Legal Administrative Assistant

Delaware, County of•Delaware, OH

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Delaware County Public Defender, the individual provides administrative support and legal assistance to the Program Administrator, Public Defender, Senior Assistant Public Defender and Assistant Public Defenders. The individual will also provide administrative support and assistance for the Appointed Counsel Assignment Program. The Public Defender’s Office is committed to practicing cultural competence by working respectfully and effectively with people of all cultures, classes, races, genders, ethnic backgrounds, religions, sexual orientations, mental and physical abilities, ages and appearances in a manner that recognizes, affirms and values the worth of individuals, families and communities and protects and preserves the dignity of each.

Requirements

Associate’s Degree or Certificate in Paralegal Studies, or a related field, or a similar combination of work and training experience
Must possess a valid driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record
All required licenses and certificates must be maintained as a condition of continued employment
Ability to operate a variety of office equipment such as computer and related software, copier, telephone, iPad, calculator, fax machine, and other equipment necessary to perform duties
Individual uses personal protective equipment as necessary
Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle is required
Knowledge of administrative procedures and methods
Ability to understand and apply rules, regulations, and guidelines
Knowledge of English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation
Knowledge of and the ability to use basic math and accounting concepts
Knowledge of and the ability to use security measures for handling confidential and sensitive material
Ability to effectively organize and prioritize assignments
Ability to define and solve problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions and recommend solutions using judgment, and analytical skills
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Ability to provide exemplary customer service including the ability to work effectively with customers who may be upset, distraught, irate, emotionally or otherwise unable to function with a reasonable range of constructive behaviors
Ability to work independently, under pressure, and to set and achieve goals
Ability to organize and maintain large volumes of information and paperwork
Ability to effectively plan independently and in collaboration with other staff units and outside agencies
Thorough knowledge, adherence and aptitude to follow safety policies, procedures and practices
Thorough knowledge, adherence and aptitude to follow federal, state, county, and department policies and procedures, laws and regulations

Nice To Haves

Work consists of highly complex, varied, non-standardized tasks requiring the application of numerous laws, rules, regulations and procedures.
Individual confronts a wide variety of problems that are solved by asking co-workers questions and drawing conclusions.

Responsibilities

Answers telephones, screens telephone calls, and gives and receives information
Greets and screens visitors at the office and gives and receives information
Schedules meetings and appointments for attorneys
Operates standard office equipment (i.e. personal computer, photocopier, fax machine, scanner, printer, and telephone)
Uses Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and other software to perform job functions
Sorts and distributes mail
Prepares outgoing mail
Formats, proofreads, and edits documents requiring the use of legal terminology that comply with court standards
Assists with drafting motions and preparing attorneys for trial
Uses web-based case management system to: Open and close case files; Enter case information and court dates; Produce and compose motions, reports, and letters using mail merge; Maintain attorney calendars; File case documents by uploading electronic documents; Perform conflict checks; and Prepare reports and gather data
Downloads discovery from Prosecuting Attorney, City Prosecutor’s Office and multiple law enforcement agencies
Acts a liaison between attorneys and courts
Files pleadings and documents both electronically and in person with clerk of courts
Delivers and picks up legal documents from the Municipal Court, Common Pleas Court, Juvenile Court, Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and City Prosecutor’s Office
Assists indigent individuals with obtaining a public defender or appointed counsel
Assists indigent clients, appointed counsel, and others to correct errors in financial disclosure forms, attorney fee applications, transcript fee invoices, court paid expert invoices, various department invoices
Communicate with appointed counsel regarding case assignments
Performs conflict checks for appointed counsel assignment
Creates appointed counsel cases in CourtView
Other duties as assigned