LEGAL SPECIALIST

NEWTON COUNTY, GEORGIA
Classification Specification

ADMINISTRATIVE LEGAL SPECIALIST (0143)
FLSA: Non-Exempt

Purpose of Classification:

The purpose of this classification is to provide specialized and routine administrative support in the District Attorney’s
Office or the Public Defender’s Office, as assigned.

Essential Functions:

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude
them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties
may be required and assigned.

Prepares and processes a variety of legal and court documents and information associated with department/division
operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures: gathers, transcribes, composes, types,
prepares, receives, reviews, and submits booking reports, criminal histories, bond documents, arrest warrants,
applications, motions, mental health evaluations, subpoenas, case dispositions, production orders, plea
recommendations and agreements, and other forms, logs, and documentation to appropriate personnel and parties;
compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports, court proceedings, etc.; and
enters, updates, and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.

Maintains file system of case files/records: prepares files, organizes documentation, and files documents in
designated order; retrieves/replaces files; enters records and documentation into computer; updates and verifies
accuracy of information entered; prepares and gathers files for court proceedings; ensures all documentation and
records are included in files; and closes files as needed.

Maintains and prepares court and other calendars: schedules and confirms appointments, meetings, interviews,
conferences, court trials, hearings, substitutions, and related activities; creates, distributes and updates calendar on
a regular basis; monitors court calendars and ensures adherence to critical dates for filings and discovery; and notifies
parties involved of changes.

Provides litigation support: assembles motions, briefs, exhibits, pleadings and related items according to proper
formats as established by the courts; attends court proceedings and records court orders; conducts research and
prepares documents as requested; and updates case data in computer system in real time.

Newton County, Georgia Administrative Legal Specialist

Monitors, tracks and maintains documentation regarding cases, status of cases, hearings, amendments to court rules,
case law, etc.; tracks court documents, filings, and scheduling; follows-up on docket entries, opinions, appeals,
criminal complaints, fugitive warrants, etc.; and compiles statistics and prepares related reports.

Distributes documentation between department/staff members and internal/external individuals/agencies;
distributes/delivers incoming faxes, mail, or other documentation to appropriate personnel; sorts, organizes, opens,
and/or distributes incoming mail; processes outgoing mail; and copies and distributes forms, reports,
correspondence, schedules, agendas, or other documentation.

Serves as liaison and point of contact for employees, attorneys, officials and citizens for legal matters for assigned
office: receives, date stamps and disburses hand-delivered and special delivery documents; and accepts service of
process on behalf of the assigned unit.

Greets visitors and the general public: provides information/assistance regarding department services, procedures,
documentation, or other issues on the phone or in person; distributes forms and documentation; responds to
questions or complaints; researches problems/complaints; and initiates problem resolution.

Answers incoming telephone calls: communicates with the general public, visitors, County staff and other individuals;
provides assistance and information; refers callers to other staff members as appropriate; forwards calls to
appropriate departments/staff members; and takes messages.

Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet,
database, presentation, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as
necessary to complete essential functions.

Communicates with supervisor, other County employees, attorneys, law enforcement, court officials and staff, the
public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or
resolve problems.

Additional Functions:

Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Associate degree in Legal Studies, Paralegal Studies, or a related field required; supplemented by one year of
experience in providing complex administrative support in a legal or court environment; or any equivalent
combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for
this job.

Specific License or Certification Required: Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license. Must possess
and maintain Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) certification.

Specific Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities: Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential
functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all County or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary
to function effectively in the position.

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Newton County, Georgia Administrative Legal Specialist

Performance Aptitudes:

Data Utilization: Requires the ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and/or analyze data. Includes exercising
discretion in determining data classification, and in referencing such analysis to established standards for the purpose
of recognizing actual or probable interactive effects and relationships.

Human Interaction: Requires the ability to work with and apply principles of persuasion and/or influence over others
to coordinate programs or activities of a project, and resolve typical problems associated with the responsibilities of
the job.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or control
the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data and
information.

Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; the ability
to calculate decimals and percentages; the ability to utilize principles of fractions; and the ability to interpret graphs.

Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to apply principles of rational systems; to interpret instructions furnished
in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form; and to exercise independent judgment to adopt or modify methods
and standards to meet variations in assigned objectives.

Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving
evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.

ADA Compliance:

Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve
some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve
extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds,
and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors: Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental
conditions.

Newton County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County
will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective
and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

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