Legal Secretary

COVER LETTER REQUIRED- APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT A COVER LETTER

Application period open until 50 applications are received.

Job Title: LEGAL SECRETARY

Department: County Attorney 

Reports To: Office Manager

Pay Range: 8 Status: Full time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary: The Legal Secretary engages in numerous administrative functions to include communicating with the public, partner agencies, witnesses and victims of crimes. Assisting the County Attorney and the Assistant County Attorneys of Riley County in being prepared for court. The Legal Secretary improves attorney efficiency by preparing court documents and correspondence, maintaining case tracking systems and attorney calendars and ensuring quality communication and work product.   

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Prepares various litigation documents such as summons, complaints, motions, warrants, transportation orders, subpoenas and dispositions. Includes journalizing hearings of each case.  
• Maintains information in the case tracking system from the beginning until the end of a case by capturing detailed notes The disposition of each charge, type of plea, sentence imposed, probation or prison, should be included within the case notes.  
• The person must be literate in the use of technology to include Microsoft word, Excel, and other software programs used on a daily basis within the County Attorney’s Office.
• Maintains calendars up-to-date with times and places for court appearances, meetings and deadlines.
• Responsible for coordinating the County Attorney’s response to Expungement and coordinating with the courts hearing dates.
• Prepares emergency filings to include Child in Need of Care, Mental Illness Commitments, and Juvenile Offenders cases within 48 hours in order for a hearing to be scheduled and held in accordance with the time period prescribed by law. 
• Notifies witnesses of the hearing telephonically or electronically or both.   
• Answers telephone and assists public at front counter when needed to include defense attorneys, police officers, victims and witnesses. 
• Covers receptionist desk during breaks and lunch on a rotation basis.
• Performs miscellaneous office duties as required such as preparing discovery for defense attorneys, amending complaints, request interview tapes, photo discs, obtains reports from law enforcement agencies or other organizations; contacts other counties requesting certified journal entries of prior convictions, and requests certified driving records from DMV.

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Post high school education or technical training strongly preferred.

Appropriate combination of education and experience will be considered in lieu of requirements.

License(s)/Certificate(s): Must pass a KCJIS criminal records background check.

Experience: 1-year of experience in the legal field and/or training preferred. Working knowledge of legal documents and terminology preferred. Proficiency in in Word, Excel and other relevant computer software. Typing speed of at least 60 wpm. 

Skills: Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to organize and prioritize. Flexibility in planning and prioritizing workload. Ability to work efficiently under stress and pressure. Ability to draft letters and legal documents from brief notes or instructions. Excellent spelling, grammar, and listening skills. The applicant should be self-motivated to perform at a high or exceptional level. Successful applicants will be expected to take initiative to perform whatever function is necessary for the office to be successful.