Whatcom County, WA

Salary: $22.50 - $36.99 Hourly
Location : County Courthouse - 311 Grand Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
Job Type: Temporary/Extra Help
Job Number: TMP-PA 0726 EXTERNAL
Department: Prosecuting Attorney's Office
Opening Date: 07/14/2026
Closing Date: 7/26/2026 12:00 AM Pacific
Summary
Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney' s Office is seeking a Full-Time Temporary-With-Benefits Legal Assistant I or II.
Expected end date is December 31, 2026.
At the Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, we have a clear vision: to enhance the quality of life for all citizens in Whatcom County and to be leaders of fair prosecution and progressive prevention initiatives. We pride ourselves on relentlessly pursuing delivery of outstanding results in everything we do, and we know our organization runs on the hard work and dedication of our passionate and innovative team. At the Prosecutor's Office, we welcome, embrace, and respect diversity of people, identities, and cultures. We strive to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is a reflex - not an initiative. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better results.
Essential Job Duties:

• Legal Assistants perform a variety of complex and diverse office, clerical and secretarial support functions requiring independent judgment, to facilitate the effective operations of the department.
• The position works under limited direction, prepares court documents, pleadings, reports and correspondence and coordinates collection and distribution of paperwork.
• The position facilitates office workload by coordinating schedules with clients and the courts relating to assigned caseload.

For more information:

• Prosecuting Attorney's Webpage
• Legal Assistant II - Job Description
• Legal Assistant II - PA Job Description
• Legal Assistant I - Job Description
• Legal Assistant I - PA Job Description

Supervisor: Chief of Staff
Hours of work: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Pay Range:

• $22.50 - $36.99

This posting will remain open until positions are filled.
Hiring rate depends on qualifications. This position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated salary range (apx. 3.8%) subject to satisfactory performance, in addition to any negotiated Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).
We are required by State Law to list the full salary range. As a public entity and in a union-covered position, we are required to make pay decisions based on experience, qualifications, and equity with other employees. Hiring rate typically is limited to entry to mid of the posted salary range, subject to required approvals.
Qualifications
Legal Assistant I:

• Requires two years experience in a law office, criminal justice system or a related field OR An Associate's degree in Paralegal Studies or related field OR A Bachelor's degree in Criminal justice or related field.

Legal Assistant II:

• Requires a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice or related field and one year experience as a legal assistant OR an associate's degree in Paralegal Studies or related field and two years experience as a legal assistant OR four years experience as a legal assistant OR two years as a Legal Assistant I within the same department, for SKEP movement.

Additional Requirements:

• Experience working in the criminal justice system and with people in crisis is desired.
• Depending upon area of assignment, may be required to:
• Become a Notary Public and maintain throughout employment.
• Background check must meet County criteria.
• Must pass job-related tests.

At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.
Distinguish yourself in public service and make a commitment to our future.
Whatcom County, WA is truly special and a great place to call home!
Supplemental Information
Whatcom County offers at no cost to employees, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees AND their family
• Generous paid leave provisions, including vacation, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays per year
• Eligibility for a lifetime pension through the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), with joint contributions required from the employee and the County
• $50,000 Life Insurance coverage for employees
• Option to invest in a 457 Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available for annual health care and/or dependent care expenses
• Voluntary Term Life Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance
• (EAP)
• Additional

Whatcom County offers at no cost to employees, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees AND their family
• Generous paid leave provisions, including vacation, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays per year
• Eligibility for a lifetime pension through the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), with joint contributions required from the employee and the County
• $50,000 Life Insurance coverage for employees
• Option to invest in a 457 Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available for annual health care and/or dependent care expenses
• Voluntary Term Life Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance
• (EAP)
• Additional

01
Please check which of the following qualifications you meet:

• Legal Assistant I: Requires two years experience in a law office, criminal justice system or a related field OR an associate's degree in Paralegal Studies or related field OR a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice or related field.
• Legal Assistant II: Requires a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice or related field and one year experience as a legal assistant OR an associate's degree in Paralegal Studies or related field and two years experience as a legal assistant OR four years experience as a legal assistant OR two years as a Legal Assistant I within the same department, for SKEP movement.
• I do not meet any of these qualifications.

02
Please describe your experience of working in the criminal justice system and with people in crisis:
03
Do you have any data entry experience? If yes, please describe.
04
Do you have any experience with using an online case management system? If yes, please describe.
05
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06
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