Legal Assistant I - PA

Please Note: This is a continuous job posting and will remain open until a sufficient number of qualified applications are received. The posting may close at any time without notice. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure consideration.

The Ada County Prosecutor’s Office is dedicated to serving Idaho’s largest community, keeping it a safe place to live and work, giving a voice to crime victims and advocating for the citizens of Ada County.  

We offer a competitive Total Rewards package that increases your base salary by approximately 40%, including:

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous vacation and sick leave starting on day one
• 11 paid holidays annually
• Participation in one of the Nation's best state retirement systems which includes 11.96% employer contribution
• 457(b) deferred compensation plan with up to 3% county match, plus a 401(k)
• Paid parental leave, life insurance, and robust wellness programs
• Ongoing training opportunities and career pathing
•  The Ada County Prosecutor’s Office is a qualifying employer under the Federal Public Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program (certain conditions apply).   Student loan forgiveness eligibility
  
  

Learn more about Ada County Prosecutor office by visiting their website. Ada County Prosecutor


POSITION GENERAL SUMMARY:
Performs secretarial and technical work supporting multiple attorneys practicing criminal law; performs related work as required.   This position is located in the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, Criminal Division. 
 
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:
The Legal Assistant I performs clerical and secretarial work requiring knowledge of legal terminology, format and procedures.   Duties are routine in nature carried out according to pre-defined guidelines.

• Assists attorneys in the preparation of files for litigation;
• Researches files for information;
• Enters required data from cases into a computer database;
• Corresponds with appropriate law enforcement agencies to receive needed information;
• Prepares legal documents, including correspondence, pleadings and discoveries;
• Processes criminal complaints, warrants, subpoenas and legal documents;
• Proofreads briefs and other material for accuracy, completeness, grammar and punctuation;
• Writes draft pleadings and agreements based upon the general instruction of the attorney;
• Manages calendaring system for attorneys of court appearances, deadline attentions, interviews and appointments, creates ticklers for case files;
• Schedules hearings, meetings, and appointments with witnesses, courts and other individuals as required;
• Sorts files and indexes office records, legal documents, library materials and case materials; 
• Manages calendaring system, creates ticklers for case files, and pulls appropriate files;
• Tracks assigned cases to assist the attorney with court case management and to help assure events are accomplished in the proper sequence and in the proper timeframe;
• Maintains reference files and associated logs;
• Creates jury lists;
• Files necessary documents with the appropriate authority (agency, District Court, Court of Appeals, etc.); an
• Answers written and verbal inquiries for routine information.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Acts as receptionist when needed;
• Prepares and processes retainers, extraditions, habeas corpus documents and fugitive warrant cases;
• Prepares travel arrangements and expense vouchers for motels, airline tickets, mileage and meals for witnesses;
• Drafts and prepares probation violation pleadings;
• As required, provides clerical assistance to other departmental offices (i.e., Civil, Juvenile and Magistrate); and
• Performs related work as required.

• Associate's degree in paralegal studies, criminal justice, business administration, public administration or related field;
• Previous general experience in public administration, professional law office, or public safety agency performing advanced administrative support duties, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience;
• A typing speed of 55-60 WPM; 
• Knowledge of business English grammar, spelling and punctuation, and arithmetic; 
• Knowledge of modern office equipment, practices and procedures; 
• Knowledge of legal terminology and legal forms, methods and procedures and rules of the court preferred;
• Intermediate to advanced skill in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Outlook and PowerPoint, experience with Adobe or PDF editing software preferred;
• Skill in the operation of a personal computer; 
• Ability to type from rough draft copy at a high rate of speed and accuracy;
• Ability to prepare accurate reports from statistical or legal information; 
• Ability to prepare effective correspondence on routine matters; 
• Ability to work in a team environment;
• Ability to be flexible in responding to a variety of requests; 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, members of other agencies and the general public; 
• Ability to interact with the general public, some of whom may be irate or under stress, in a tactful and courteous manner; 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

 
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• The incumbent is subject to a criminal records check and fingerprinting;
• Must adhere to the Code of Ethics set for the legal profession;
• The incumbent will work closely with law enforcement and court personnel. 

• Work is performed primarily in an office environment and the employee in this class is subject to inside environmental conditions;
• May be required to lift up to 10 lbs.;
• Requires sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, which permits the employee to function in a general office environment to accomplish tasks.

DISCLAIMER:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential functions 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. Ada County provides Veteran's Preference for all County jobs except for those deemed "key positions" in accordance with Title 65, Chapter 5 of Idaho Code.