Legal Assistant

Santa Cruz County•Santa Cruz County, AZ

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Legal Assistant provides legal support to an attorney by drafting legal documents, managing case files, and ensuring timely completion of legal tasks and filings. The role serves as a liaison between attorneys, witnesses, and court personnel to schedule meetings, hearings, depositions, and other proceedings, and assists attorneys with trial, hearing, and meeting preparation. The position also prepares materials for court proceedings as directed. Work includes managing civil, criminal, or law enforcement case files; preparing pleadings, correspondence, reports, motions, subpoenas, and other court documents; assisting with diversion programs and criminal case processes; maintaining case calendars and records; and performing administrative, secretarial, clerical, and bookkeeping-related tasks. The position may include translating from Spanish to English. Work is performed in an office setting and may involve exposure to various hazards.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent and four years of experience in administrative support work, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and/or training.
Knowledge of legal terminology and legal processes.
Knowledge of office management and administrative support practices and procedures.
Knowledge of general Santa Cruz County operations and functions.
Knowledge of general bookkeeping practices and procedures.
Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software.
Knowledge of departmental and county goals, objectives, policies, procedures, codes, and regulations.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with county personnel, outside agencies, and the public.
Skill in preparing documents, records, reports, and correspondence accurately and in appropriate formats.
Skill in maintaining department files and records.
Ability to follow complex oral and written instructions, policies, and procedures.
Ability to operate office equipment, including personal computers, telephones, calculators, computer terminals, and word processors.
Ability to analyze and interpret policies and procedures.
Ability to research, compile, and prepare reports and related information.
Ability to use good judgment in releasing confidential information.
Must possess a valid state driver’s license.

Responsibilities

Open, maintain, and close files related to civil, criminal, law enforcement matters, and cases.
Compose and type pleadings, correspondence, and reports using established office procedures, guidelines, and formats.
Enter data from law enforcement reports into the computer, create initial files, and submit them to the appropriate attorney.
Produce required documents, schedule interviews, send subpoenas, and prepare motions.
Review police reports, diversion applications, and statements of fact to determine diversion program terms and conditions.
Explain diversion program terms and conditions and prepare paperwork to terminate successfully completed cases.
Schedule interviews for witnesses, officers, and victims; prepare subpoena forms for police officers and witnesses for preliminary hearings.
Send memoranda to officers requesting additional case information.
Prepare bind-over pleadings and disclosure documents for attorneys’ signature and filing with Superior Court.
Prepare, copy, and provide plea agreements to defense attorneys, and close cases in the system after plea agreements are accepted and defendants are sentenced.
Update computer calendars and defendant files when hearing schedules change throughout the criminal process.
Initiate and maintain defendant files.
Translate from Spanish to English when needed.
Perform administrative, secretarial, and clerical duties, including records management, accounts payable processing, and report compilation.
File court documents in the proper case files and close files when criminal or civil proceedings end.
Attend work and be prepared to begin at the assigned work location on specified days and hours.