Salary: $69,784.00 - $90,708.80 Annually
Location : Reno, NV
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number:
Department: Public Defender
Opening Date: 08/05/2026
Closing Date: 8/19/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Position Information

Under general supervision, provides lead direction to staff responsible for providing legal assistant and clerical support services; performs legal assistant and clerical duties; and performs related work as required.

This is a Department Promotional recruitment being conducted to fill a current full-time vacancy in the Public Defender's Office. The list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.

In order to be considered for this recruitment, you must be a current employee of the hiring department who has been in a classified status for a minimum of six months.

For more information on this position, please see the Job Specification at
Minimum Qualifications

Two years of legal assistant experience; OR an equivalent combination of related education and experience.

License Or Certificate
None.

The Ideal Candidate Will

• Demonstrate effective leadership by mentoring, coaching, and developing Legal Assistants.
• Proactively identify operational gaps and implement practical solutions that enhance efficiency, streamline workflows, and support daily office needs.
• Effectively prioritize competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Deliver precise, high-quality work by applying exceptional attention to detail, thorough review practices, and a commitment to accuracy.
• Communicate clearly, professionally, and with respect when interacting with attorneys, court staff, colleagues, clients, and the public, fostering positive working relationships.
• Apply sound judgment grounded in confidentiality standards, ethical practice, and professional discretion to support responsible decision-making.
• Contribute meaningfully to a collaborative team environment by encouraging cooperation, supporting shared goals, and promoting an inclusive and positive workplace culture.
• Adapt to changing priorities while remaining organized, reliable, and customer focused.
• Serve as a knowledgeable subject-matter resource on legal procedures, case management systems, and departmental processes
• Lead by example through accountability, integrity, and a commitment to excellent public service.

Conditions of Employment

The Washoe County Employees Association (WCEA) Non-Supervisory Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) covers the Legal Assistant Lead position.

Background checks will be conducted on selected applicants through the State of Nevada and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Per the Washoe County Background and Reference Checks Policy, new and rehired employees are required to submit to a fingerprint-based background investigation. Effective January 1, 2025, the $39.00 fee associated with this background investigation will be paid by the employee (if applicable) and deducted automatically from the first paycheck. Employment is contingent upon the results of the background check, although a record of conviction will not necessarily bar an applicant from employment.

Washoe County requires its employees to reside in the state of Nevada or neighboring California communities such as Truckee, South Lake Tahoe or Susanville as of their first day of work.

Washoe County hires all new employees at the minimum rate of the salary range and eligible employees may receive an annual merit increase of 5% until they reach the maximum salary for the classification. Upon promotion, current Washoe County employees are placed at the minimum rate of the salary range for the higher classification of the new position OR a promotional calculation, whichever is greater.
What Happens Next

1. After your application is screened, you will be notified via the email you provided whether you have met the minimum requirements for the position. Those applicants who do not meet the qualifications have one (1) business day to file an appeal and request a review of their qualifications. Written appeals should be submitted via email to the assigned Human Resources Business Partner using the contact information listed on this job announcement.

2. Applicants who meet the minimum requirements for the Legal Assistant Lead position will be placed on an unranked eligible list. The examination is waived for this recruitment in accordance with the Washoe County Personnel Handbook 5.160.

Pursuant to the Washoe County Personnel Handbook 5.160 - waiver of examination. The director of human resources may waive examination for those classes requiring specific training, education, certification, licensure, experience or when there are an insufficient number of qualified candidates.

3. The department will request the unranked eligible list and schedule interviews upon the close of the recruitment. Once referred, candidates will be contacted by email or telephone.

4. Please be advised you can log in to your NeoGov account and select:

• "Applications" to view a list of the recruitments which you have applied for, your submitted application for each recruitment, a copy of the job listing, and your applicant history for each recruitment.
• "Inbox" to view the notices which have been sent to you for each recruitment
• "Account" to update your contact information. Please note to update your phone number on previously submitted applications you must contact

If you have any questions regarding the Online Application Process you can find additional information at the following link:

Questions: Jessica Gutierrez
[email protected]
775-328-2096

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In order to be considered for this recruitment, you must be a current employee of the hiring department who has been in a classified status for a minimum of six months. Are you a current employee of the Washoe County Public Defender's department?

• Yes, AND I have been employed with the Washoe County Public Defender's department in a classified status for a minimum of six months.
• Yes, BUT I have NOT been employed with the Washoe County Public Defender's department for a minimum of six months.
• No - I am not currently employed with the Washoe County Public Defender's department.

Required Question