PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 20TH CIRCUIT- LEGAL ASSISTANT I - 21003544

State of Florida•Fort Myers, FL

1d•$35,000 - $40,000

About The Position

Are you looking for a rewarding role within an organization where you can earn competitive compensation and have access to a comprehensive benefits package? The Law Offices of the Public Defender, 20th Judicial Circuit, may be the place for you! The agency is seeking qualified applicants for a Legal Assistant position. The starting salary for the position is $35,000 to $40,000 annually, dependent upon experience and qualifications. To learn more about the Law Offices of the Public Defender, 20th Judicial Circuit, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/company/office-of-the-public-defender-20th-judicial-circuit/ or www.pd20.org. To learn more about benefits offered to eligible employees, visit: https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/. The agency strongly encourages applicants to attach a resume, as well as 2 - 3 professional references.

Requirements

Communicate effectively and professionally with clients and staff.
Use correct English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Follow written and oral instructions and procedures.
Exhibit sound judgment and good listening skills.
Handle matters with integrity and confidentiality.
Plan and prepare reports, correspondence, and charts in a variety of formats.
Use personal computer and general office equipment.
Be extremely organized, establish priorities, and meet deadlines.
Maintain an effective filing system.
Manage multiple assignments simultaneously including long- and short-range projects.
Be flexible in work assignments and processes based upon need.
Travel to various locations throughout the circuit for assignments and training.
Effectively utilize Microsoft Word and Outlook.
Graduation from high school and two years of progressively responsible secretarial experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, technical procedures, legal documents and governmental regulations. Ability to write business correspondence.
Basic computer skills are required including keyboarding, use of PC's, printers, etc. Microsoft Office experience required.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.
Must be able to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. Must be able to evaluate problems, isolate key issues, research and develop alternative solutions.
Valid Florida Driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Prior legal experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Creates correspondence and other materials on general or legal subjects; types routine acknowledgments in response to inquiries.
Assist clients as necessary.
Prepares and maintains files and records.
Acts as office receptionist, answers telephone; greets, announces and routes visitors/clients.
Types with speed and accuracy, proficient in word processing systems and associated peripherals.
Reads incoming mail and independently composes reply when attorney's personal attention is not required.
Prepares and files complex motions, orders, and subpoenas for both depositions and trials, attends court hearings and keeps docket.
Keeps attorney's appointment calendar and maintain schedules of meetings, appointments, legal hearings, trials and sentencings.
Establishes and maintains a comprehensive filing system.
Handles calls regarding cases and court hearings in attorney's absence.
Prepares general legal forms and pleadings independently.
Completion of monthly reports, data input into case management system.
Maintains confidential case follow-up and other essential legal records and files.
Performs related work as required.