Attorney Assistant

Attorney Assistant

Salary

$53,578.08 - $83,457.36 Annually

Location

City of Spokane, WA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

027-2026 (2)

Department

Legal

Opening Date

06/15/2026

Closing Date

6/29/2026 4:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

CLASS SUMMARY

Performs paraprofessional legal and secretarial work in the Office of the City Attorney, Office of the Hearing Examiner, the Police Department's Civil Enforcement Unit or other department that employs attorneys.

EXAMPLES OF JOB FUNCTIONS

• Prepares, organizes, reviews and files a variety of legal pleadings such as trial briefs, motions, orders, judgments, notices of appearance, answers to complaints, depositions, affidavits, interrogatories, summons and subpoenas.
• Prepares ordinances and resolutions using proper forms of execution and acknowledgment.
• Prepares contracts for attorney approval.
• Selects, prepares, and completes legal documents incidental to the closing of real estate transactions, such as deeds, promissory notes, deeds of trust, reconveyances, closing statements, UCC documents and excise tax affidavits, under a limited practice certification from the Washington State Supreme Court pursuant to APR 12. Effectuates closing between the parties.
• Locates debtors, arranges accounts receivable payments, maintains payment records and data bases, drafts legal documents to press claims on behalf of the City, presents Citys case in Small Claims Court, works with collection agencies and performs related collection duties.
• Maintains case docket and diary; collects, assembles and organizes documents into working files.
• Files, retrieves and disposes of documents.
• Creates and maintains files by extracting information from local and state databases; enters case and client information into applicable computer databases and manages documents within.
• Responsible for closing, storage and/or destruction of files according to policies and procedures.
• Selects and/or makes recommendations for purchase of supplies and equipment.
• Assists in the preparation of the offices budget and maintains budget and expense account records, financial records, and payroll records.
• Acts as receptionist as required. Sorts, reads, and annotates incoming mail and legal documents; attaches appropriate files to facilitate the necessary action; maintains follow up.
• Maintains the offices library.
• Makes arrangements for and coordinates appointments, meetings, conferences and depositions.
• Independently meets the public and other City employees; answers inquiries requiring knowledge of City policies, procedures and activities, or directs persons to proper offices.
• Operates various office equipment.
• Performs other duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must meet all requirements when they apply.

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience: Two years of experience as a legal secretary under the direction of an attorney in a predominantly civil or appellate practice.
• Substitution: Satisfactory completion of a legal secretary or similar training program OR a Limited Practice Officer (LPO) certification may substitute for one year of experience.
• Equivalency: We may accept different combinations of education and experience. We welcome job seekers with relevant backgrounds to apply.

EXAMINATION DETAILS

Applicants must first meet the minimum qualifications to be invited to take the examination. Those who pass the examination will then go on the hiring list.

The examination will consist of a Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E),

A Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E) is a written test where the applicant answers structured questions based on their previous experience and training or education. Please view this video for tips to help you fill out the T&E.

This is an online examination that will require a computer. If you do not have access to a computer, please notify Civil Service so that one may be provided. Computer reservations can also be made through your local public library.

Training and Experience Examination instructions and links will be emailed to qualified applicants on July 8th, 2026. The testing window is July 9th - 13th.

Please note: The email will come from City of Spokane (info@governmentjobs.com).

For information on what to expect with the hiring process, a test information guide, and frequently asked questions, please visit our website.

Upon request, at time of application, City of Spokane will provide alternative accessible tests to individuals with disabilities that impair manual, sensory, or speaking skills needed to take the test, unless the test is intended to measure those skills.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, genetic information, veteran/military status, or disability status. As a Fair Chance Employer, City of Spokane does not conduct initial background screening for non-public safety positions.

BENEFIT COMPENSATION VALUE

In addition to a salary, The City of Spokane provides a generous benefits package valued between $24,902 - $34,218.

INSURANCE BENEFITS

Eligibility: Coverage begins for new hires and their dependents on the first day of the month following 30 consecutive days of employment.

Eligible Dependents: Spouse or Domestic Partner, birth, adopted children or children placed for adoption, Domestic Partners children, step-children who live with employee, and any child for whom employee is legal guardian or for whom coverage is required by a Qualified Medical Support Order. Adult children under age 26 are eligible.

Medical

Qualified employees may select from two health carrier options; a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) administered by Kaiser Permanente or a Preferred Provider Option (PPO) administered by Premera Blue Cross. The monthly premium varies dependent upon plan and coverage level selected.

Vision

Vision coverage is included in the medical plan selected. Costs for eye exams and hardware; lenses, frames or contacts varies depending on the medical plan selected.

Dental

Dental insurance is provided by Delta Dental of Washington. The City pays the monthly premium in full for employee and eligible dependents.

Life Insurance - Employee Only

Basic Term Life Insurance is provided at one-and-a-half times the employees annual base salary to a maximum of $150,000. The City pays the monthly premium in full.

Life Insurance - Eligible Dependent(s)

Basic Term Life Insurance is provided at $5,000 for spouse/domestic partner and $2,000 for each child. The City pays the monthly premium in full.

