LEGAL ASSISTANT I

Benton County•Bentonville, AR

About The Position

SUMMARY: The Legal Assistant 1 is an assistant position working directly with one or more prosecutors by preparing a case file for that prosecutor to efficiently access and argue the merits of the case. The assistant will effectively gather data from multiple agencies, maintain proficient in the various systems used by the collaborating agencies, and formulate a system by which to track both information obtained and current status of case. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES, include but not limited to: Handle all information received by this office in a highly confidential manner. Efficiently utilize internal systems such as PBK (Prosecutor by Karpel), Internal Court Connect, CIS Inquiry, iResults, Arkansas State Crime Lab’s LASSO, Zuercher, InVize, JMS, RMS, ACIC / NCIC, Correction Solutions (Jail Calls), SmartEcosystems (Jail Mail), Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) Electronic Filing Systems, etc. Quickly analyze and request Law Enforcement reports, documents, and audio/visual evidence to determine various discovery items the prosecutor should receive to complete the case file, as well as update the file as the case progresses. Discovery: Making the case information obtained known to defense counsel in a timely manner. Must be certified or able to become certified to run NCIC/ACIC criminal histories. File and e-file legal documents with the Circuit Clerk’s Office. Request certified priors when necessary. Assist prosecutors with trial preparation by creating trial binders for prosecutors, filing witness lists, issuing and completing service on subpoenas, obtaining transcripts and certified priors, etc. Running the prosecutor's calendars and re-checking calendars after the court date, i.e. working the calendars to ensure work is completed associated with each hearing type including pulling ledgers, ensuring discovery is sent to defense, etc. Communicate effectively with defense attorneys, other outside agencies, and victims and witnesses regarding case files. Calendar, track, and remind DPA’s of essential deadlines such as filing criminal information’s before defendant’s sixty (60) days in jail to prevent the defendant being released pursuant to Ark. R. Cr. P. Rule 8 (60 Day Rule), filing witness lists at least 30 days prior to Jury Trial, etc. Schedule related appointments and maintain calendars for Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys when necessary. Screen calls from victims and witnesses and direct them to the appropriate personnel/department. Assist prosecutors to ensure case file is ready for court through various tasks.

Requirements

High School, and knowledge of computers, especially Microsoft Office Suite.
At least two (2) years of administrative experience required.
Possess good typing/computer skills, general secretarial skills as well as a high level of organizational skills.
Must possess good public relations and communication skills.
Due to the sensitive nature of cases, an individual must possess a high level of discretion and professionalism.
Likewise, an individual must be an Arkansas Public Notary, or be eligible to become an Arkansas Public Notary upon hire.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the legal profession is helpful, but not required.
Associate or higher degree in Paralegal Studies, Criminal Justice, or Legal Technology preferred.
Commensurate work experience may be substituted for degree.

Responsibilities

Handle all information received by this office in a highly confidential manner.
Efficiently utilize internal systems such as PBK (Prosecutor by Karpel), Internal Court Connect, CIS Inquiry, iResults, Arkansas State Crime Lab’s LASSO, Zuercher, InVize, JMS, RMS, ACIC / NCIC, Correction Solutions (Jail Calls), SmartEcosystems (Jail Mail), Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) Electronic Filing Systems, etc.
Quickly analyze and request Law Enforcement reports, documents, and audio/visual evidence to determine various discovery items the prosecutor should receive to complete the case file, as well as update the file as the case progresses.
Discovery: Making the case information obtained known to defense counsel in a timely manner.
Must be certified or able to become certified to run NCIC/ACIC criminal histories.
File and e-file legal documents with the Circuit Clerk’s Office.
Request certified priors when necessary.
Assist prosecutors with trial preparation by creating trial binders for prosecutors, filing witness lists, issuing and completing service on subpoenas, obtaining transcripts and certified priors, etc.
Running the prosecutor's calendars and re-checking calendars after the court date, i.e. working the calendars to ensure work is completed associated with each hearing type including pulling ledgers, ensuring discovery is sent to defense, etc.
Communicate effectively with defense attorneys, other outside agencies, and victims and witnesses regarding case files.
Calendar, track, and remind DPA’s of essential deadlines such as filing criminal information’s before defendant’s sixty (60) days in jail to prevent the defendant being released pursuant to Ark. R. Cr. P. Rule 8 (60 Day Rule), filing witness lists at least 30 days prior to Jury Trial, etc.
Schedule related appointments and maintain calendars for Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys when necessary.
Screen calls from victims and witnesses and direct them to the appropriate personnel/department.
Assist prosecutors to ensure case file is ready for court through various tasks.

Benefits

Employee Medical
Basic life and ADD Insurance
Long‑term disability insurance
Medical (Spouse/Children)
Dental, and Vision coverage
Supplemental life insurance
Short‑term disability
Critical Illness coverage
Accident insurance
Hospital indemnity plans
Participation in the Arkansas Public Employees Retirement System (APERS) pension program
Voluntary Nationwide Deferred Compensation 457(b) Retirement plan
11 Paid Holidays annually
Paid Sick Leave (up to 12 working days per year)
Paid Vacation Leave (up to 10 working days per year)
Paid Personal Day annually