Legal Assistant I - Public Defender (0526)

Coconino County•Flagstaff, AZ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Coconino County Public Defender's Office is inviting applicants for a Legal Assistant. The Coconino County Public Defender's Office is a public law office in Northern Arizona located in the heart of Flagstaff. We are a team of approximately 18 attorneys and 13 legal staff who are dedicated to the vigorous defense of individuals charged with crimes in Coconino County. The Public Defender's Office handles cases throughout Coconino County from Fredonia to Flagstaff to Page. Our Mission: The Office of the Coconino County Public Defender is committed to protecting the constitutional rights and liberties of our clients. To provide the highest quality legal representation to the indigent members of our community. To carry out our mission with sympathy, dignity, and respect for our clients, their families, and other members of the Coconino County criminal justice system. Under supervision performs work of moderate difficulty in supporting and assisting criminal and civil attorneys; performs related work as assigned.

Requirements

Two years’ experience in a clerical or administrative position; OR any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.
Considerable knowledge of: Business English, spelling, arithmetic, punctuation, and grammar
Considerable knowledge of: Office practices and procedures
Considerable knowledge of: Legal procedures and terminology
Skill in: Use of computer systems, software programs, and other office machines
Skill in: Report preparation
Ability to: Compose correspondence dealing with legal and complex matters
Ability to: Maintain composure working with individuals in a heightened emotional state under strict time constraints
Ability to: Field complaints and concerns
Ability to: Understand legal procedures and terminology
Ability to: Exercise sound independent judgment on a variety of problems in accordance with established departmental policies and procedures
Ability to: Prioritize, plan and carry out assignments
Ability to: Work safely and support the culture of workplace safety
Ability to: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public
Ability to: Follow written and verbal instructions
Ability to: Communicate effectively verbally and in writing

Nice To Haves

AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Provides legal support work to attorneys for law-related tasks
Prepares and edits documents as requested by attorneys and staff
Maintains and updates files
Files court documents
Keeps documents organized in the interim before they are filed
Follows procedure for calendaring of events, notifies, and sends reminders to appropriate staff and clients and maintains the master calendar of deadlines
Enters, updates, and retrieves information using multiple systems and databases.
Collects, organizes, and prepares files and materials for attorneys for use in court appearances or for transacting other legal business
Receipts and processes emotionally traumatic and graphic material
Schedules appointments and maintains calendars
Coordinates witness travel
Arranges for proper waiting location for witnesses, greet, support, and update all witnesses needed for trial
Provides administrative support to include but not limited to, stamping files, filing, answering telephones, faxing, creating communications and making copies
May prepare and process new cases for review
May receive payments and reconcile accounts
May run conflict checks on new cases assigned to the office