What are the responsibilities and job description for the Legal Assistant position at New Hampshire Public Defender?
Description
New Hampshire Public Defender (NHPD) is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to providing high-quality, cost-effective legal representation to indigent individuals accused of crimes in all state courts. Since its establishment in 1972, the program has expanded to include offices in every county across New Hampshire, supported by a team of skilled attorneys, legal assistants, investigators, and social service staff. NHPD is committed to its mission of equal access to justice. NHPD also includes an Appellate Defender Program, which represents clients in appeals before the New Hampshire Supreme Court.
The Legal Assistant plays an integral role in achieving the mission of New Hampshire Public Defender to provide high quality legal representation to indigent citizens accused of criminal acts. The Legal Assistant, working in a team-based environment, provides clerical, informational, logistical, and reception support to clients, attorneys, management, related staff, and Program constituents. They must also work cooperatively with the office team of attorneys and investigators and, as applicable, the team of Legal Assistants.
Key Responsibilities
Includes but may not be limited to:
• Provides physical or telephone services for clients, clients’ families, and visitors. Provides as much assistance and information to callers as appropriate, without giving legal advice.
• Provides information to clients, scheduling clients as appropriate, and listening empathetically to clients and their families.
• Produces documents as requested by assigned attorneys in a manner that most efficiently utilizes time.
• Enters and maintains calendar events for attorneys including court events, client appointments, meetings, and other events.
• Enters relevant data into computer-based case management system accurately and in a timely fashion so that all necessary information is available for document production, scheduling, conflict management, attorney, investigator, office and Program management.
• Participates with attorneys and others in planning and scheduling to meet established deadlines and to ensure the completion of assignments and projects.
Requirements
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Maintains a professional appearance, in dress and in work area.
• Demonstrates respect for clients and is consistent with a professional services environment.
• Works well under pressure and demonstrates proactive attitude toward problem solving, conflict resolution and the needs of the office and administrative staff.
• Excellent keyboarding skills as well as proofreading and editing skills are a requirement. Strong word processing skills and facility with other standard office and computer systems are also required
Education and Experience
• A high school diploma or GED is required.
• Previous work in a legal setting is highly desired.
• Post-secondary education in Paralegal Studies, Criminal Justice, or a relative field, is highly desired.
Physical Requirements
Physical requirements include retrieving and distributing files, written documents, or office supplies weighing up to 20 pounds; retrieving and replacing objects from shelves up to eight feet high; sitting and keyboarding for extended periods of time.
Benefits
• Holidays/PTO/Sick Time
• State Health and Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life/Disability Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Account
• Professional Development Opportunities
Salary : $20 - $30