Legal Assistant I

SUMMARY: The Legal Assistant 1 is an assistant position working directly with one or more prosecutors by preparing a case file for that prosecutor to efficiently access and argue the merits of the case. The assistant will effectively gather data from multiple agencies, maintain proficient in the various systems used by the collaborating agencies, and formulate a system by which to track both information obtained and current status of case.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES, include but not limited to: 

• Handle all information received by this office in a highly confidential manner.
• Efficiently utilize internal systems such as PBK (Prosecutor by Karpel), Internal Court Connect, CIS Inquiry, iResults, Arkansas State Crime Lab’s LASSO, Zuercher, InVize, JMS, RMS, ACIC / NCIC, Correction Solutions (Jail Calls), SmartEcosystems (Jail Mail), Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) Electronic Filing Systems, etc.
• Quickly analyze and request Law Enforcement reports, documents, and audio/visual evidence to determine various discovery items the prosecutor should receive to complete the case file, as well as update the file as the case progresses.
  • Discovery: Making the case information obtained known to defense counsel in a timely manner.
• Must be certified or able to become certified to run NCIC/ACIC criminal histories.  
• File and e-file legal documents with the Circuit Clerk’s Office.  Request certified priors when necessary.
• Assist prosecutors with trial preparation by creating trial binders for prosecutors, filing witness lists, issuing and completing service on subpoenas, obtaining transcripts and certified priors, etc.
• Running the prosecutor's calendars and re-checking calendars after the court date, i.e. working the calendars to ensure work is completed associated with each hearing type including pulling ledgers, ensuring discovery is sent to defense, etc.
• Communicate effectively with defense attorneys, other outside agencies, and victims and witnesses regarding case files.
• Calendar, track, and remind DPA’s of essential deadlines such as filing criminal information’s before defendant’s sixty (60) days in jail to prevent the defendant being released pursuant to Ark. R. Cr. P. Rule 8 (60 Day Rule), filing witness lists at least 30 days prior to Jury Trial, etc.
• Schedule related appointments and maintain calendars for Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys when necessary.
• Screen calls from victims and witnesses and direct them to the appropriate personnel/department.
• Assist prosecutors to ensure case file is ready for court through various tasks.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, and individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Due to the sensitive nature of cases, an individual must possess a high level of discretion and professionalism. Likewise, an individual must be an Arkansas Public Notary, or be eligible to become an Arkansas Public Notary upon hire.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

High School, and knowledge of computers, especially Microsoft Office Suite.  At least two (2) years of administrative experience required.  Possess good typing/computer skills, general secretarial skills as well as a high level of organizational skills.  Must possess good public relations and communication skills.   Experience in the legal profession is helpful, but not required.

Associate or higher degree in Paralegal Studies, Criminal Justice, or Legal Technology preferred. Commensurate work experience may be substituted for degree.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

Assist Deputy Prosecuting Attorney’s in their positions to maintain an efficient work environment.  Position will require daily contact with attorneys, law enforcement officers, various outside agencies as well as Courts, Judges, and their Case Coordinators, etc.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, reach with hands and arms, use hands to handle or feel objects/controls and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk.   Specific vision abilities required by this position include close and distance vision and the ability to adjust focus.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the typical work environment is moderate.   

DUE TO THE SENSITIVE NATURE OF CASES, AN INDIVIDUAL MUST POSSESS A HIGH LEVEL OF DISCRETION AND PROFESSIONALISM WHILE MANAGING CASES.