Flexible Spending Account

The City offers two optional Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) - Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA. The Health Care FSA allows an employee to use pre-tax dollars to receive reimbursement for eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses. The Dependent Care FSA allows an employee to receive reimbursement for eligible daycare expenses for dependent children up to age 13 and other eligible dependents as defined by IRS Code.

AFLAC

Supplemental insurance is optional and is provided by AFLAC to help pay benefits that major medical insurance does not cover. The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium.

AudioNet Hearing Aid Benefit

AudioNet Hearing Aid Benefit is optional. The City of Spokane has partnered with AudioNet America to offer a discounted Hearing Aid Program with fixed out-of-pocket costs.

LegalShield/ID Shield

Prepaid legal services and/or prepaid identity theft programs are optional. These programs pay for a limited number of documents to be reviewed, limited trial defense representation, the preparation of a standard will, identity theft consultation, restoration and monitoring according to terms of contract.

Pet Insurance

Get cash back on the everyday care your pet needs to stay healthy! Nationwide/Voluntary Pet Insurance is an optional plan in which City of Spokane Employees can enroll.

Voluntary Term Life Insurance

Voluntary Term Life Insurance is optional and is provided through The Standard Insurance Company and is subject to application review and approval. Additional coverage up to $300,000 is available for employees and their spouse/domestic partner. Dependent children can be insured for up to $10,000 each. The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium.

Continued Medical/Dental Insurance

Employees separating from City service have the option to continue medical and/or dental insurance benefits in accordance with the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium in addition to a small monthly administrative fee.

RETIREMENT BENEFITS

Spokane Employees Retirement System

The Spokane Employees Retirement System (SERS) is a defined benefit pension plan covering non-uniformed, permanent employees. As a participant, you contribute 11% of your salary toward your retirement. Contributions and earnings are tax-deferred. The City also contributes 11% of your salary toward your retirement. Employees hired on or after January 1, 2015 become vested (eligible for a monthly benefit at retirement age) at seven years of service.

Deferred Compensation

Enrollment in the City-sponsored 457 Deferred Compensation Plan administered by MissionSquare Retirement allows participants, on a voluntary basis, to defer a portion of their salary on a before or after tax basis. Contributions and associated earnings contributed on a before tax basis are eligible to receive City matching contributions and are tax deferred (not taxed until taken out). You can also choose to participate in the 457 Roth (after tax) contribution option. You may enroll in the 457 plan or change your contribution at any time. Minimum contribution is $15 per paycheck up to and is subject to the IRS annual limitations. The City will match employee contributions up to $120/month.

PAID TIME OFF

Official Holidays

The City observes seven official holidays as paid. An official holiday that falls on a Saturday will be observed on the preceding Friday. An official holiday that falls on a Sunday will be observed on the Monday immediately following. The City observes Martin Luther King Jrs birthday but has not declared that day as an official holiday. For this reason, employees hired before the third Monday of January receive an additional eight hours of floating holiday time to be used in accordance with Local 270 Collective Bargaining Agreement provisions.

Floating (Personal) Holidays

Up to 48 hours administered throughout the year. Floating holiday hours may not be carried over into the next year and any unused hours will not be paid at termination.

Vacation Leave

Employees must be in paid status for 80% of that pay period to accrue vacation leave. The amount of vacation earned depends on the employees length of service - from 12 days per year for a new employee to 27 days per year after 20 years of employment. Unused vacation hours carry over each year.

Sick Leave

Sick leave accrues at a rate of six (6) hours per biweekly pay period. Employees must be in paid status for 80% of that pay period to accrue sick leave. There is no maximum accumulation and unused sick leave hours carry over each year.

Other Leaves

The City also provides several other paid and unpaid leaves, such as: bereavement leave, Family and Medical Leave, maternity leave, jury duty, and military duty leave.

WORK/LIFE PROGRAMS

Employee Assistance Program

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a referral and counseling service administered by Deer Oaks. It provides a myriad of services to employees and their household members. Services include receiving confidential assistance for personal issues, such as managing stress, depression, parenting, alcohol/drugs, grief, etc. Each household member is eligible to receive up to eight counseling sessions per issue per year at no charge. There is also a benefit relating financial or legal concerns in addition to Worklife/Convenience services and online tools.

Employer Sponsored Bus Pass (ESBP) Program

The City of Spokane encourages employees to use alternatives to driving alone to work and participates in the ESBP Program offered by Spokane Transit Authority (STA). The program provides a bus pass for unlimited rides free of charge.

Revised March 15, 2022

01

Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

02

How many years of experience do you have as a legal assistant/secretary?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• At least 1 year, but less than 2 years
• 2 years or more

03

How much of your legal assistant/secretary experience involved working under the direction of an attorney in a predominantly civil or appellate practice?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• At least 1 year, but less than 2 years
• 2 years or more

04

Have you completed a legal secretary or similar training/education program? (Attach certificate or transcript before you submit your application.) NOTE: You must show where you gained this experience in your Work Experience details of this application in order to be accepted. An attached resume or other documents cannot be accepted in lieu of completing the online application form.

• Yes
• No

05

Do you possess a valid Limited Practice Officer certification? (Attach certificate verification or copy before you submit your application.)

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Spokane

Address 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.

City Hall, 4th Floor

Spokane, Washington, 99201

Phone 509.625.6160

Website http://my.spokanecity.org