Legal Assistant/Victim Witness Assistant

The Clay County State’s Attorney’s Office invites applications for a full-time Legal Assistant / Victim Witness Assistant to perform a variety of complex legal and secretarial duties and maintain contact and communication with crime victims.

Examples of Duties Include

• Receives and screens visitors and telephone calls.

• Responds to inquiries pertaining to the status of pending cases.

• Schedules meetings and notifies interested parties.

• Sorts and distributes mail and takes action on correspondence as needed.

• Schedules court hearings and notifies all parties.

• Composes routine letters and memoranda.

• Receives and distributes discovery to opposing counsel.

• Reviews legal documents to ensure they are in proper format and contain necessary information.

• Files legal documents with proper courts.

• Responsible for independent drafting of criminal complaints, informations, indictments, judgment of convictions, plea agreements, motions, juvenile summons, petitions, orders, and other legal documents.

• Performs research and analysis of routine legal problems and issues.

• Establishes and maintains office files and records.

• Prepares subpoenas and notifies witnesses for court appearances.

• Advises victims as to their constitutional and statutory rights under the South Dakota Crime Victim’s Rights Act, and South Dakota Crime Victims’ Compensation Act.

• Provides notice to victims of upcoming proceedings.

• Additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and/or paralegal degree or certificate preferred. Comparable work experience in legal field will be considered. Strong organization skills and prioritization skills. Strong attention to detail. Must possess excellent communication skills both verbally and in writing. Ability to understand and follow complex written and verbal directions. Proficient in use of Microsoft Office, digital media, and general office equipment.

Ability to work effectively with victims and witnesses in the criminal justice system. Ability to maintain professional appearance and demeanor. Must work effectively with Judges, Clerk of Courts, Law Enforcement, and Court Services. Must successfully complete pre-employment background process.

Salary: $45,364.80 - $53,809.60 annually depending on experience and education, plus state retirement, health insurance and partial dependent care.

Clay County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Applicants should submit cover letter, resume and references to: Michael Smith, Clay County State’s Attorney, 211 W. Main Suite 204, Vermillion, SD 57069; or michael.smith@claycountysd.org