Legal Assistant I - Public Defender (0526)

Nature of Work

Coconino County Public Defender's Office is inviting applicants for a Legal Assistant.

The Coconino County Public Defender's Office is a public law office in Northern Arizona located in the heart of Flagstaff. We are a team of approximately 18 attorneys and 13 legal staff who are dedicated to the vigorous defense of individuals charged with crimes in Coconino County. The Public Defender's Office handles cases throughout Coconino County from Fredonia to Flagstaff to Page.

Our Mission:
The Office of the Coconino County Public Defender is committed to protecting the constitutional rights and liberties of our clients. To provide the highest quality legal representation to the indigent members of our community. To carry out our mission with sympathy, dignity, and respect for our clients, their families, and other members of the Coconino County criminal justice system.

Under supervision performs work of moderate difficulty in supporting and assisting criminal and civil attorneys; performs related work as assigned.

Typical Duties

LEGAL ASSISTANT I:

TYPICAL DUTIES: (Illustrative only)

• Provides legal support work to attorneys for law-related tasks
• Prepares and edits documents as requested by attorneys and staff
• Maintains and updates files
• Files court documents
• Keeps documents organized in the interim before they are filed
• Follows procedure for calendaring of events, notifies, and sends reminders to appropriate staff and clients and maintains the master calendar of deadlines
• Enters, updates, and retrieves information using multiple systems and databases.
• Collects, organizes, and prepares files and materials for attorneys for use in court appearances or for transacting other legal business
• Receipts and processes emotionally traumatic and graphic material
• Schedules appointments and maintains calendars
• Coordinates witness travel
• Arranges for proper waiting location for witnesses, greet, support, and update all witnesses needed for trial
• Provides administrative support to include but not limited to, stamping files, filing, answering telephones, faxing, creating communications and making copies
• May prepare and process new cases for review
• May receive payments and reconcile accounts
• May run conflict checks on new cases assigned to the office

Essential functions of the position include but not limited to: sitting; working with and around others; dealing with interruptions; repetitive motion (hand/wrist, elbow/shoulder) for computer work, filing; vision acuity (near/far) for computer work and filing; hearing and speech for ordinary conversations; finger dexterity for typing. Must be able to lift 40+ pounds and push 75+ pounds.

Minimum Qualifications

LEGAL ASSISTANT I:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Two years’ experience in a clerical or administrative position; OR any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.

This position is non-exempt from overtime.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Considerable knowledge of:

• Business English, spelling, arithmetic, punctuation, and grammar
• Office practices and procedures
• Legal procedures and terminology

Skill in:

• Use of computer systems, software programs, and other office machines
• Report preparation

Ability to:

• Compose correspondence dealing with legal and complex matters
• Maintain composure working with individuals in a heightened emotional state under strict time constraints
• Field complaints and concerns
• Understand legal procedures and terminology
• Exercise sound independent judgment on a variety of problems in accordance with established departmental policies and procedures
• Prioritize, plan and carry out assignments
• Work safely and support the culture of workplace safety
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public
• Follow written and verbal instructions
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing

Coconino County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

Employee Benefits

Coconino County offers a comprehensive employee benefits
package to regular employees working 30 or more hours per week that includes:

(Regular Part Time employees receive some benefits on a pro-rated basis. Temporary and Seasonal employees do not receive benefits. Elected officials are not eligible for vacation and sick leave.)

• Vacation/Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• 10 Holidays Per Year
• Health Care Insurance
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• Group Life Insurance
• Pre-Tax Deduction Plan
• Sick Leave Conversion Plan
• Personal Day Purchase Program
• Vacation Sell Back Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Wellness Program
• Long-Term Disability
• Arizona State Retirement System
• Employee Assistance Program
• On-going Training Opportunities
• Free bus transportation/ EcoPass bus pass

Elective Coverage

• Dependent Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Supplemental Life (for employees & dependents)
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account
• Tax-deferred investment program
• Accidental and Disability Insurance
• Short Term Disability