Legal Assistant III

Under the supervision of the Office Manager, provides a wide variety of coordination activities, both technical and administrative, to assist attorneys. Manages documents for case files within the Prosecutor's Office. Activities are varied and complex, often performed under limited supervision, and require creativity and independent judgment. Typically this position is assigned to the Criminal Division, managing cases pending in the Circuit Court.

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Evaluates complex and diverse information to determine appropriate course of action and required documentation, considering court deadlines and applicable law enforcement procedures. Handles document preparation, executes follow-up and fact gathering using analysis, solid judgment, initiative, critical thinking, and experience to complement existing data to perform the file management function. Assignments may include difficult and high profile cases.
2. Enters and updates case data using multiple computer systems utilized to manage case records, generate documents and reports, and track files. Uses document management software to manage cases via imaged documents, creates e-forms, and processes case work within department and with other county agencies using workflows.
3. Responds appropriately to callers and walk-ins addressing questions and concerns of attorneys, parties, court personnel, law enforcement personnel, victims, families, witnesses and others regarding departmental procedures, schedules, case information and related issues. Requires discretion to adhere to disclosure and confidentiality restrictions.
4. Schedules hearings, prepares notices, proofs, files and documents within legal time parameters. Issues subpoenas as needed.
5. Manages calendar for assigned court and prepares documentation for attorneys. Prepares for weekly and unscheduled court sessions including motions, hearings, arraignments, trials and pleas.
6. Reviews files upon return from court and assists attorneys to prepare necessary case follow-up to ensure accurate and timely processing of case components.
7. Determines necessary documents and procedures to accurately prepare case files for weekly sentencing in the Circuit Court. Includes communication and coordination of information and schedules with other County departments and may include preparation of prisoner transfer documents. May include making recommendations for procedure improvements.
8. Processes and follows case/file closure and archival procedures.
9. Performs complex clerical and administrative tasks unique to the department.
10. Performs a variety of other support tasks which may include maintaining and updating resource materials in the law library, ordering and maintaining office supplies and forms, making travel and lodging arrangements, organizing and distributing mail and related tasks.
11. May be assigned to manage clerical support functions for Appeals Division, manage Personal Protection Order case flow, School Safety Reporting, department statistical record keeping, and/or other special projects as assigned.
12. May assign and review work of clerical staff and assist in their training.
13. Helps support an equitable, safe, diverse and inclusive workplace.
14. Other duties as assigned. 

High School diploma required. Associates or Bachelors Degree in related area preferred. A minimum of four (4) years experience in a criminal justice system or similar legal setting required. Must be skilled in the use of MS Word, MS Excel, OnBase, PAAM case management software. Previous experience at the Legal Assistant II level preferred.  Notary preferred. 

Licenses and Certifications: 

LEIN certified preferred.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

1. Thorough working knowledge of court administrative procedures and practices.
2. Thorough working knowledge of legal terminology, documents, style and procedures.
3. Fast and accurate keyboarding skills.
4. Thorough working knowledge of document imaging protocols and practices.
5. Thorough working knowledge of privacy requirements related to court records.
6. Computer literacy including a good working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet and database management applications.
7. Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
8. Excellent interpersonal and human relations skills.
9. Excellent time management skills and organizational skills.
10. Ability to interact positively and professionally with judges, attorneys, prosecutors, law enforcement officers, employees, felony offenders, other parties to litigation and members of the general public with widely divergent socio-economic and cultural backgrounds and varying levels of communication skills.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations, including, but not limited to, visual and/or audiological appliances and devices to increase mobility.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed in a normal office environment.