Discovery/Legal Assistant

Related job titles: Certified Paralegal, Corporate Law Assistant, Law Associate, Legal Analyst, Legal Assistant, Litigation Paralegal, Paralegal, Paralegal Assistant, Paralegal Specialist, Real Estate Paralegal

Occupational Code: 23-2011.00

Department: 143rd Judicial District Attorney's Office, Pecos, Texas

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Work Schedule: Full-Time

Pay Range: $17.45 - $27.07 per hour (based on qualifications)

Supervisor: District Attorney

Job Summary:

This position represents the Reeves, Ward, and Loving Counties by organizing and providing discovery to Defense Attorneys. The role will enhance attorney and investigator effectiveness by developing case information, evidence, and plea negotiations; tracking cases; and assisting attorneys and investigators in preparing for trials and court proceedings. Support attorneys in a legal prosecutor's office. Investigate the facts of cases and ensure that all relevant information is considered.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Assists investigator by organizing files, monitoring calendars, meeting deadlines, documenting actions, and inputting information into file database and case management software.
• Helps develop cases by maintaining contact with people involved in the case; scheduling depositions; preparing and forwarding summonses and subpoenas; drafting complaints and indictments; preparing and filing pre-trial notices and motions; responding to discovery requests; preparing responses to opposing counsel; generating status reports.
• Keeps victims and witnesses informed by maintaining contact and communicating case progress.
• Supports case preparation by organizing and providing discovery to the defense.
• Enhances trial proceedings by organizing evidence, preparing exhibits, scheduling witnesses, ensuring that witnesses are ready when needed, taking voir dire and other courtroom notes.
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities and reading professional publications.
• Accomplishes organization goals by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests and exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities: 

• Strong analytic, communication, and summation skills
• Intellectually curious
• Prior experience managing tasks in a process-oriented environment.
• Exceptional attention to detail, problem assessment, sound judgment, and problem-solving; critical thinking skills
• Developed organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to recognize urgent matters and escalate when necessary.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, planning, and decision-making skills
• Advanced skills using Office, Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Word.

Experience and Education: 

• Associate degree and a minimum of one year of related experience
• Bachelor’s degree. (Preferred)
• Five years of experience in litigation-based paralegal or legal technology-focused role. (Preferred)

Physical Requirements: 

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Registration, Certification, or Licensure 

• None