Legal Assistant - Franklin/Smithfield

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Franklin, VA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission (VIDC) is seeking a Legal Assistant for the Smithfield Public Defender Office. This administrative position will provide essential support to attorneys, investigators, and mitigation specialists. The VIDC is dedicated to protecting the rights of clients through zealous, compassionate, and high-quality legal advocacy. The Smithfield Public Defender Office is committed to providing dedicated, compassionate, client-based, and community-embedded representation for indigent clients. The Legal Assistant reports to the Chief Public Defender of the Smithfield Office and is an at-will employee. The VIDC is committed to inclusive hiring and fostering diversity within its workforce, encouraging applications from individuals of all identities, cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.

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, Google Docs, etc.
Experience creating and managing an electronic and manual filing system.
Skills in keyboarding.
Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-driven environment.
Ability to communicate both effectively and compassionately with clients, their support networks, and other participants in the legal system.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. (E-Verify system used, no sponsorship provided).

Nice To Haves

Prior experience within the criminal justice system.
Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

Greeting persons entering the Public Defender Office and operating a multi-line telephone system.
Screening and forwarding calls, providing information to callers, taking messages, and scheduling appointments.
Typing, editing, and reviewing memos, letters, and various types of legal documents.
Maintaining a filing and record-keeping system.
Collecting, sorting, distributing, and preparing mail.
Communicating and interacting with public defender office colleagues, clients, and judicial system personnel.