Legal Secretary I / Open Until Filled

GENERAL PURPOSE

Performs a variety of entry-level complex, legal secretarial duties designed to expedite legal services provided through the office of the County Attorney.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the County Attorney or Deputy County Attorney(s).

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs general clerical, secretarial and paralegal duties for the county attorney and deputy county attorneys i.e. typing, word processing, filing, dictation, scheduling appointments, answering telephone, coping, etc. and coordinates with other departments and personnel regarding work with their departments.
• Composes and prepares correspondence for the review and signature of the county attorney and deputy county attorney(s); composes and prepares a variety of legal documents and pleadings such as motions, orders, briefs, warrants, complaints, commitments, contracts, ordinances, resolutions, and subpoenas for trial witnesses, petitions for subpoena power, criminal investigative subpoena power, incompetence hearings, forfeiture pleadings, etc.; prepares instructions for jury trials.
• Prepares official discovery in response to defense attorney’s plea bargains, pleas in abeyance, commitment orders, bind-over orders, extradition waivers, and other court related documents.
• Coordinates and works with police departments and court in regards to filing criminal informations and civil complaints and petitions; monitors criminal court calendar and advises county attorney and deputy county attorney(s) of court dates and prepares civil and criminal files as needed.
• Opens and monitors civil files during their activity; communicates with courts regarding trial and hearing dates, etc., and petitions; monitors criminal court calendar and advises county attorney and deputy attorney(s) of pending trial dates; organizes files, files documents and prepares correspondence and pleadings within files.
• May assist in preparation of judgments, official summary versions, and stipulations for district and justice courts; prepares appropriate documentation and follows established procedures for processing the same.
• Works with other attorney(s) in resolving practical problems with civil and criminal cases, i.e. court dates, appointments, response of pleadings, messages, etc.
• Maintains department library materials; operates word processor, computer, typewriter, copy machine, paper shredder, Dictaphone, telephone, etc.; performs file purging for destruction, storage and archiving.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Graduation from high school with course background in general office skills; 
• AND
• Three (3) years of experience as a legal secretary or in some other comparable position providing exposure to legal terminology, methods, and procedures;
• OR
• An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Some knowledge of modern office practices and procedures; legal terminology, grammar, punctuation, English, etc.; the legal procedures of trials and courts; modern office practices and procedures; various processes related to criminal and civil document processes; the operation of personal computer and various software applications for word processing, spread sheets, data base management and desk top publications.

Ability to perform secretarial, stenographic and machine dictation involving legal terminology and format; ability to maintain filing and record keeping system. Ability to work with the public and develop effective working relationships; ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; ability to operate a calculator, copy machine, Dictaphone, memory typewriter, and other types of standard office equipment.

Special Qualifications:

Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in keyboard operations.

Work Environment:

Incumbent of the position performs in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls. Tasks require variety of physical activities, not generally involving muscular strain, such as walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing and seeing. Rapid work speed required to perform keyboard operations. Common eye, hand, finger, leg and foot dexterity exist. Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, discriminating thinking and some creative problem solving.