Legal Assistant (LA1)

Full Job Description

We are dedicated to growing a culture of belonging through our values:

Respect | Trust | Diversity | Inclusion | Equity

At the Department of Licensing (DOL), we recognize the importance of work life harmony and strive to create a culture where employees feel valued and respected.

Our employees are trusted and encouraged to be a part of process improvements that impact their work, create value for our customers and help build trust in our government.

We are currently recruiting a Legal Assistant who thrives in a fast-paced environment, has great attention to detail, and able to handle changing priorities in a professional and calm manner.

As one of the most visible state agencies and the second-largest revenue generator in Washington State, we engage with over 6 million residents each year and collect nearly $3 billion in taxes and fees.

We understand that our services are vital to the daily lives of our customers, enabling them to live, work, drive, and thrive.

We take this responsibility to heart and are dedicated to providing equitable and meaningful access to our services for every resident.

If you are exceptionally organized and can motivate yourself to excellence, we invite you to apply!

Requirements

In this role, you will support the Administrative Law Office by being able to independently manage high-volume emails, process case materials, and maintain accurate, audit-ready records to ensure the timely progression of administrative legal proceedings.

Responsibilities include prioritizing and routing incoming documents, coordinating with internal teams, external agencies, courts, and the public to obtain and verifying information.

With a strong focus on detail, organization, and productivity, this position serves as a key point of contact for routine inquiries and contributes to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the office while supporting the Department of Licensing’s mission to help Washington residents live, work, drive, and thrive.

Some of what you will do:

• Maintain clear, timely communication with petitioners, attorneys, law enforcement, and customers, resolving inquiries and supporting due process activities.
• Apply knowledge of administrative rules and driving records to process requests, route incoming documents accurately and upload legal documents within required deadlines.
• Manage case records in DRIVES and related systems, including entering evidence, tracking case status, and resolving stakeholder issues.
• Serve as a custodian of records, by routing disclosure requests to the correct unit. Maintain confidentiality while handling documents, while providing general office and operational support as needed.

Qualifications

Two (2) years of clerical and customer service experience.

OR

One (1) year of clerical experience in combination with one (1) year of experience in a legal environment.

OR

A two-year degree in Legal Secretary Studies, Paralegal Studies, or a related field of study.

Experience can be obtained concurrently.

Two (2) years of relevant education may substitute year for year for experience.

• One (1) year of the following:
  • Proficiency in standard office software and the ability to learn legal-specific databases.
  • Organizational skills and attention to detail to manage multiple assignments and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Written and verbal communication skills, along with tact and diplomacy when interacting with the public, clients, and legal professionals.
• Six (6) months experience completing basic office practices, procedures, and terminology.

• One (1) year of experience composing emails, memos, letters, and documents, applying "plain talk" principles and clear communication guidelines.
• Experience reading and interpreting a drive record and taking appropriate action based on licensing laws, rules, policies, and procedures.
• Experience signing on and verifying data within the court data storage system.
• Experience uploading and updating Microsoft SharePoint.

• This position requires you to work in office at our Olympia, WA location at least twice a week and as business needs dictate.
• Prior to a new hire, a pre-employment check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Additional Information

• Select the apply button at the top of this job announcement.
• Attach a current:
  • A cover letter explaining your experience as it relates to this position and why you are interested in this opportunity.

We value diverse perspectives and life experiences.
We employ and serve people of all backgrounds including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and veterans. We value the unique traits and attributes that each employee brings to the job. Through the diverse perspectives of an inclusive workforce, we will create a more respectful, productive, and unified team to better serve the public of Washington.


Veteran/Military Spouse Preference Notice

The Washington State Department of Licensing is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex (including gender identity), marital status, sexual orientation, race, religion, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.