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Compensation: Depending on Experience
Application Period Ends: 4/18/25 3:30 p.m. MST
Job Summary
The Legal Assistant in the Civil Division provides comprehensive administrative and paralegal support to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, primarily assisting the elected Prosecuting Attorney and Chief Civil Deputy in fulfilling the Office’s statutory and constitutional responsibilities. This position requires a high degree of initiative, discretion, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Core responsibilities include facilitating frequent communication on legal concepts and procedures with attorneys, court staff, county departments, law enforcement, elected officials, the Board of County Commissioners, and the public. The Legal Assistant manages attorney and court calendars, prepares and files legal documents in state and federal courts, maintains legal and project files, processes confidential and time-sensitive documents, and conducts legal research. Additional duties include handling public records and concealed weapons permit requests, reviewing and drafting ordinances and resolutions, and supporting civil legal processes for county departments and elected officials. This role requires a strong understanding of legal procedures, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to manage complex tasks in a fast-paced legal environment.
Positions within the class:
Legal Assistant Civil I is a mid-level administrative position in the Legal Assistant civil series. This class is generally assigned complex, difficult and sensitive work, and may perform quasi-paralegal duties such as drafting legal documents, contracts, legal research, frequent interaction with department representatives, and assisting attorneys in the civil division. Experience acquired through two (2) years’ experience in related positions
Legal Assistant Civil II is a paralegal position in the Legal Assistant civil series. The Legal Assistant II differs from the entry level Legal Assistant I by possessing foundational knowledge of legal terminology, court procedures, and case file management—typically acquired through five (5) – Eight (8) years of experience in the role. In addition to all duties of a Legal Assistant Civil I, this class is generally assigned with carrying out legal research, drafting legal documents, and is intimately involved in case preparation for depositions or trial, investigations, interviewing clients, and assisting attorneys.
Legal Assistant Civil III is a senior paralegal position in the Legal Assistant Civil Division. The Legal Assistant III is responsible for advanced technical work that demands expert-level knowledge of legal and litigation procedures with expertise in all the tasks performed by a Legal Assistant Civil I and Legal Assistant Civil II. This role requires significant practical experience, generally obtained through ten (10) years’ in related positions. This class is required to have the ability to carry out tasks with little or no supervision, research legal questions and provide written summaries, and communicate with legal peers to resolve matters.
Key Responsibilities
Legal Support
•Provides case support for civil litigation (including State Court, Idaho Court of Appeals, Idaho Supreme Court, U.S. District Court) Coordinates and maintains calendars related to Civil Division events, dates, and deadlines
•Drafts legal documents, correspondence, and/or memoranda for review by attorney
•Assists civil attorneys in county personnel and risk management matters
•Works independently and collaboratively with attorneys and supervisors to ensure project and case requirements are accurately completed and delivered on time
•Prepares courtroom exhibits and assists attorneys in courtroom presentations
Administrative Duties
•Independently procures records, documents, etc. for completeness and accuracy of files
•Maintains documents, files, and spreadsheets related to client contact and requests for legal advice (including work product and privileged communications)
•Prepares, reviews, and maintains documents, files and spreadsheets related to county contracts, procurements, property, and other county matters
•Prepares and reviews documents facilitating county government policies and procedures
•Files documents with the court and distributes documents as necessary
Communication
•Quickly assesses, responds to, and/or routes Civil Division communications
•Provides information to the public and/or law enforcement personnel regarding subpoenas, court events, case status, etc
Other Duties
•Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with County and Office policies, procedures, and safety practices
•Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Skills and Abilities:
•Understanding the structure and functions of a Prosecuting Attorney’s Office
•Skilled at independent research of statutes, regulations, rules and legal judgements using state and national databases
•Ability to interpret, analyze and apply statues, policies, and procedures relevant to county government and court systems
•Navigate court systems, legal procedure, terminology and various legal documents
•Draft and format clear legal documents
•Apply logical and creative problems-solving individually and in teams
•Manage and safeguard confidential information
•Organize and maintain confidential accurate records
•Prioritize tasks, manage time and meet deadlines
•Adapt through cross-training to support various office functions
•Collaborate effectively with elected officials, other county departments, law enforcement and the public
Special Qualifications
•Must successfully complete a background investigation through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
•Upon hiring, must be able to successfully complete a CJIS training course
Education & Experience
•High school diploma or GED equivalency required
•Advanced office, business, or secretarial training preferred
•Legal Assistant Civil I classification requires at least the equivalent of two (2) – three (3) years’ experience in a legal service environment
•Legal Assistant Civil II classification requires at least the equivalent of five (5) years’ experience in a legal service environment
•Legal Assistant Civil III classification requires at least the equivalent of ten (10) years’ experience in a legal service environment
•Any equivalent combination of experience, training, and education which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work.
Essential Physical Abilities
• Clear speech with or without an accommodation, to effectively convey detailed or important instructions or ideas accurately, loudly and/or quickly
•Sufficient clarity of hearing with or without reasonable accommodation to enable the employee to hear average or normal conversations and receive ordinary information
• Visual acuity, with or without an accommodation, to read instructions, review and organize documents
•Requires sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, which permits the employee to function in a general office environment to accomplish tasks
•Ability to lift 20 lbs
Disclaimer:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the primary job responsibilities satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of individuals in the job. This job description is not an employment agreement and/or an expressed or implied employment contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.
Canyon County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions related to recruitment and selection are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.
