performing general clerical duties. Work is reviewed by an administrative supervisor through frequent consultations and periodic reports. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Prepares and supervises the preparation of such legal documents as briefs, motions, petitions, orders and opinions;

Composes non-routine letters for administrative supervisors;

Gathers necessary legal documents and insures that legal packets are complete;

Trains new personnel and reviews legal transcripts and documents prepared by the staff for accuracy and completeness;

May assign and supervise the work of Legal Secretaries, Senior Stenographers, Senior Clerk Typists, Stenographers and Clerk Typists performing clerical duties in a law office.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of legal terminology, the general course of legal proceedings and legal forms; thorough knowledge of office procedures; good knowledge of English usage, punctuation and spelling; ability to assign and supervise a staff of clerical employees in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale; ability to compose letters, maintain records and prepare reports; skill in typing accurately at a reasonable speed; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with attorneys, other employees and the general public; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

OPEN COMPETITIVE

Either:

(a) Graduation from a New York State or regionally accredited college, university or business school with an Associate's Degree in Paralegal Studies, Secretarial Science or Legal Secretary specialization, and one (1) year of experience in a law office working with legal documents such as briefs, motions, petitions, etc.; or,

(b) Successful completion of a Paralegal or Legal Secretary Certificate course given by a New York State or regionally accredited college or business school, and two (2) years of experience in a law office working with legal documents such as briefs, motions, petitions, etc.; or,

(c) Graduation from a standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma, and three (3) years of experience in a law office working with legal documents such as briefs, motions, petitions, etc.; or,

(d) An equivalent combination of education and experience as defined by the limits of (a), (b) and (c).

PROMOTIONAL

Two (2) years of permanent competitive status as a Legal Secretary.

02/03/2011

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive