Legal Assistant I (Public Defender)

Under the supervision of the Office Coordinator, provides a wide variety of coordination activities, both technical and administrative, to assist the office and attorneys. Manages documents for case files within the Office of the Public Defender.  Activities are varied and complex, often performed under limited supervision, and require creativity and independent judgment.  A primary responsibility will be interaction with clients, attorneys, courts, investigators and law enforcement.

This is a full-time benefited position based out of the Public Defender's office in either Grand Haven or Holland, Michigan. Travel to other County locations as needed. Typical working hours are Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm.    

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

1. Opens new files, evaluates complex and diverse information to determine appropriate course of action and required documentation based on 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 of the case.  Assignments occasionally may include some tasks involving 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 case related concerns regarding departmental procedures, schedules, case information and related issues.  Requires discretion to adhere to disclosure and confidentiality restrictions. 
4. Schedules hearings, prepares court notices, prepares legal pleadings, files and documents within legal time parameters. Issues and tracks subpoenas as needed. 
5. Manages calendar for assigned court and prepares documentation for attorneys.  Assists attorneys in preparation for all court sessions including arraignments, motions, hearings, pleas and trials. 
6. Reviews files upon attorneys' return from court and assists attorneys to prepare necessary case follow-up to ensure accurate and timely processing of case components.  
7. Processes and follows case/file closure and archival procedures. 
8. Performs complex clerical and administrative tasks unique to the department. 
9. 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. 
10. Transcribes and proofreads legal documents.   
11. Assists Office Coordinator in maintaining department's office supply needs. 
12. Performs other related functions as assigned.

High school diploma required.  A minimum of one to two years experience in a criminal justice system or similar legal setting preferred. Must be skilled in the use of MS Word and MS Excel.  Must be able to learn defenderData, our case management system, and Onbase.

Required Knowledge and Skills: 

1. Good working knowledge of court administrative procedures and practices.
2. Good working knowledge of legal terminology, documents, style and procedures.
3. Fast and accurate keyboarding skills.
4. Good working knowledge of document imaging protocols and practices.
5. 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. Good verbal and written communications skills.
8. Excellent interpersonal and human relations skills.
9. Excellent time management skills and organizational skills.
10. Ability to effectively prioritize and meet deadlines.
11. Ability to interact positively and professionally with judges, attorneys, prosecutors, law enforcement officers, employees, people who have been charged with a crime(s), other parties to litigation and members of the general public with widely divergent socio-economic and cultural backgrounds and varying levels of communication skills.
12. English/Spanish bilingual communication ability is preferred.
13. Strong ability to multitask.