Legal Staff Assistant

SALARY:

Based on experience, plus full benefits package

SUMMARY :

This is secretarial, paralegal, and clerical work responsible for processing a variety of administrative functions for district attorneys, public defenders, or county attorneys. Work involves attention to detail, a thorough understanding of legal research and secretarial tasks, public contact, interpretation of policies and procedures, and may include special assignments involving independent research. This class is similar to that of other responsible secretarial positions; however, a majority of work done includes the use and understanding of law, legal procedures, and legal terminology. The employee in this class must be sufficiently familiar with such processes and procedures to be able to complete legal forms and follow legal procedures independently. Work involves extensive contact with other county officials and employees, other courts, attorneys, and the general public.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties include but are not limited to: Performing a variety of routine administrative and paralegal duties Performing basic legal research under the supervision of the attorney Receiving new case information: Determining type of case or file Opening, labeling file, and assigning to appropriate attorney Determining case material needed including witness interviews Requesting case material from an appropriate officer Typing production orders Data entry Obtaining by mail and in person background information from other courts or agencies such as certified copies of prior convictions, ordinances, resolutions, contracts, et cetera Preparing cases for pre-trail diversion program and notifying other parties Preparing cases for transfer and notification Interviewing witnesses and other individuals as needed Preparing, determining wording for, and proofreading a variety of correspondence, legal forms, and documents which may include: accusations and indictments for presentation to Grand Jury, complaints, petitions, answers, responses, motions, discovery documents, briefs, opinions, proceedings, orders, decisions, contracts, ordinances, resolutions, commitments, affidavits, court calendar of events, status of motions, and other legal documents Maintaining knowledge of new laws and wording on legal documents Scheduling appointments and meetings for attorneys.

Coordinating meetings:

Ensuring that room and supplies are available Preparing schedule or agenda Maintaining daybooks and tickler files Coordinating court staff, defendants, and witness schedules to ensure scheduled court appearances Dispersing completed court calendar information to appropriate offices Preparing court documents for service on opposing parties Filing documents in the Clerk of Court's office Responding to telephone calls internally and from the public and/or attorneys concerning cases, issues, forms and procedures; conferring with law enforcement agencies, courts, and other agencies on status of charges or case material; scheduling preliminary hearings and appointments with witnesses, victims, complaining parties, et cetera Entering pleas, attorneys' names, bench warrants, and other pertinent information on court calendar Sending out subpoenas Handling incoming and outgoing mail Serving as liaison between other public and private offices Serving as notary public Keeping legal publications current Writing and preparing correspondence, legal, and financial documents Maintaining confidential file Performing other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability necessary. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. MINIMUM EDUCATION and/or

EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or GED, supplemented by college-level or vocational course work in a related field Five years' professional, legal, or paralegal related work experience An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must be 18 years of age or older

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Possess and maintain a valid Georgia Driver's License (Class C) and a satisfactory motor vehicle record (MVR)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of or ability to learn county and department operations, ordinances, policies, procedures, terminology, and materials as they relate to assignment Knowledge of or ability to learn applicable state, federal, state, and local codes and ordinances, laws, rules, and regulations as they relate to assignment Knowledge of business English, spelling, grammar, and legal terminology Knowledge of court systems, rules, practices, and procedures; documents, regulations, and state laws related to assigned court/legal office Knowledge of modern court/legal office practices, methods, and equipment Skill in creating, maintaining, and organizing accurate, detailed, and complete records in accordance with standard record-keeping and filing procedures Skill in performing tasks which require attention to detail, and completing assigned jobs efficiently and correctly Skill in planning, prioritizing, and organizing work; ability to handle multiple work assignments and deadlines efficiently, accurately, and professionally Skill in transcribing tapes if required by assignment Skill in the use of personal computers, MS Office Suite, databases, spreadsheets, and word processing; typing and entering data into a computer system accurately and efficiently, 35 words per minute minimum Ability to apply common sense to understand, follow, and complete verbal and written instructions Ability to communicate and interact clearly and effectively with all those contacted in the course of work in a professional and courteous manner, both orally and in writing; establishing and maintaining effective, professional, and cordial working relationships Ability to handle confidential information professionally and to exercise discretion in performing assigned job duties; inability to maintain confidentiality will be grounds for dismissal Ability to make sound, independent decisions within policy guidelines by exercising good judgment and intelligent situation-assessment Ability to read and comprehend a variety of documents, memos, instructions, correspondence, policies, et cetera Ability to create clear and concise reports, records, correspondence, reports, policies; ability to prepare standard legal documents such as affidavits and subpoenas Ability to remain composed, professional, and pleasant in a stressful, fast-paced, high-volume environment Ability to resolve routine and non-routine problems and complaints by applying or adapting established policies and procedures Ability to work in a team setting Ability to work independently in the absence of specific instructions or direct supervision Resumes may be attached, but a resume without a completed application will not be considered. " The recruitment, selection, appointment and promotion of employees shall be in such a manner as to promote equal employment for all persons without regard to race, age, color, creed, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, physical handicap or political affiliation."

Exempt :

No Type :

FT Employee Department :

Solicitor's Office/225

Location :

225