Senior Legal Assistant

Scott County, Minnesota•Shakopee, MN

About The Position

The Senior Legal Assistant independently performs complex legal administrative duties in the fast-paced County Attorney’s Office and provides comprehensive support to attorneys and staff. The position drafts and assembles legal documents; organizes and maintains case files and calendars; conducts criminal history checks; coordinates court hearings; and supports attorneys preparing for hearings, trials, and meetings. Duties also include preparing and serving discovery and pleadings, notifying witnesses, coordinating testimony, and assisting in the courtroom when requested. The role serves as a liaison among law enforcement agencies, Court Administration, Community Corrections, the public, defense attorneys, defendants, and others involved in criminal and civil matters. It manages time-sensitive referrals, documents, and exhibits; handles communications and public inquiries; maintains records and databases; and performs related administrative work to support the office.

Requirements

Equivalent of an associate’s degree and two years of legal or administrative work experience; law office experience is preferred.
Four years of legal experience may substitute for the degree.
Ability to pass CJIS fingerprinting.

Nice To Haves

Experience with MNCIS, MCAPS, and/or previous criminal experience in a County Attorney’s Office.

Responsibilities

Provide specialized legal administrative assistance and support to attorneys in the County Attorney’s Office.
Receive time-sensitive information and referrals, manage documents and exhibits for attorney review, assess workloads and deadlines, and initiate timely action.
Prepare, transcribe, and draft legal forms, petitions, subpoenas, formal complaints, orders, correspondence, and other documents using various software programs.
Obtain and track criminal histories, convictions, aliases, active case files, and other relevant information about parties and participants in court proceedings.
Secure police reports, send notices, and assist with subpoenas and orders.
Open, organize, maintain, and close case files; sort and review incoming correspondence; answer letters as authorized; and review hearing notes and notices for accuracy.
Communicate with Court Administration and respond to public inquiries and calls as required.
Notify witnesses about hearings and status changes, monitor witness availability, and keep attorneys informed.
Assemble trial notebooks and organize case files for trial; attend trials and other court proceedings to assist attorneys and provide feedback.
Monitor and collect unpaid court fines.
Handle law enforcement calls, faxes, and emails requesting administrative subpoenas; prepare and submit subpoenas; respond to questions about subpoenaing information; and research appropriate authority.
Collaborate with counties and agencies within and outside Minnesota.
Attend court proceedings, hearings, and meetings upon request while observing appropriate decorum.
Receive, review, and serve discovery on defense counsel; compare case files with law enforcement files to confirm discovery is received and promptly disclosed; and request, monitor, and serve additional discovery.
Maintain attorney calendars and files.
Answer and screen incoming calls and emails and respond to walk-in inquiries from the public and county employees and departments.
Process the daily court calendar, troubleshoot issues, and resolve conflicts.
Search for and provide driver’s license information, criminal history, and other relevant information to support attorney charging decisions.
Recognize and resolve suspense files.
Use, organize, develop, update, and maintain databases and records, including MCAPS, Portals, DVS, Evidence.com, LETG, and E-filing/E-service; manage file retention.
Perform related administrative tasks, provide back-up support, help train new staff, and assist with developing or revising support staff policies and procedures.
Work assigned hours and shifts and begin and end work on time.
Perform other related duties as required or assigned.