What are the responsibilities and job description for the Dual Role Legal Assistant position at Wise Carter Child & Caraway, P.A.?
Job Title: Dual Role Legal Assistant
Location: In-Office
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Managing Attorneys
Position Summary
The firm seeks a highly organized and detail-oriented Legal Assistant to provide comprehensive administrative and paralegal support to attorneys in a legal defense practice. This position combines legal secretarial functions with substantive paralegal responsibilities and is essential to the efficient management of casework, court deadlines, and client communications.
The successful candidate will demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information in a fast-paced legal environment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Legal Secretarial and Administrative Functions
- Prepare, edit, format, and proofread legal documents, including pleadings, motions, correspondence, and filings
- Manage attorney schedules, court appearances, deadlines, and internal calendars
- Coordinate filing and service of documents with courts, opposing counsel, prosecutors, and relevant agencies
- Maintain and organize physical and electronic case files in accordance with firm procedures and court requirements
- Receive and route telephone calls, correspondence, and inquiries in a professional manner
- Communicate with clients, court personnel, law enforcement agencies, and witnesses as directed
- Monitor court dockets and notify attorneys of relevant developments
- Assist with time entry, billing support, expense tracking, and general office administration
Paralegal and Case Support Functions
- Assist attorneys with case preparation from intake through resolution or trial
- Draft discovery requests and responses, subpoenas, and legal correspondence
- Review and summarize discovery materials, including police reports, witness statements, recordings, and records
- Conduct legal and factual research and prepare written summaries for attorney review
- Organize exhibits and prepare trial notebooks, hearing materials, and sentencing or mitigation submissions
- Coordinate with investigators, experts, and ancillary service providers as directed
- Prepare and submit filings in accordance with applicable state and federal court rules
Qualifications
Required
- Minimum of two (2) to five (5) years of experience as a legal assistant, legal secretary, or paralegal
- Knowledge of legal terminology, court procedures, and filing requirements
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and legal document management systems
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion
Preferred
- Associate’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience in legal studies or a related field
- Prior experience in civil defense litigation or appellate practice
- Familiarity with electronic filing systems, including Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC/MS e-Filing) and the Federal CM/ECF system for the United States District Courts
- Experience managing a high-volume caseload
Skills and Competencies
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to prioritize tasks and meet strict deadlines
- Professional demeanor and sound interpersonal skills
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
- Comfort working with sensitive, high-stakes legal matters
Work Environment
This position is performed in a professional office environment with regular interaction with attorneys, staff, clients, and external parties. Standard business hours apply, with flexibility as required to meet court deadlines and trial preparation needs.
Equal Opportunity Statement
- The firm is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs