Legal Assistant - Chesterfield

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Chesterfield, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission (VIDC), an independent agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia, is dedicated to protecting and defending clients’ rights through zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy. The Chesterfield Public Defender’s Office provides dedicated, compassionate, client-based, and community-embedded representation to indigent clients. It is hiring a Legal Assistant to provide administrative and clerical support to attorneys, investigators, and mitigation specialists. The position reports to the Chief Public Defender of the Chesterfield Office and is employed at-will. The Legal Assistant greets people visiting the office, operates a multi-line telephone system, screens and forwards calls, provides information, takes messages, and schedules appointments. The role also involves preparing and reviewing correspondence and legal documents, maintaining filing and record-keeping systems, processing mail, and communicating with colleagues, clients, and judicial system personnel. The IDC is committed to inclusive hiring and welcomes qualified applicants of all identities, cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Employment is contingent on successfully completing a fingerprint-based criminal background check. Authorization to work in the United States is required; the IDC uses E-Verify and does not provide sponsorship. This position may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness depending on the type of loan.

Requirements

Working knowledge of office practices and procedures, including creating and editing letters, memos, and legal documents.
Experience using Microsoft applications, specifically Word and Excel.
Familiarity with Google Suite applications, including Gmail and Google Docs.
Experience creating and managing electronic and manual filing systems, and keyboarding skills.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-driven environment.
Ability to communicate effectively and compassionately with clients, their support networks, and other participants in the legal system.
Submit both a cover letter and resume.
Authorization to work in the United States.
Successful completion of a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience within the criminal justice system is strongly considered.
Bilingual ability in English and Spanish is strongly considered.

Responsibilities

Greet people entering the Public Defender’s Office and operate a multi-line telephone system.
Screen and forward calls, provide information to callers, take messages, and schedule appointments.
Type, edit, and review memos, letters, and various legal documents.
Maintain filing and record-keeping systems.
Collect, sort, distribute, and prepare mail.
Communicate and interact with Public Defender’s Office colleagues, clients, and judicial system personnel.
Provide administrative and clerical support to attorneys, investigators, and mitigation specialists.