Public Defender Legal Assistant

State of North Carolina

About The Position

SALARY RANGE: $38,574.00 - $63,372.00 The Office of the Public Defender, Union County, seeks a qualified individual to provide support services for the office attorneys. Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences Duties include: assist clients and attorneys as requested; word processing; type forms; file documents; answer and screen incoming calls; open, screen, and distribute mail; and other duties as assigned. Communication Responds to inquiries from clients, colleague and court and maintains confidentiality Communicates empathetically and professionally Does not provide legal advice or otherwise engage in the practice of law Demonstrates cultural mindfulness in all communications Makes detailed notes of all client communications and reports client concerns to team Documents client complaints and works with supervisor to address them Consults supervisor appropriately concerning client and/or case issues File Management Opens case files within one day of case assignment (includes conflict checking witnesses and filing notices of appearance Enters complete and accurate information into Legal Files and updates files as requested Sends case-related correspondence for typical case events (e.g., introductory letter, bench warrant, notice of hearing) Scans discovery into Legal Files and reviews for additional conflicts within two days of receipt; scans other materials to Legal Files as requested

Requirements

Knowledge of: office practices and procedures; legal terminology; grammar and punctuation; legal forms for orders, judgments, and other documents; commonly used rules, procedures, or methods to perform limited, recurring assignments such as operate computer, printer, switchboard, and copiers.
Skill in: Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; typing with accuracy and speed; and answering a multi-line telephone system.
Ability to: screen communications and, based on content, handle independently or route to proper destination; spell accurately and use proper grammar; learn specific rules and regulations related to verifying, processing, and maintaining records and documents; use judgment in organizing and establishing document formats; develop a general knowledge of the role and mission of the office and its relationship to other judicial offices; and provide basic information and instructions regarding programs and office procedures.
High school graduation or equivalency certificate and one (1) year of legal clerical experience.

Responsibilities

assist clients and attorneys as requested
word processing
type forms
file documents
answer and screen incoming calls
open, screen, and distribute mail
Responds to inquiries from clients, colleague and court and maintains confidentiality
Communicates empathetically and professionally
Does not provide legal advice or otherwise engage in the practice of law
Demonstrates cultural mindfulness in all communications
Makes detailed notes of all client communications and reports client concerns to team
Documents client complaints and works with supervisor to address them
Consults supervisor appropriately concerning client and/or case issues
Opens case files within one day of case assignment (includes conflict checking witnesses and filing notices of appearance
Enters complete and accurate information into Legal Files and updates files as requested
Sends case-related correspondence for typical case events (e.g., introductory letter, bench warrant, notice of hearing)
Scans discovery into Legal Files and reviews for additional conflicts within two days of receipt; scans other materials to Legal Files as requested