LEGAL SECRETARY II

Brief Description

Lewis and Clark County Attorney’s Office is hiring for a Legal Secretary II. We are looking for an Individual who has a passion working for government and wants to make a positive impact in the community. Under general supervision of the County Attorney, this position provides legal secretarial and clerical support services to attorneys and other legal staff using independent judgment, initiative, and familiarity with legal documents and proceedings.

Who We Are

The County Attorney's Office is responsible for the prosecution of criminal offenses committed within Lewis and Clark County. It represents the State of Montana in child abuse and child neglect cases, as well as juvenile court proceedings. The County Attorney serves as the attorney for County government, including all agencies and boards. The Civil Division handles involuntary commitments for those who are "seriously mentally ill" and assists the state with involuntary commitment for those who are "seriously developmentally disabled" who are residents of the county.

Criminal Division:

The Criminal Division prosecutes felony offenses committed within Lewis and Clark County, and misdemeanor offenses committed within the county, but outside the City Of Helena. Generally, the office does not investigate criminal offenses and only prosecutes cases referred to it by law enforcement agencies such as the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff, the Helena City Police Department, the East Helena Police Department and the Montana Highway Patrol. In addition, the office accepts referrals of criminal matters from a variety of state and federal law enforcement agencies. The Criminal Division also prosecutes persons under the age of 18 in Youth Court. The Criminal Division represents the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services in Lewis and Clark County in proceedings involving the enforcement of Child Abuse or Neglect laws.

Civil Division:

The Civil Division is responsible for providing legal advice to the County Commissioners, all county departments and to many of the county’s sub-jurisdictions such as school, fire, conservation, and weed districts. The Civil Division handles involuntary commitments for those who are "seriously mentally ill" and assists the state with involuntary commitment for those who are "seriously developmentally disabled" who are residents of the county. The division performs the County Attorney's duties as Public Administrator of the estates of persons who die without any heirs or to help protect persons with incapacities who need help. The Civil Division also helps a variety of state agencies in the enforcement of various regulations and civil matters such as the collection of back wages.

Requirements

The knowledge, skills, and abilities required for this position are acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to high school graduation and two (2) years of office experience. Previous legal experience is preferred.

Summary

Benefits

Lewis and Clark County offers a competitive benefits package!

Includes:

• Health Coverage – 2 Types of Health Plans which includes medical, dental, vision, and pharmacy coverage.
• Retirement plans
• Paid Vacation and Sick Leave and Holidays
• Employees are provided with $25,000.00 of Life Insurance and $25, 000.00 of AD&D insurance as a new employee.
• Wellness Screening Incentive
• Gym Membership Reimbursement
• Voluntary Supplemental Life Insurance
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
  
  

Includes:

Other Benefits

• Working in a fast-paced environment
• Opportunity to serve on a variety of different committees
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Cost of living increases
• Market adjustments
• Step based wage increases
• 4 weeks paid parental leave
• Longevity pay
  
  

Application Instructions - Required Materials

Applications for this position are accepted online only through our career portal.

The following items are required along with the online application:

• Resume
• Cover letter
  
  

Duties And Responsibilities

• Provides legal secretarial and clerical support services to assist county attorneys and other legal staff;
• Initiates necessary documents/procedures to open files/cases;
• Conducts legal research to compose and finalize legal documents;
• Performs general research and interviews citizens to gather pertinent documentation, facts and reports;
• Files documents and pleadings with courts;
• Assists in managing diverse cases litigated in different courts;
• Generates quarterly reports summarizing caseloads;
• Prepares routine correspondence independently;
• Organizes and maintains case files;
• Schedules appointments and maintains calendars;
• Responds to questions and information requests;
• Safeguards the confidentiality of information;
• Coordinates services for and communication with victims, family members, and witnesses.
  
  

Other Functions

• Assists in ordering supplies and equipment for office;
• Prepares praecipes, releases, and subpoenas asking courts to take actions/enforce orders necessary for litigation;
• Monitors and processes court ordered restitution;
• May provide legal estate services for County residents who die interstate;
• May assist with all phases of dependent neglect cases;
• Assists with public administration duties, including taking inventory, accounting for, and liquidating estate items;
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Examples of Knowledge

• Montana Code Annotated, administrative rules, County regulations and federal laws;
• Legal processes and procedures and court procedures;
• Lewis and Clark County and department policies and procedures;
• Legal precedents, government regulations, intergovernmental relations, including legislative processes;
• Legal secretarial administrative and clerical practices and procedures;
• Legal office methods;
• Confidentiality regulations and requirements;
• Structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  
  

Examples Of Skills And Abilities

• Manage caseload systems according to prescribed standards;
• Perform basic legal research;
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing;
• Understand legal terminology;
• Maintain files and records according to prescribed standards;
• Maintain confidentiality of individuals and matters;
• Prepare, understand, and edit complex legal documents;
• Operate computer systems and related software, including word processing, spreadsheet programs, and designing forms;
• Work independently and use sound judgment;
• Understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures, and instructions;
• Provides high-quality customer service to County employees, Elected Officials, and members of the public;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, supervisor, representatives of other departments/agencies and citizens.
  
  

Special Requirements

Position is subject to a criminal background check prior to hire and thereafter to assure ongoing ability to access CJIN as prescribed by CJIN/NCIC policies. Local travel during business day is occasionally required.

Physical Demands

Duties are generally performed in an office environment where hazards and discomforts are controlled and modifiable. This position requires the ability to stand, bend at the waist, kneel, reach over the head, talk, hear, and see. Must be able to move or lift documents and materials weighing up to 40 pounds.

Disclaimer: Equal Opportunity Employer