Criminal Legal Assistant

JOB SUMMARY

Provide support to Assistant State’s Attorneys working on Criminal cases.

An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and/or

Experience:

Associate of Science or Applied Science degree in a law related field from a two-year college or accredited academy or a minimum three years’ experience in a prosecutorial setting or a minimum of two years senior secretarial or paralegal experience in a law office.

Technology and Equipment

Skills:

Proficient ability to use a personal computer and associated peripherals to include experience with the preservation of various forms of electronic data. Knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and PowerPoint.

Must have satisfactory performance in prior employment.

• Knowledge of the criminal justice system.
• Experience in the preparation, formatting and filing of legal documents.
• Experience using Odyssey and other legal programs and software.
• Experience working in a paperless environment.
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and work independently with minimal supervision in a fast-paced, high-stress atmosphere.

Under general supervision this position performs a variety of moderately complex duties associated with general office assistance in a legal setting, including preparing and issuing legal documents; creating and maintaining case files; assisting in coordinating and tracking court schedules; performing general secretarial support; and other duties as required.

The essential duties and responsibilities of the Legal Assistant include but are not limited to: handle the administrative caseload of assigned attorneys which consists of a combination of felony, misdemeanor, and/or appellate cases; responsible for attorney calendars; independently procure records, documents, etc., for completeness of file and the discovery process; proficient in utilization of Odyssey court docketing program and Odyssey file and serve;

exercise independent judgment based upon comprehensive knowledge of individual cases; understand and apply applicable court rules and policies and an understanding of legal citations and formatting; compose legal documents from general instruction; understand legal terminology and formatting; independently draft/compose and type pleadings, documents and miscellaneous correspondence for the attorneys review and approval; demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of English language, punctuation, and spelling;

knowledge of general office practices, procedures, and machines; ensure that all documents leaving the office are of high quality and professional appearance; prioritize work flow under stressful conditions and strict deadlines; manage, organize and multi-task a large demanding caseload; demonstrate accuracy and attention to detail; demonstrate ability to work independently in the absence of specific instructions; communicate clearly with and efficiently anticipate the needs of multiple attorneys;

demonstrate loyalty and adhere to strict confidentiality; deal tactfully with members of the public under stressful conditions; and maintain a positive, helpful, constructive attitude and working relationship with the department employees, other state and county employees, and the public.

Timely and regular attendance is required as is the ability to interact productively with co-workers and satisfactorily perform the duties and functions of the job.

Cass County Government is an Equal Opportunity and At Will Employer.