Job Information
CARBON COUNTY Assistant Legal Secretary in PRICE, Utah
Overall Responsibility:
Legal Assistants are charged with assisting the County Attorney and deputy county attorneys with the completion of all tasks and duties within the County Attorney's office, and is expected to assure efficient work flow of all tasks and cases within the office.
- Preparation and filing of pleading and documents; case file management
Ensure the timely filing of all District Court pleadings prepared by attorneys via electronic filing software
Upload all police reports, video, and audio into electronic case management database; organize same by case and make available to attorneys screening cases
Obtain reports and other documentation where necessary from law enforcement agencies
Make all discovery and reports available to opposing counsel in criminal cases
Draft pleadings for review and finalization by attorneys; assist attorneys in preparing and formatting pleadings and other necessary documents
Ensure that all documents are filed and notices are sent in a timely manner to case parties, victims, and witnesses
Ensure that all pleadings, correspondence, notes and all other documents generated by attorneys or received by attorneys is placed in the electronic case management database
Prepare individualized electronic docket calendars for attorneys with all necessary cases and case documents for all District Court law and motion days, preliminary hearing calendars, jail arraignment calendars, County Commission meetings, and other court hearings
Attend District Court with criminal division attorneys on law and motion dates and during other hearings and trials, and log notes, hearing dates, and filing due dates into electronic case management database
Attend court hearings and meetings as needed with civil attorney
Archive civil paper files into digital case management storage as time allows
Retrieve documents from County storage databases and County clerk vaults for civil attorney
Assist civil attorney with drafting of agreements, letters, ordinances, resolutions, and other documents; assist with proofreading of documents
Make phone calls to obtain information from other governmental entities, citizens, vendors, opposing counsel, and others as directed by attorneys
- Calendar Management
Ensure the timely and proper calendaring of all scheduled and required appearances of the criminal division attorneys in District Court
Ensure the timely and proper calendaring of all court and administrative appearances for the civil division attorney
Maintain an up to date electronic calendar of all filing and discovery deadlines, appointments, meetings, and other events for the criminal and civil attorneys; assist attorneys with calendar coordination
Arrange meetings and conferences for attorneys with officers, victims, and others as necessary
- Other Key Tasks
Stay abreast of changes to Court filing requirements and changes to court filing systems
Stay abreast of changes and updates to the County Attorney's Office's case management software; obtain training as needed
Stay abreast of changes to Court procedures regarding documents to be filed
Transcribe dictation from attorneys
Answer phone calls to the County Attorney's office and route phone calls to employees; check voice mail messages and give to applicable attorneys
Screen walk-in visitors to the County Attorney's Office
Assist other legal assistants in the office with on-line filing and case management, as needed
Prepare photocopies and court exhibits as needed
Pick up mail
Check fax machine
Assist attorneys with timely annual recertifications with the Utah State Bar and Federal Bars
Coordinate Attorney Office activities with other County departments when applicable
Skills and Attributes Requir ed
Must have excellent reading and writing skills, including proficiency in spelling and grammar
Must be able to learn and use legal terminology, especially rules o ethics pertaining to attorneys and staff, as well as basic rules of civil and criminal procedure
Must be able to recall case status and key facts of case upon short notice
Must have excellent word processing skills and able to type at least 60 words a minute
Must be able to prioritize work assignments based on urgency and attorney preference
Must be able to work quickly and effectively and meet Court imposed deadlines
Must be able to communicate effectively with attorneys, court staff, and law enforcement officers regarding judicial and investigative processes, as well as with individuals who are unfamiliar with the legal system
Must be able to work efficiently in stressful situations
Must be able to manage multiple tasks and assignments from multiple attorneys with minimal direction and oversight
Additional Preferred Qualifications:
Valid Utah Driver's License
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field such as law, criminal justice, business, communications, political science, English, and two years' experience as a legal assistant; OR
An associate's degree from an accredited college with a certificate as a legal assistant or paralegal and four years' experience as a legal assistant
Physical Effort/Environment:
Using primarily just the fingers to make small movements such as typing, picking up small objects, or pinching fingers
When talking one must convey detailed or important instructions or ideas accurately, loudly, or quickly
Able to hear average or normal conversations and receive ordinary information
Average, ordinary visual acuity necessary
Sedentary work. Sitting most of the time
Work is generally performed indoors in a safe environment with little requirement for physical exertions. Some light lifting of copy paper and supply boxes required, up to 20 pounds