Legal Assistant III

Administrative and advanced legal assistant work for the Appellate Division of the Office of the Defender General. Acts with authority on appellate and postconviction relief case management and other specifically delegated functions. Work is performed under the general supervision of a Supervising Appellate Defender and is reviewed by the Defender General or his/her designee.

Acts as a representative of the Office of the Appellate Defender in daily operations, maintaining contact with clients, professional persons, and other governmental officials. Finalizes Appellate briefs, files briefs and related documents with the Vermont Supreme Court (VSC) and provides copies to clients. Tracks all due dates and makes sure transcripts are ordered on time. Keeps records of all transcripts received.

Obtains files from the VSC for appellate cases and makes copies as needed. Opens new case files, enters information in a central database, and sends letters to new clients and Superior Courts. Files motions and other court matters with the VSC and Vermont trial courts and processes all entry orders.

Assists with the screening and sorting of mail and telephone calls and routing them to proper persons. Plans, installs, reviews, refines and maintains office systems and practices. Assists with public defense trainings. Performs related work as required.

Successful applicants must possess the following: attention to detail, excellent command of English grammar and proofreading skills, ability to maintain confidentiality, strong computer skills, comfort interacting by phone with a sometimes-challenging clientele, ability to work in a fast-paced environment, ability to multi-task and prioritize workload, ability to work both independently and as part of a dedicated team, ability to handle difficult case information, and a positive attitude.

Must be able to lift 25 lbs. and transport boxes and files from and to the Vermont Supreme Court.

Minimum: $22.40 Maximum: $34.94

The salary range reflects the minimum rate and maximum salary potential in the assigned pay grade.

Associate degree in business technology, secretarial science or office management; OR high school graduation or equivalent and three years of office clerical experience, which included typing, word processing or other generation of documents. Completion of a one-year vocational/technical training program in business and office occupations or related area may be substituted for one year of the work experience. College coursework may be substituted for up to one year of the work experience on a semester for six months basis.

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status.

The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.