What are the responsibilities and job description for the Legal Assistant position at Polk County (WI)?
The Legal Assistant provides administrative and clerical support to the District Attorney, Assistant District Attorney, and other legal staff. The role is responsible for preparing legal documents, organizing case files, coordinating court schedules, and assisting with communication between the District Attorney’s Office and various agencies.Legal & Technical Skills
Preferred Skills
Candidates should be able to demonstrate:
Language Skills
Essential functions of this job are typically carried out in work environments with the following characteristics:
Physical Requirements
Must be able to perform the physical demands of the position, including frequent sitting, walking, standing, and manual tasks; occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds; and maintaining required vision abilities.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
ADA Statement (Reasonable Accommodations)
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
If you need assistance or accommodation during the application process, please contact: humanresources@polkcoutywi.gov.
- Compile information and prepare legal documents, drafts, and correspondence.
- Organize, prepare, and maintain criminal, juvenile, and traffic case files.
- Prepare materials and documents for trials.
- Gather information from courts, law enforcement, and partner agencies for legal document preparation.
- Purge juvenile files according to State Statute and scan required records.
- Assist with traffic court processes, including preparing stipulations, dismissals, and 10-27 forms.
- Transcribe dictation accurately and in a timely manner.
- Schedule hearings and prepare notices, including subpoenas.
- Maintain attorney and court calendars.
- Receive and receipt restitution payments.
- Screen, route, and track inquiries.
- Maintain confidentiality of all records and information.
- Respond to citizen inquiries professionally by phone and in person.
- Provide information about departmental policies and procedures.
- Act as a knowledgeable resource for internal and external contacts.
- Collaborate closely with law enforcement and other agencies.
- Prioritize tasks and manage multiple case deadlines.
- Coordinate between attorneys, agencies, and court personnel.
- Ensure accurate and timely preparation and routing of case materials.
- May be required to work after hours to prepare legal documents.
- Perform general clerical and data-processing tasks.
- Attend training or staff development activities as assigned.
- Provide back-up support to other staff during absences or peak workloads.
- Maintain knowledge of departmental programs to respond to general questions or direct individuals appropriately.
- Maintain professional relationships with staff, peers, and management.
- Participate in staff meetings and departmental teamwork initiatives.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by the District Attorney or Office Manager/Victim Witness Coordinator.
- Associate degree in a related field (legal curriculum), completion of a certified Legal Assistant training program, or a minimum of two years of full-time legal assistant experience in a law office.
- Familiarity with courtroom procedures and the ability to work independently.
- Experience researching case law with Westlaw or LexisNexis.
- Preferred experience with BJIS, District Attorney Local Area Network Project, and PROTECT.
Preferred Skills
Candidates should be able to demonstrate:
Language Skills
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret legal documents, professional materials, technical procedures, and regulations.
- Ability to draft legal correspondence and written reports.
- Ability to effectively present information and respond to inquiries from managers, clients, and the public.
- Ability to perform basic arithmetic using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
- Ability to compute rates, ratios, percentages, and interpret bar graphs.
- Ability to adapt to change and prioritize tasks.
- Ability to follow written, oral, or diagrammed instructions.
- Ability to resolve problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to use BJIS, DA-LAN, and PROTECT software effectively.
Essential functions of this job are typically carried out in work environments with the following characteristics:
- Takes place in standard office setting with a moderate noise level
- Utilizes office equipment such as computers, phones, and photocopiers.
- Position may require occasional travel to other County facilities, training sites, or community locations.
- Duties may require occasional evening or weekend hours to meet business needs.
Physical Requirements
Must be able to perform the physical demands of the position, including frequent sitting, walking, standing, and manual tasks; occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds; and maintaining required vision abilities.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
ADA Statement (Reasonable Accommodations)
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
If you need assistance or accommodation during the application process, please contact: humanresources@polkcoutywi.gov.