What are the responsibilities and job description for the LEGAL ASSISTANT I position at City of Rochester, NH?
Description
Statement of Duties
Provides administrative and clerical support to all prosecutorial efforts of the office. The individual holding this position will be assigned heavy clerical workloads along with other varied tasks associated with the support of the office.
Supervision
Works under the direct supervision of the Department Head or designee. Generally establishes own work plan and priorities to complete routine work assignments. New or unusual assignments may require additional instruction and supervisory review.
Performs varied, responsible clerical and administrative duties, which require the frequent exercise of independent judgment and initiative.
Job Environment
Work is performed under typical office conditions, with regular interruptions from the general public and other city employees.
Operates a computer and general office equipment, such as calculator, copier, facsimile machine, and telephone.
Makes frequent contacts requiring perceptiveness with other city departments, state and county officials; makes regular contacts with the general public at all times during the day, requiring a high degree of patience, tact and discretion. Contacts are by phone, correspondence, and in person, and require some persuasiveness and resourcefulness to influence the behavior of others.
Has access to a large amount of confidential information, including police reports and records, lawsuits and investigations.
Errors could result in delay and confusion and could have direct legal, monetary, and serious public relations repercussions for the city.
Essential Functions
- Provides general secretarial support in all things incidental to the prosecution efforts of the office.
- Maintains the cases and attorney calendars and schedules, ensuring attorneys are aware of and prepared for all hearings.
- Responsible for file assembly, redaction, preparation and mailing of discovery within court mandated time frames
- Prepares and processes various legal documents including witness lists and subpoenas.
- Drafts, files and mails legal correspondence and pleadings.
- Processes mail, court correspondence, and incoming case files, and makes relevant entries into case management database.
- Answers, screens and directs phone calls.
- Performs criminal record checks on all defendants and individuals on civilian witness list as assigned.
- Provides supplemental support to specific prosecution team as directed.
- Acts as a liaison with Rochester Police Department and County Attorney’s Office.
- Produces a professional and meticulously accurate work product.
- Complies with all office policies and procedures.
- Understanding of court rules and deadlines.
- Performs all other duties where needed and as assigned in all things incidental to the prosecution efforts of the office.
- Provides assistance with general filing, and the profession appearance of the workspace and the office.
Recommended Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience
High School Degree or equivalent required; Associates Paralegal degree or its equivalent from a two-year college or technical school preferred. Two years of related experience required.
Special Requirements
Knowledge, Ability and Skill
Knowledge: Knowledge of legal secretarial skills, Microsoft Office and standard office equipment required. A working knowledge of New Hampshire criminal justice system and courts is beneficial.
Ability: Ability to interact in a positive and effective manner with employees and the general public. Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing as contact with the public requires patience, diplomacy, tact, courtesy and an even disposition. Ability to maintain confidentiality in all assignments and duties pertaining to the daily work of the office is essential. Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Skill: Excellent planning and organizational skills. Excellent employee relations and public relations skills and ability to handle multiple tasks. Good judgment and integrity.
Physical and Mental Requirements
Minimal physical effort generally required in performing administrative, counseling duties. Position requires the ability to operate a keyboard and standard office equipment. Occasionally required to lift office equipment weighing no more than 30 pounds. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle or feel office equipment and to reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. Specific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, and to adjust focus.
