Legal Secretary - Public Defender
Aiken County See More Job Openings by This Employer
- Full Time
- $32,246.20 - $45,144.44/year
- Public Defender Office, SC
- Description
Under general supervision, performs responsible legal secretarial and clerical work in support of efficient and effective department operations. Work involves preparing and maintaining accurate department and court records; screening applicants to determine their indigency status and eligibility for office services. Reports to the Chief Public Defender.
- Examples of Duties
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Assists applicants for the Public Defender’s Office both at the jail and in the office in completing the applications and paperwork needed to request legal representation.
Enters court/case information into computer database and spreadsheets.
Generates reports as required.
Types documents and letters necessary for case preparation.
Answers and screens telephone calls.
Provides accurate information to callers and/or forwards calls to appropriate persons; takes messages as necessary.
Greets and assists office visitors.
Performs general secretarial/clerical work including but not limited to typing correspondence, maintaining calendars, entering and retrieving computer data, maintaining electronic filing system, sending and receiving faxes, obtaining signatures on various documents, etc.
Assists director, attorneys, clients and court personnel, law enforcement persons, Judges, and others in completing various legal forms as required for court and obtaining information and copies of court dockets.
Receives and responds to requests for information and assistance, inquiries, and complaints.
Prepares and/or types routine and confidential correspondence, reports, and other documents at request of the director, attorneys and paralegals.
Assists the office personnel as needed.
Contacts clients and other agencies to gather necessary information as instructed.
Requests, receives, reviews, and files a variety of legal documents and correspondence.
Establishes and maintains an effective electronic filing system for administrative and legal forms and reports.
Prepares and maintains miscellaneous lists, logs, and records as required using Excel and databases.
Receives and/or reviews various records and reports such as applications for appointments of counsel, warrants, motions (legal), police reports, and statements from clients and witnesses.
Refers to indigency guidelines, warrants, court dockets, law dictionary, dictionary, policy and procedure manuals, laws/codes/ordinances, computer manuals, rules of court, Lawyer’s Desk Book, etc.
Operates a variety of equipment such as computer, telephone, copier, typewriter, fax machine, scanner, printer, laptop computer, calculator, etc.
Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the Chief Public Defender, attorneys, clients, court personnel, Judges, clients’ family members, other County personnel, law enforcement, jail personnel, witnesses, and the general public.ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Performs other related work as required.- Typical Qualifications
MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
Requires a vocational school diploma and three to six months of experience in secretarial and clerical-administrative work; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS
Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate a variety of automated office machines including computers, typewriters, calculators, copiers, facsimile machines, etc. Must be able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for periods of time.PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Knowledge of Job: Has thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures, and policies of the Public Defender’s Office as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Legal Secretary. Has knowledge of the laws, ordinances, standards, and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Has excellent secretarial, clerical, data processing, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Has good knowledge of court procedures and legal documents that must be prepared to ensure proper case management and documentation. Has good knowledge of legal terminology. Has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations. Is capable of producing quality work that requires close attention to detail. Is able to maintain confidentiality as required. Is able to offer assistance to co-workers and employees of other departments as required. Is able to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency. Has knowledge of modern office practices and technology. Is skilled in the use of computers for word and data processing. Is able to type and accurately and at a speed necessary for the successful completion of assigned duties. Has knowledge of how to use and maintain a variety of office equipment. Is able to read and interpret various materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job. Is able to prepare routine forms, records and reports with accuracy and in a timely manner. Has knowledge of how to maintain effective relationships with personnel of other departments, professionals, and members of the public through contact and cooperation. Has knowledge of how to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations. Is able to establish and maintain effective relationships as necessitated by work assignments.
- $32,246.20 - $45,144.44/year
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