Trial Assistant

Overview

A career with Johnson County Government is more than just a job, it is an opportunity to serve a diverse and expanding community in meaningful ways. We challenge ourselves to be a different kind of government because we care deeply about our community and each other. Committed to our shared values, we provide excellent public service, seeking always to improve ourselves and our organization. We offer wonderful benefits, retirement plans, wellness incentives, a great organizational culture, and much more! If you’re searching for something more than just a job, something akin to a calling, then consider the challenge and opportunity of being a member of Johnson County Government!

Job Description

The Johnson County District Attorney’s Office is seeking a highly motivated, organized, and detail-oriented individual to join our Adult Criminal Unit as a Trial Assistant. This position plays a vital role in supporting prosecutors throughout the criminal justice process by assisting with case preparation, evidence management, court proceedings, and trial coordination. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational and communication skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, and a commitment to accuracy and professionalism. This position works closely with attorneys, law enforcement, court personnel, victims, witnesses, and other criminal justice partners to support the efficient and effective prosecution of criminal cases.

Essential Duties:

• Conducts legal and factual research into statutes, cases, and records using a variety of legal resources; verifies citations in legal memoranda and briefs; summarizes legal documents.
• Provides administrative assistance for legal proceedings; procures and prepares evidence, and assists with presentation of evidence utilizing a variety of technologies; drafts/compiles legal documents; assists in preparing case files, jury trials, hearings and post-trial dispositions; maintains calendars and lists for hearings, dockets, and courts; completes general correspondence and assists in courtroom proceedings by transcribing court oral orders; copies, files, and distributes documents.
• Assists with investigation and review of cases; may assist attorneys in analyzing witness testimony by corroborating testimony through researching documentation, depositions, and court records.
• Prepares jury instructions, coordinates witness arrangements, prepares exhibits, copies audio/video taped evidence, delivers and/or retrieves equipment to/from courtroom; responds to inquiries and provides information; notifies/informs parties, witnesses, and attorneys of status of case and explains various legal programs, policies, procedures, and ramifications.

Job Requirements

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies, Business Administration, Public Administration, Office Administration, or related field and one-year legal support, including legal research support experience are required.
• May require KS/MO driver’s license, depending on department or agency.
• Experience may be substituted for degree. Education may be substituted for experience.

Johnson County Government requires reference/background screening for all positions. Specified criteria may vary by Department/Agency.

Preferred Job Requirements:

• Professional Paralegal Certification is preferred.

Physical, Environmental, and Special Working Conditions: 

• All County employees may be called upon to assist other departments.