Legal Administrative Assistant

General Description

POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive
DEPARTMENT: County Attorney
HOURS: Full-time
PREFERRED HIRING RANGE: $52,326 - $65,408/year
FULL SALARY RANGE: $52,326 - $81,760/year (Grade 105)
LOCATION: Judicial Center, Hastings or Northern Service Center, West St Paul
UNION: Non-union
CLOSE DATE: Monday, November 2, 2026, at 4:30 pm

The Legal Administrative Assistant position provides support to Assistant County Attorneys by preparing legal documents, electronically filing court documents, maintaining electronic and physical files, updating and monitoring complex calendars to meet court and statutory deadlines, and communicating with appropriate parties to provide information and coordinating cases. All positions require extensive knowledge of and strict adherence to data privacy. Legal Administrative Assistant can work in the Child Support, Criminal, Juvenile, Protective Services and Appellate (JPSA), or Civil Divisions of the County Attorney's Office and are occasionally transferred between divisions and locations in West St. Paul and Hastings.

* Candidates are encouraged to include a cover letter with their application.

The Dakota County Attorney's Office welcomes and is inclusive of people with diverse backgrounds, and perspectives. The Office aims to reflect the community and clients it serves and fosters an equitable and respectful working environment where everyone is empowered to be their authentic selves.

Who We Are

Dakota County is Minnesota's third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. We strive every day to achieve excellent public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's degree or equivalent related to legal secretary, legal administrative assistant, paralegal, legal assistant, or closely related field AND two years of full-time progressively responsible office support experience in a legal setting.

OR

• Combination of education and/or progressively responsible office support experience in a legal setting to equal or exceed four years.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• General knowledge of the Minnesota Rules of Court

• Direct work experience in a legal setting (E.g. law office, court administration office, or law enforcement office).

Duties & Responsibilities

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.

• Prepare, type, proof, edit and save a variety of legal documents; compose original correspondence from general instructions or from knowledge of policies and procedures; copy and scan documents, correspondence, enclosures, transparencies and files.

• Provide litigation assistance; coordinate and monitor calendar system for court appearances and court filing deadlines.

• Effectively use and maintain electronic document management systems including data entry, document generation/production, imaging, indexing and record storage; workflow; preparing reports; and using other related business applications.

• Develop tracking methods utilizing computer applications to manage information and track progress of programs, projects or other work assignments.

• Update and compile statistical and technical reports.

• Coordinate and regulate detailed electronic diary systems for cases; review diaried files daily and evaluate.

• Receive and screen incoming phone calls, e-mails, and mail; provide oral or written responses to requests and inquiries.

• Prepare service of process documents, including subpoenas, memoranda, request for service, and affidavit of service.

• Assist with training and provide technical assistance and troubleshooting to attorneys, law clerks and legal assistants on computers, computer applications, and audio/visual equipment.

• Draft and update legal caseload procedures, case management procedures, and internal office procedures in response to law and software application changes and independent assessment of workplace needs.

• Request and process payments for service.

• Compile statistical data and prepare charts, graphs, and projections as requested using common business software and technology tools.

• Provide backup reception and phone services at the front desk and attend meetings as needed.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Duties 1-13 are essential functions.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Work Environment

• Comprehensive knowledge of legal office procedures, terminology, forms, documents and citation formats.

• Considerable knowledge of general office procedures, practices and equipment.

• Knowledge of County and Department policies and procedures.

• Competence in using computer and electronic information systems including Microsoft Office applications and electronic document management or file management systems.

• Knowledge of basic research skills includes effective internet searching.

• Excellent knowledge of English, grammar and punctuation.

• Knowledge of basic math and accounting principles.

• Ability to organize work efficiently and effectively.

• Ability to handle multiple tasks at one time and adapt to frequently changing work demands.

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

• Ability to work effectively with the public and other County employees and associates in a professional manner.

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Ability to work under minimal supervision.

Work EnvironmentWork is performed in a county office building. Lifting requirement of up to 20 pounds on an occasional basis. Sitting for extended periods of time. Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate keyboard, mouse, and to handle other computer components. Equipment used may include, but is not limited to, computer, printer, audio transcribing equipment, calculator, computer projector, telephone, scanner, and copy and fax machines.

Location & Schedule

This is a hybrid position that offers a mix of telework and in-person work at our Judicial Center in Hastings or at our Northern Service Center in West St Paul, MN. Work is performed Monday through Friday during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).

Benefits

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits.

• Excellent work-life balance.

• Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year).

• Eleven paid holidays each year and one floating holiday.

• Pension with a generous employer contribution.

• Ability to work from home some of the time.

Selection Process

• You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions.

• We assign you a score based on your qualifications.

• Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration.

• We conduct interviews and reference checks before extending an offer.

• We extend an offer and conduct background checks.