LEGAL ASSISTANT I

County of Elmore•Mountain Home, ID

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Performs a variety of complex legal secretarial and clerical duties designed to expedite legal services provided through the County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office; performs related work as required. Classification Summary The principal function of an employee in this class is to perform legal secretarial and clerical duties. The work is performed under the direct supervision of the Prosecuting Attorney and Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney. Considerable independent judgement is granted to this position within established guidelines. The principal duties of this class are performed in a general office environment.

Requirements

Knowledge of the court system and how it functions
Knowledge of the operation of computer and various software applications for word processing, internet, Westlaw, ICOURTS, Odyssey, etc.
Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, and equipment
Knowledge of English grammar and punctuation
Knowledge of various filing and record keeping systems.
Ability to conduct basic research
Ability to interact with community members and victims in an empathetic and professional manner
Ability to operate standard office equipment such as computer, calculator, copy machine, transcriber, and facsimile
Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing
Ability to maintain courteous, professional and effective working relationships with employees at all levels of the organization, the public, and/or representatives of external organizations
Ability to read, compose and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence and memos
Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals
Ability to be versatile and be able to change tasks with minimal notice
Ability to remain calm and courteous with the public and officers in all situations
Ability to respond to citizen requests in an effective manner
Ability to understand and follow oral and written policies, procedures, and instructions
Ability to make sound and reasonable decisions in accordance with laws, ordinances, regulations and established procedures
Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines
Ability to demonstrate integrity, ingenuity, and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.
High school diploma or GED
Minimum one-year experience in an office environment
Must be able to pass a background check and drug test prior to hire.
Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively
Sufficient vision, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to establish office and financial records
Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate computer and office equipment
Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to work in an office setting and lift or move up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

knowledge of legal environment preferred

Responsibilities

Provides to defendant or defendant’s attorney all citations, police reports, statements, media, prior convictions, witnesses names, and any and all other disclosable information pertaining to defendant’s case
Prepares, formats and/or proofreads general correspondence, including letters, inter-office memoranda, opinions and legal documents such as petitions, orders, motions, complaints, informations, indictments, jury instructions, notices, subpoenas, legal briefs, search warrants and returns, writs of various kinds, and or other legal documents
Prepares supplemental discovery disclosures when new information comes available
Ensures all discovery documents are signed by an attorney, copied, sent to defendant or defendant’s attorney, and filed with court
Meets and coordinates with victims of various crimes, including violent and sex crimes, and provides emotional support when necessary for child victims called to provide testimony during trial or other proceedings.
Assures that all files and documents for review or court are present
Assures proper notification is given to police officers, witnesses, victims, or others involved
Reviews and verifies file notes for accuracy and inputs data in computerized case management system
Utilizes case management system database to generate various statistical and informational reports
Assists attorneys in meeting various case deadlines
Prepares pleadings, memoranda, and correspondence on behalf of multiple attorneys, including all documents that need to be filed with court such as motions, complaints, informations, orders, petitions, mental commitments, probation violations, subpoenas duces tecum, and affidavits
Maintains office files and ensures proper filing of documents with court and opposing counsel
Arranges calendar court dates
Opens new cases
Orders suspension packets and other certified records as needed
Enters new cases in an electronic case management program
Records calendar dates in an electronic case management program
Manages the appearances of witnesses and law enforcement for assigned cases including calling off appearances when appropriate
Performs primary secretarial duties such as answering phones, filing, taking messages, direct calls, answering questions, scheduling appointments, and opening, logging, and distributing incoming documents
Processes cases for criminal, juvenile, post-conviction, child protection, probation violation, involuntary mental commitments, investigation, appeals, and other county cases
Closes case files when appropriate with an understanding and ability to follow county protocol regarding records retention
Responds to citizens’ questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner
Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with County policies, procedures and safety practices.
Performs other related duties as required