Legal Assistant

St Croix County•Hudson, WI

22h•$24 - $34•Onsite

About The Position

POSITION SUMMARY: This position is to perform skilled legal administrative support work to assist the District Attorney in the prosecution of criminal, traffic, civil forfeitures, child protection cases and juvenile court proceedings by independently gathering and maintaining prosecution files and maintaining communication to other parties for efficient handling of cases. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be required and assigned. Assigns and enters new referrals received from law enforcement agencies. Independently drafts legal documents, criminal complaints, summons, warrants, ordinance violations, juvenile petitions, motions, discovery, orders, briefs and routine letters, for review by prosecutors, assisting in the prosecution of criminal, juvenile, traffic, and forfeiture cases. Creates, prepares and maintains criminal, traffic, juvenile and forfeiture prosecutor files. Answers, screens and responds to incoming calls and visitors in a highly professional manner. Contacts law enforcement and state and federal agencies to obtain essential documents and/or information needed for case preparation, management and/or prosecution. Prepares and processes subpoenas, interstate subpoenas, Writs of Habeas Corpus, and Orders for Transport for upcoming court proceedings. Contacts and/or assists victims and witnesses in criminal and juvenile cases as needed. Serves as primary contacts for victims and witnesses in non-criminal cases. Schedules, coordinates, monitors, and resolves conflicts with weekly office calendar in conjunction with the court calendar. Prepares for and participates in mandatory pretrial conferences for traffic/forfeiture cases. Assists law enforcement in drafting search warrants and document subpoenas. Generates criminal history and driving records and maintains confidentiality pursuant to Crime Information Bureau guidelines. Research prior offenses to assist in determining appropriate charging decisions. This may require obtaining additional documents/information to assist with charging decision/case prosecution. Provides in-courtroom assistance to prosecutors, as needed. Processes, files, and distributes incoming and outgoing mail, court filings, and faxes. Prepares and files appellate briefs pursuant to Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules. Notarizes documents as required. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Associate degree in paralegal, criminal justice, legal assistant, or closely related field.
Minimum of two (2) years previous work experience in a law office or legal setting with an emphasis in criminal law or civil litigation.
Five (5) years previous work experience in an office with an emphasis in criminal law or civil litigation will be considered in lieu of the required associate degree.
Must be TIME System certified (State of Wisconsin Transaction Information for the Management of Enforcement) within one (1) year from date of hire.
Must successfully pass criminal background check.
Knowledge of legal terminology, legal formats, and court processes, including the ability to accurately prepare legal and court documents in a timely manner.
Knowledge of Wisconsin Statutes, administrative codes, and applicable state and federal laws, with the ability to interpret statutory language and stay current on procedural and form changes.
Knowledge of standard office and legal office practices, procedures, and clerical techniques, including general office equipment and operations.
Ability to take, maintain, and incorporate accurate and detailed notes into legal documents and case records with a high degree of precision.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy in reviewing, processing, and managing legal documentation.
Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities, policies, and workload demands.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, including preparing reports, correspondence, and documentation tailored to the audience.
Ability to provide effective customer service and interact professionally, respectfully, and tactfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Understanding of the structure and functions of local, state, and federal government agencies, particularly within Wisconsin.
Awareness of local community resources, public services, and social programs available to residents.
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team across departments to achieve common goals.
Ability to exercise sound ethical judgment and maintain confidentiality in accordance with open records laws and applicable state and federal regulations.
Technical proficiency in relevant software and systems, including Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, SharePoint, and other job-related applications.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other local and statewide legal system agencies, law enforcement agencies, interdepartmental office personnel, media, other employees, attorneys, victims, witnesses, family members, and the general public.
Ability to communicate in English appropriately/professionally, both verbally and in writing, with judges, attorneys, law enforcement, other agencies, courthouse personnel and the public.
Ability to read, interpret, and apply information from complex documents such as laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and reports.
Ability to engage with the public, handle inquiries, resolve conflicts, and build positive relationships with a diverse population.
Ability to perform mathematical calculations.
Ability to calculate and track dates, timelines, and deadlines related to court processes.
Ability to review and verify numerical data and maintain accuracy in records and documentation.
Ability to identify and define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to make decisions that are sound, well-informed, and timely, even in stressful situations.
Ability to analyze situations, consider various perspectives, anticipate potential issues, and make recommendations or decisions based on logical reasoning.
Ability to interpret complex information, recognize patterns, and understand the implications of actions or decisions.
Ability to think conceptually and understand the relationships between ideas that are not immediately obvious.

Responsibilities

Assigns and enters new referrals received from law enforcement agencies.
Independently drafts legal documents, criminal complaints, summons, warrants, ordinance violations, juvenile petitions, motions, discovery, orders, briefs and routine letters, for review by prosecutors, assisting in the prosecution of criminal, juvenile, traffic, and forfeiture cases.
Creates, prepares and maintains criminal, traffic, juvenile and forfeiture prosecutor files.
Answers, screens and responds to incoming calls and visitors in a highly professional manner.
Contacts law enforcement and state and federal agencies to obtain essential documents and/or information needed for case preparation, management and/or prosecution.
Prepares and processes subpoenas, interstate subpoenas, Writs of Habeas Corpus, and Orders for Transport for upcoming court proceedings.
Contacts and/or assists victims and witnesses in criminal and juvenile cases as needed.
Serves as primary contacts for victims and witnesses in non-criminal cases.
Schedules, coordinates, monitors, and resolves conflicts with weekly office calendar in conjunction with the court calendar.
Prepares for and participates in mandatory pretrial conferences for traffic/forfeiture cases.
Assists law enforcement in drafting search warrants and document subpoenas.
Generates criminal history and driving records and maintains confidentiality pursuant to Crime Information Bureau guidelines.
Research prior offenses to assist in determining appropriate charging decisions. This may require obtaining additional documents/information to assist with charging decision/case prosecution.
Provides in-courtroom assistance to prosecutors, as needed.
Processes, files, and distributes incoming and outgoing mail, court filings, and faxes.
Prepares and files appellate briefs pursuant to Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules.
Notarizes documents as required.
Other duties as assigned.