Law Library Assistant

Under supervision of the Law Librarian and Self Represented Litigant Coordinator, performs a variety of clerical and administrative support duties that are routine for a law library or self-help program.

The Law Library Assistant is a support position that performs a wide variety of work assisting members of the community. This position is customer service based providing legal information and guidance in use of the library’s materials for legal research, as well as, clerical and administrative tasks in support of the Law Library. This includes information on the preparation of court filings, legal procedures, and court practices.

Positions in this class are located in Santa Cruz. Examples of duties for the Law Library Assistant include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Assist the public in-person, by phone, and by email; provide procedural information; answer questions and explain court filing processes and procedures, use of court forms, and answer questions about library and court services. 
2. Assist individuals in locating materials and information (both legal and non-legal); assist individuals with basic legal research both in print and electronic;
3. Use of Computer software including, Word, Excel, Outlook, and applications that create court forms and documents; retrieve and access information; 
4. Assist and instruct customers in the use of library equipment, including copiers and computers.
5. Review new law, legislation, and policy; maintain updates to materials provided to the public; update and maintain law library resources;
6. Assists with the development of flyers, and informational handouts; helps coordinate and schedules special events, seminars, and workshops; 
7. Act as a liaison with community service agencies;
8. Prepare statistical reports; track user data; and perform other clerical assignments as directed; and
9. General office duties and maintaining office organization; Communicate effectively with employees and the public.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A preferred way to obtain this knowledge and abilities would be: Completion of an approved paralegal training program or two years of experience in the legal field that includes knowledge of various legal resource materials, their use, researching and drafting legal documents.

License Requirement: Possession of a valid California class C driver’s license, or the ability to provide suitable transportation which is approved by the appointing authority. 

Background Investigation: Fingerprinting is required. 

Thorough Knowledge of the Following is Required
 

• Effective customer service methods and techniques including telephone and reception desk etiquette.
• Office practices and procedures including filing, operation of standard office equipment, computers, and business correspondence.

• Basic record keeping systems; current English usage, spelling and vocabulary; 
• Legal processes, court forms and documents, legal terminology, and rules of court; 
• Functions, procedures, services and jurisdiction of the court;
• Basic arithmetic including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; 
• Time management and task prioritization principles and practices; and
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

• General library services, organization and functions

• Various legal resources materials and documents
• Legal research methods and techniques

• Communicate verbally with people of various ages, educational and socioeconomic backgrounds and emotional states
• Deal with the public in a fair, tactful and courteous manner
• Establish priorities and adjust to workload changes within established guidelines
• Work independently
• Use sound independent judgment within established guidelines
• Understand, interpret and apply established library policies and procedures
• Recognize and maintain confidentiality of information
• Perform work with accuracy and detail
• Perform office support work, including typing and filing
• Understand and follow written and oral directions
• Learn new computer technology and applications