Legal Assistant I - III - Criminal Division - Felony Trial Unit- Sussex County

State of Delaware•Dover, DE

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Delaware Department of Justice is seeking Legal Assistants for the Criminal Division’s Felony Trial Unit in Sussex County. The role supports Deputy Attorneys General prosecuting serious and complex cases, including homicide, domestic violence, special-victim cases, and other violent crimes. Legal Assistants help prepare and process legal documents, manage case files and evidence, assist with grand jury and trial preparation, coordinate with police agencies, and communicate with victims and witnesses throughout litigation. The position is responsible for indictments and discovery for cases. Success requires working effectively in a fast-paced environment, managing competing priorities and a high-volume caseload, and contributing both independently and collaboratively. The Legal Assistant class series includes positions at levels I through III, with qualifications varying by level. The work involves supporting cases from pre-hearing or pre-trial through trial and sentencing, maintaining accurate case records, gathering and reviewing evidence and discovery, conducting legal research, preparing legal documents, and helping ensure legal actions and processes comply with applicable requirements.

Requirements

Requirements vary by level (Legal Assistant I, II, or III).
Legal Assistant I: one qualifying education or experience pathway includes three years of Department of Justice employment in a similar capacity; an associate degree or certificate in Paralegal Studies from an ABA- or Department-approved program; a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field; or three years preparing and maintaining legal documents and case files.
Legal Assistant I: three years of experience in legal research and in interpreting laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures; two years drafting legal documents such as briefs or memoranda of law; and two years interviewing to obtain facts, explore issues, and identify courses of action.
Legal Assistant II: qualifying pathways include five years of Department of Justice employment in a similar capacity plus the stated experience; an associate degree or certificate in Paralegal Studies from an ABA- or Department-approved program with two years of experience in each listed area; a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field with one year of experience in each listed area; a Juris Doctorate; or six years in document and case-file management, legal research, and interpretation, plus five years drafting legal documents and interviewing.
Legal Assistant III: an associate degree or certificate in Paralegal Studies from an ABA-approved program, or a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field, with five years of experience in each listed area; alternatively, a Juris Doctorate with three years in document and case-file management, legal research, and interpretation, and two years drafting legal documents and interviewing.
Experience areas specified for the levels include preparing and maintaining legal documents and case files; researching statutes, regulations, case law, and background information; interpreting laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures; drafting legal briefs or memoranda that present facts, analyze legal issues, and apply legal precedents; and conducting structured or unstructured interviews.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle a high-volume caseload.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, manage competing priorities, and work independently and collaboratively.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Employment is contingent upon satisfactory background checks.
Direct deposit of paychecks is required as a condition of hire.
Applicants should upload a recent resume with their application.

Responsibilities

Act as a liaison between a supervisor and interested parties, court staff, clients, defendants, plaintiffs, victims, witnesses, law enforcement, public officials, and the public to gather, clarify, and provide information about case facts and status.
Establish and maintain complete, accurate case files for proceedings from pre-hearing or pre-trial through trial and sentencing.
Interview involved parties, including clients, defendants, plaintiffs, victims, witnesses, arresting officers, and medical personnel, to gather discovery materials and evidence and complete legal or court documents.
Review police and medical reports and other records, including retail, surveillance, computer files, electronic documents, and body-worn camera and audio/video materials; summarize pertinent case details for Deputy Attorneys General and follow up for additional documents as needed.
Draft answers to litigation complaints and responses to form 30 interrogatories; issue subpoenas to obtain medical, insurance, and employment records; serve and prepare discovery; and make required redactions.
Research case law, judicial decisions, statutes, codes, regulations, and legal or subject-matter articles; provide written information about similar cases, findings, decisions, and legal memoranda or opinions.
Prepare legal pleadings, including briefs, motions, indictments, informations, and appeals.
Provide reports and recommendations concerning new or revised operating policies and procedures.
Review state and federal codes, laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to help ensure compliance of legal actions and processes.
Assist Deputy Attorneys General with grand jury and trial preparation and coordinate with police agencies.
Maintain communication with victims and witnesses during litigation.