What are the responsibilities and job description for the Legal Assistant - District Attorney's Office position at Douglas County (WI)?
This position provides office support and customer service of a confidential nature in support of the District Attorney's office. Handles calls from citizens and other partners in the criminal justice system. The Legal Assistant is responsible for preparing and distributing discovery, entering all referrals from law enforcement and for providing legal support to the attorneys in the office.
Douglas County is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action EmployerPosition based on 37.5 hours per week. 2026 salary grade - $21.55 - $23.25 per hour.
Douglas County offers a competitive benefits package including but not limited to:
- Annual wage increase based on eligibility
- Paid, on-the-job training and advancement opportunities
- 85% county contribution to health and dental premiums
- Health Savings Account (HSA) available to all employees enrolled in the county's medical plan, with annual contributions provided by the employer and the health plan
- Wisconsin Retirement- One of the most well managed retirement systems in the nation- Contributions are paid according to current year rates set by WRS Employee Trust Fund. Refer to www.etf.wi.govfor further detail
- County-paid Life Insurance Policy – coverage equivalent to annual salary - affordable Supplemental, Additional, and Spousal/Dependent coverage available at employee’s expense
- Competitive paid time off including vacation, sick time, and personal days.
- Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Employer
- Types moderately difficult correspondence, memos, forms, reports, meeting minutes, agendas, schedules and other materials, some of which may be confidential from written and oral instructions.
- Receives, screens and directs telephone calls. Provides information to callers or refers to appropriate person or agency. Takes and relays messages.
- Provides follow up on some technical information.
- Generates and maintains a calendar for within the office
- Generate and file legal documents.
- Assists other department personnel and supervisory personnel with various administrative detail, maintain and update records or written and computerized materials.
- Maintains information on several types of computer software, word processing, records management and spreadsheets.
- May update lists and other department records.
- May perform payment authorization data entry. Perform customer services, including front desk duties.
- Receives and records payments, provides information to visitors and callers, assists with department applications and performs related duties.
- Sorts and distributes incoming mail. Processes outgoing mail.
- Sorts and files written materials/records.
The discovery process requires the following:
- Ensuring that the District Attorney's office has acquired all evidence in the possession of the applicable law enforcement agency, which often requires coordination with records staff in law enforcement; ensuring that an adequate record is maintained to prove the defense has received all discovery.
- Ensuring that any necessary redacting of sensitive information required by law to be redacted has occurred.
- Ensuring that as additional reports are generated and evidence is collected by law enforcement, that the District Attorney's office receives and transmits those reports and evidence to the defense.
- Prepare files and properly maintain invoices and financial records.
- Performs other duties of a similar nature or level or as required.
*Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
- Associate degree or higher level of education in Legal or closely related field of study preferred with two years office/reception experience, or
- any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.
- Knowledge of criminal justice or law office experience is desirable.
- Communicates clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, ensures understanding, and conveys information accurately.
- Collaborates effectively with colleagues, contributes to group efforts, and fosters a cooperative and supportive work environment to achieve common goals.
- Takes responsibility for actions and decisions, follows through on commitments, and ensures tasks are completed accurately and on time.
- Takes proactive steps to address opportunities and challenges, shows a strong drive to achieve results, and goes above and beyond.
- Makes informed and timely decisions, evaluates options thoroughly, and takes responsibility for outcomes.
- Demonstrates a strong desire to achieve goals, seeks continuous improvement, and strives for excellence in all endeavors.
- Identifies and addresses conflicts promptly, mediates disputes, and fosters a collaborative environment.
- Demonstrates a strong awareness of safety protocols, promotes a safe work environment, and ensures compliance with safety regulations.
- Shows tolerance for different perspectives, remains patient and open-minded, and fosters an inclusive environment.
Working Conditions
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to stressful office environment conditions.
- The employee has the potential to encounter unpredictable clients.
- The noise level in the work environment is moderate
Physical Requirements
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling objects weighing five to ten pounds. Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.
Testing Requirements
Testing may be administered to assess skills and abilities necessary to perform the essential duties of this position. Structured interview, references, and background investigation.
Salary : $22 - $23