Legal Assistant

Position Description

Contra Costa County Public Defender's office is seeking to fill one (1) Legal Assistant vacancy with a highly motivated candidate with a strong ability to understand, interpret, and ensure compliance with laws and regulations. Legal Assistants in Contra Costa County provide confidential specialized legal and other complex technical and paraprofessional assistance. Incumbents in this classification will assist on various assignments with a team who are passionate about the clients they serve.

Why join the Contra Costa County Public Defender's Office?

The Contra Costa County Public Defender’s Office provides vigorous, client-centered advocacy to indigent persons accused of crimes in Contra Costa County. Our overriding goal is to serve the best interests of our clients in everything we do. We tirelessly fight for our clients and ensure that they receive excellent representation. We believe that justice can only be served when the most underserved and vulnerable among us are treated with the same attention, dignity, and respect as the most powerful. Our main office is located in Martinez along with offices located in Richmond, Walnut Creek, and an Alternate Defender Office in Martinez.

We Are Looking For Someone Who Is

An issue spotter and problem solver as it pertains to all facts and data

An active communicator that presents information clearly and in an organized manner

Proficient with computer equipment and applications

Constantly staying current on relevant laws and regulations and ensures practice conforms to them

Committed to maintaining high level of care, thoroughness, focus and quality under pressure

Interested in understanding the needs, expectations, and circumstances of all clients

Depending On Assignment, You May Be Responsible For

Preparing routine legal documents and other paperwork, including drafts of legal motions, points and authorities, declarations, affidavits, etc., for review, approval, and use by a deputy district attorney

Collecting and analyzing data for deputy district attorney administrative reports

Searching and obtaining recorded documents and court records as requested by district attorney investigators and deputy district attorneys

Assisting attorneys in preparation, litigation, and at trial

Interviewing Public Defender clients in the local jails and in the courts to screen them for eligibility

Preparing legal documents, collecting, analyzing, and summarizing data

A Few Reasons You Might Love This Job

You will work in a team environment with supportive colleagues that adhere to the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality

You will perform varied assignments in a challenging environment with specialized responsibilities

You will work with dedicated attorneys who are passionate about the clients they serve

Every day brings a new challenge

A Few Challenges You Might Face In This Job

Heavy workload; handling several cases at once

High expectations without much turnaround time

The emotional strain of being involved with your clients and their case outcomes

Staying up to date with new legal developments and professional standards

Competencies Required

Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job

Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims

Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products

Handling Stress: Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity

Listening: Fully comprehending spoken communication

Informing: Proactively obtaining and sharing information

Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals

Valuing Diversity: Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace

Self-Management: Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability

Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability

Reading Comprehension: Understanding and using written information

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing

To read the complete job description, please visit the website here.

The eligible list established from this recruitment may remain in effect for six (6) months. Other departments throughout the County may use the eligible list from this recruitment to fill future vacancies as well.