Sr. Legal Assistant

Are you looking for a challenging role within an organization that provides rewarding compensation, an excellent benefit package, and career growth opportunities? If so, Lake County Government is the place for you. Comprised of nearly 3,000 employees, it is our goal to positively serve the residents of Lake County while working with a purpose. We believe our employees should take pride in the work they accomplish while truly respecting a collaborative work environment.

Under general supervision, performs advanced secretarial and clerical duties of a legal nature for the State’s Attorney’s Office. The work requires knowledge of the criminal court system and procedures, an understanding of legal terms, forms, and documents, and an understanding of case flow from initial paperwork to post-disposition matters. Work involves a high volume of cases and performance of varied tasks, including accessing databases to obtain and enter case information, producing legal documents, correspondence, and notices using word processing software and the SAO database. Considerable judgment and independent action, establishing or adapting work procedures to new situations, is also required. The work requires the exercise of a high level of discretion. Work is performed under the general supervision of a division chief.

• Operate personal computer, various PC operations, and software – word processing with speed and accuracy.
• Assist attorneys with tasks as necessary.
• Inputs and maintains data in the case management system and ensures data integrity.
• Composes and/or generates legal documents such as complaints, petitions, orders, motions, indictments, jury instructions, notices, subpoenas, information, search warrants and returns, and related documents and forms.
• Type general correspondence for attorneys and counselors (notices to victims and witnesses)
• Prepare court call material, ensure that files are in order, and police officers have been notified.
• May assist in specialized research as assigned.
• File documents in proper files. Organize and maintain files. Retrieve files; lift stacks of files weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Prepare files for preservation in archive storage or destruction in accordance with regulations.
• Complete and forward uniform disposition reports to the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification for the State's Attorney’s Office compliance with federal rules and regulations and State statute.
• Handle inquiries, provide assistance; take and convey messages for attorneys, investigators, and counselors
• Deliver court documents and files to courtrooms as needed.
• Access and utilize the SAO and court computer system for case information and status.
• Operate copy machine, fax, scanner, and other office machines.
• Assist reception and clerical staff in other divisions.
• Notarize documents.
• Perform related work as required or assigned.
• Maintain complex legal records and prepare material from such sources.
• Lead the work of other clerical staff assigned to the division or office.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

• Considerable knowledge of PC operations and software (Microsoft programs – Outlook, Word, Excel) is required.
• Excellent typing skills; speed and accuracy are required.
• Good knowledge of practices and procedures of a law office
• Good knowledge of the court system, legal forms, documents, and terminology
• Ability to compose legal documents, reports, and correspondence.
• Maintain complex legal records and prepare material from such sources.
• Excellent telephone skills and knowledge of the operation of a multiple-line telephone system.
• Ability to operate a high-volume telephone system calmly and efficiently.
• Good knowledge of office equipment and filing systems.
• Good knowledge of general math, spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
• Readily acquire knowledge of applicable policies and procedures.
• Successfully complete requirements of the Illinois Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS) Operator Certification.
• Make minor decisions in accordance with laws, ordinances, and established office procedures.
• Ability to prioritize work and maintain workflow in a hectic environment.
• Ability to identify questions that should be answered by an attorney.
• Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely.
• Ability to use good judgment, tact, and courtesy.
• Ability to exercise discretion, confidentiality, and uphold the ethical standards of the legal profession.

• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; collects and researches data; uses intuition and experience to complement data; designs workflows and procedures.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems promptly; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; participates in meetings.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; varies writing style to meet needs; presents numerical data effectively; able to read and interpret written information.
• Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; communicates changes effectively.
• Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
• Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organization's goals and values.
• Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; adapts strategy to changing conditions.
• Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment; supports and explains reasoning for decisions; includes appropriate people in the decision-making process; makes timely decisions.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments.
• Quantity - Meets productivity standards; completes work in a timely manner; strives to increase productivity; works quickly.
• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; uses equipment and materials properly.
• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; manages competing demands; changes approach or method to best fit the situation; able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions; keeps commitments.
• Initiative - Seeks increased responsibilities; takes independent action.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear.
• Employee must be able to lift stacks of file folders weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision.

• Ability to effectively and professionally handle and respond to verbally abusive individuals or disparaging conduct.
• Ability to maintain pleasant working relationships.
• Ability to operate under continuous pressure.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.