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Job Description
CAREER DESCRIPTION
LEGAL SECRETARY TRAINEE
Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
This recruitment is being held to establish an Open Eligible List to fill current and future Legal Secretary Trainee positions. This recruitment may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower-level classifications throughout the County of Orange.
DEADLINE TO APPLY
This recruitment will be open for a minimum of Five (5) business days and will close on
Friday, August 8, 2025, at 11:59 P.M. (PST).
County of Orange, Office of County Counsel
The Office of County Counsel is charged with providing civil legal services to County government, e.g., defending and prosecuting litigation, advising the Board of Supervisors, and providing opinions to the County and district officers on matters pertaining to their duties. The Office, as provided by the Government Code, was created on September 16, 1941, by Ordinance No. 432. Most of County Counsel's functions are defined and mandated by California statutes, County ordinances, Board resolutions, Board policy and case law.
County Counsel acts as in-house counsel. The primary client is the Board of Supervisors, but all County officers and employees receive County Counsel's services. Legal services are also provided to some independent local public entities such as the Grand Jury and the Orange County Flood Control District. Legal services are not provided to individual citizens
Click here for more information on the County of Orange.
Click here for more information on the Office of County Counsel.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Office of the County Counsel is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Legal Secretary Trainee to support attorneys across a wide range of legal practice areas. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals interested in gaining hands-on experience in a public-sector legal environment and developing foundational skills in legal clerical support.
As a trainee-level position, the Legal Secretary Trainee works under close supervision and receives guidance from senior legal staff. Incumbents will perform a variety of entry-level legal clerical duties while receiving on-the-job training and exposure to multiple legal disciplines in preparation for promotion to the journey-level Legal Secretary classification.
Upon successful completion of the training period and satisfactory performance, incumbents are eligible for promotion to Legal Secretary.
There is no permanent status in the Legal Secretary Trainee class. Incumbents who have not been promoted prior to the end of the probationary period will not pass probation.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES- Prepare and type a variety of legal forms, pleadings, and correspondence using standardized templates and written or oral instructions
- Assist with preparing resolutions, ordinances, and form templates using pre-approved language and procedures
- Create, maintain, and organize legal case files (both electronic and hard copy), including indexing, tracking, and retrieving documents
- Use case management systems to generate routine reports, maintain calendars, and assist with deadline tracking
- Review and verify quotations and legal citations using standard legal references and online resources
- Answer and direct phone calls from the public and other government entities; take and relay accurate messages
- Schedule meetings, court appearances, and other events in coordination with attorneys and legal staff
- Refer inquiries to appropriate resources and provide general information using internal sources and guides
- Perform other clerical duties as needed to support the legal team
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will, in addition to the minimum qualifications, possess knowledge and understanding of the following competencies:
Technical Knowledge | Legal Expertise- Familiarity with standard office practices, legal terminology, and document formats
- Basic understanding of legal filing procedures and forms
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel; ability to learn specialized legal software
- Attention to detail in proofreading and organizing case files and legal records
- Performing legal and general clerical work
Organization | Time Management Skills- Planning tasks and setting priorities to achieve both short and long-term goals.
- Effective use of calendars, schedules, and planning tools to support the team.
Communication | Interpersonal Skills- Using proper English grammar, punctuation, and spelling with emphasis on composition of both general business and legal correspondence.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Establishing and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other agency personnel and the public.
- Maintaining open and continuous communication with staff attorneys and other staff concerning assignments, upcoming deadlines, etc.
Minimum Qualifications - Legal Secretary Trainee
Click here to learn more about the minimum qualifications, physical and mental requirements, environmental and working conditions for this classification.
Recruitment process
Human Resource Services (HRS) screens all application materials for minimum qualifications. After screening, candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process. All candidates will be notified via email of their status along the process.
Online Assessments (Weighted 100%)
Candidates whose applications reflect the most job-related experience, and training will be invited to the online assessments. Only the most qualified candidates will be referred to the next step.
Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedures.
Eligible List
Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.
Veterans Employment Preference Policy (VEPP)
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Email notification:
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.
NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.
Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com.
Frequently asked questions:
Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.
For specific information regarding the recruitment, please contact Emmanuel Tamayo by email at emmanuel.tamayo@ceo.oc.govor (714) 834-4633.
EEO INFORMATION
Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Non-Management Benefits
In addition to the County's standard suite of benefits, such as a variety of health plan options, annual leave and paid holidays--we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as a Health Care Reimbursement Account, 457 Defined Contribution Plan and Annual Education and Professional Reimbursement. Employees are provided a Retirement Plan through the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS).
Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.
http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information
Click here for information about benefits offered to County of Orange employees.
Closing Date/Time: 8/8/2025 11:59 PM Pacific -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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County of Orange
Show moreDiscover a Fulfilling Career at the County of Orange
With a population of over 3 million residents and 34 cities, Orange County is a thriving community known for its beautiful beaches, diverse culture, and strong economy. As the third-largest employer in the county, the County of Orange offers over 18,000 employees the opportunity to make a difference in their community and build a fulfilling career in public service.
As a County of Orange employee, you will have the chance to work in a variety of departments, each providing vital services to our community. From law enforcement and healthcare to public works and environmental protection, there is a wide range of career paths to explore. And with opportunities for advancement and professional growth, you can build a long and rewarding career with us.
As a top employer in the region, the County of Orange is committed to providing our employees with excellent benefits, including a competitive salary, flexible work schedules, and outstanding healthcare coverage. We also offer opportunities for career development and training, ensuring that our employees have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
Whether you're just starting your career or looking for a new challenge, the County of Orange is a great place to work. With a supportive and collaborative work environment, a commitment to excellence, and opportunities for growth and advancement, we invite you to join our team and make a difference in your community.
Community Impact:
Working for the County of Orange means you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community. Whether you're providing critical services to residents, protecting the environment, or maintaining public safety, your work will make a difference in the lives of those around you.
Employee Wellness:
At the County of Orange, we prioritize our employees' well-being. We offer telecommuting options, generous health benefits, and wellness programs to promote work-life balance. We believe that by taking care of our employee’s health and well-being, we can help them excel in their careers while still enjoying their personal lives and taking care of their families.
Innovation:
The County of Orange is committed to embracing new technologies and innovative approaches to service delivery. We encourage our employees to think creatively and find ways to improve our processes and systems. If you're someone who loves to problem-solve and think outside the box, you'll find a supportive and dynamic environment here.
Collaboration:
Collaboration is key to our success at the County of Orange. We value teamwork, communication, and mutual support, and we work together across departments and functions to achieve our goals. If you're someone who enjoys collaborating with others and building strong relationships, you'll find a welcoming and inclusive community here.
Equality:
At the County of Orange, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. Our Equity Policy reflects this commitment and guides our efforts to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in everything we do.
Career Advancement:
The County of Orange is dedicated to helping our employees grow and advance in their careers. We offer a variety of training and development opportunities to help our employees reach their full potential. If you're looking for a place to build a long and fulfilling career, the County of Orange is an excellent choice.
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