Legal Assistant - Public Defender

Consolidated Municipality of Carson City•Carson City, NV

30d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a full-time, FLSA non-exempt position with Carson City Public Defender's Office. Under general supervision, provides difficult, complex, technical, specialized and/or confidential legal office support in the Public Defender’s Office. Individuals may choose between the following PERS Retirement plans: Employer-Paid PERS Retirement: $25.0175 - 35.0244 hourly / $52,036.40 - 72,850.70 annually Employee/Employer-Paid PERS Retirement: $30.1807 - 42.2530 hourly / $62,775.96 - 87,886.24 annually. In addition to an outstanding retirement plan, this position is afforded the excellent benefits set forth in the Carson City Employees Association labor contract. This recruitment will remain open until recruitment needs are satisfied. Individuals are encouraged to apply immediately, as hiring may occur early in the recruiting process. Recruitment will close without notice when a sufficient number of applications are received or a hiring decision has been made. Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education and Work Experience" section of the application. Applicants not meeting these requirements will not be considered for employment.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED AND two (2) years of clerical or administrative experience in a legal or court office; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.
Knowledge of the use of specified computer applications involving word processing, data entry and/or standard report generation.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.
Knowledge of business arithmetic.
Knowledge of office administrative practices and procedures.
Knowledge of record keeping principles and practices.
Knowledge of correct business English, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Knowledge of legal office terminology, processes, procedures, and the format for legal documents.
Knowledge of techniques for dealing with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the telephone.
Skill in making accurate arithmetic calculations.
Skill in establishing, maintaining, and researching office files.
Skill in composing correspondence independently or from brief instructions.
Skill in preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
Skill in preparing pleadings and other legal documents from stenographic notes, brief instructions, dictated tapes or printed information.
Skill in providing varied and responsible legal secretarial and office administrative assistance to one or more attorneys and/or associated staff.
Skill in using applicable legal office terminology, forms, documents, and procedures in the course of the work.
Skill in using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
Skill in organizing, prioritizing, and coordinating work activities and meeting critical deadlines.
Skill in contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives, and activities.
Skill in dealing successfully with the public, in person and over the telephone, often where relations may be confrontational or strained.

Responsibilities

Performs confidential legal office support work, which may require the exercise of independent judgment, the application of technical skills, or a knowledge of detailed or specialized activities related to the Public Defender’s Office.
Receives and screens visitors and telephone calls, providing information regarding the particular area of assignment, which may require the use of judgment and interpretation of policies and procedures.
Processes a variety of legal documents following instructions.
Drafts pleadings, subpoenas, briefs, and other legal documents and correspondence, memoranda and reports from stenographic notes, brief instructions, dictated tapes or printed materials.
Uses a computer for word processing and to input or retrieve data and prepare reports.
Calendars and schedules court dates, meetings, and appointments for attorneys; and files or arranges for the filing of paperwork with the court.
Researches and compiles a variety of informational materials.
Initiates specified correspondence independently for signature by appropriate staff; and reviews finished materials for completeness, accuracy, format, compliance with policies and procedures, and appropriate English language.
Organizes and maintains legal files as directed.
Relieves attorneys of certain administrative matters by following-up on projects, transmitting information, keeping informed of pertinent activities, and scheduling and arranging for meetings.
Organizes own work, sets priorities, and meets critical deadlines.
Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the Public Defender’s Office service to its customers by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active member of a team.
Provides a variety of general secretarial and office administrative assistance.
Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with the public and City staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.