Public Defender Legal Assistant
About The Position
The Office of the Public Defender, District 18 in Orange County, seeks a qualified individual to provide secretarial support for office attorneys. The position includes answering and screening incoming calls and assisting clients and the public at the office’s front window. Additional duties include assisting clients and attorneys as requested, word processing, typing letters and forms, filing documents, opening, screening, and distributing mail, and performing other duties as assigned. The role requires knowledge of office practices and procedures, legal terminology, grammar and punctuation, and legal forms for orders, judgments, and other documents. The employee uses commonly applied rules and methods to perform recurring tasks with office equipment, and provides basic information and instructions about programs and office procedures.
Requirements
- High school graduation or equivalent.
- One year of legal clerical experience.
- Knowledge of office practices and procedures, legal terminology, grammar and punctuation, and legal forms for orders, judgments, and other documents.
- Knowledge of commonly used rules, procedures, or methods for recurring office assignments, including operating a computer, printer, switchboard, and copiers.
- Skill in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Accurate and fast typing skills.
- Skill in answering a multi-line telephone system.
- Ability to spell accurately and use proper grammar.
- Ability to develop general knowledge of the office’s role and mission and its relationship to other judicial offices.
Nice To Haves
- Spanish language fluency is preferred but not required.
Responsibilities
- Answer and screen incoming calls.
- Assist clients and the public at the office’s front window.
- Assist clients and attorneys as requested.
- Perform word processing and type letters and forms.
- File documents.
- Open, screen, and distribute mail.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Screen communications and handle them independently or route them to the appropriate destination.
- Learn and follow rules and regulations for verifying, processing, and maintaining records and documents.
- Organize and establish document formats.
- Provide basic information and instructions regarding programs and office procedures.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
