Legal Assistant I

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
A. Two (2) year Associate/Technical Degree in administrative support, or a related field; and
B. Three (3) years of administrative experience; and
C. One (1) year of experience in law enforcement, legal office, or a similar field; OR
D. Equivalent combination of education/training/experience.
E.  Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to drive in the state of Minnesota.
F. Must successfully complete a background check.
G. Obtain and maintain certifications and licensures.
     G. 1. Ability to obtain and maintain, within six (6) months of hire:
             G. 1. 1. BCA Single Certification: Training and Certifications are determined by the BCA schedule.
Preferred Qualifications
A.  Experience working in a legal, court, or government environment (e.g., County Attorney’s Office, law firm, or judicial system).
B. Experience working with law enforcement and/or court systems.
C. Experience applying verbal and non-verbal de-escalation techniques to manage tense or confrontational situations, ensuring safety and maintaining a positive environment.
D. Familiarity with legal terminology, documents, and processes, including pleadings, subpoenas, discovery, and court filings.
E. Experience supporting attorneys or legal staff, including preparation for hearings, trials, or exhibits.
F.  Experience drafting correspondence and legal or administrative documents with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
G. Strong organizational skills with experience managing, maintaining, and prioritizing high-volume files and records.
H. Experience with electronic filing (e-filing/e-serving) and case management systems (e.g., MNCATS, MCAPS, or similar).
I.  Experience providing customer service and serving as a point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including handling sensitive or confidential information.
J.  Ability to manage multiple priorities, coordinate projects, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, process-driven environment.
K. Experience with data entry and maintaining accurate information in database systems.
L.  Experience coordinating communications across departments, agencies, or external partners.
M. Basic knowledge of criminal and/or civil court processes.
N. Experience with billing, invoicing, tracking payments, or supporting budget-related activities.
O. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and general office technology.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
A. Knowledge and skill in clerical functions, Microsoft Office Suite, and computer database operations.
B.  Ability to complete work assignments in a confidential manner as necessary and to exercise the appropriate judgment in the release and presentation of information from work assignments.
C. Knowledge of Minnesota local government operations and procedures.
D. Ability to organize and prioritize tasks in a timely manner and within budget constraints.
E. Ability to pay close attention to detail.
F. Ability to de-escalate high-stress confrontations.
G. Ability to work in a fast-paced, changing environment.
H. Ability to interpret and react quickly to information and situations.
I.  Ability to solve problems quickly and determine the appropriate course of action.
J.  Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule forms.
K. Ability to prioritize workload and adapt as new work comes in.
L.  Ability to provide optimal customer service skills with public agencies, departments, and various staff.
M. Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, and have strong positive public relations skills.
N. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
O. Ability to handle a variety of typical assignments under moderate supervision within standard operating procedures.
P. Ability to apply a variety of procedures, policies, and/or precedents using moderate analytical ability.
Q. Effective communication with the department and other departments, outside agencies, and the public to relay basic information or facts.
R. Ability to travel within your daily work assignment.
S. Ability to travel within Minnesota, including extended overnight stays.
T. Ability to work extended, evening, and weekend hours as needed.
U. Performs the physical/mental demands of the work environment requirements for this position.
V. Must comply with organizational and departmental policies.
W. Attendance during regularly scheduled work hours and outside regular hours, as necessary.
X.  Effective and respectful communication and interactions with other employees, supervisors, individuals from different organizations, and citizen customers.
Y.  Must comply with data practices policies and standards related to private data. Access to private data is limited strictly to what is necessary to perform assigned job duties. While accessing such data, the employee must take reasonable measures to prevent unauthorized access by individuals without a work-related need. Once the work-related purpose has been met, private data must be properly secured and stored in accordance with county policies and Minnesota Statutes.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions
A. Work is primarily performed in an office setting.
B.  Work is performed in the office and in the community. Options for telework (when not required to be in the office or the community) may be permitted at the discretion of the Department Head.
C. Headaches, eyestrain, and other related occupational hazards reflect the most common potential for injury.
D.  Work is light duty and sedentary with the ability to lift, carry, or push up to 10 pounds.
E. This position is exposed to mental effort and stress.
F.  This position occasionally performs work under moderate attention to detail and deadlines.
G. This position may be intermittently exposed to offensive language and threats and may experience occasional mental effort and stress.
H. Subject to frequent interruptions.
I.  This position requires a high level of accuracy and the ability to manage multiple tasks under frequent and strict deadlines.
J.  Required to sit for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks, including typing meeting minutes and entering data into a computer.
K.  The job may occasionally require dealing with and calming individuals who are emotionally charged over an issue.

Hours of Work
A. Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Equipment Utilized
A. Office equipment, computer hardware and software, and phones.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship. The County Board, County Administrator, or appropriate Elected Official retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.

Benton County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.