Legal Assistant

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the General Counsel, this position provides a broad range of paraprofessional, technical, and administrative support services in a fast‑paced, high‑volume legal environment. It supports the full spectrum of legal matters impacting the College and plays a key role in ensuring the efficient operation of the Office of the General Counsel. The officer works independently and collaborates across departments to address and make recommendations on complex inquiries from all levels of administration, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders. These inquiries may relate to state and federal laws, as well as College and campus policies, procedures, and complaints. The officer manages the administrative and legal operations of the General Counsel’s Office, exercising sound judgment and maintaining absolute discretion in handling highly sensitive and confidential information. A broad and thorough understanding of, or the ability to research and apply, relevant College policies, procedures, operations, and applicable laws is essential.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Prepares, proofreads, and reviews materials such as legal documents, contracts, amendments, and resolutions to ensure accuracy of information, clarity of language, and conformance to standard legal style, with verification of citations and code references. Researches and analyzes federal and state laws and regulations, court decisions, legal documents, and policies for use in preparing legal documents, opinions, contracts, ordinances, and resolutions. Develops and manages intake and records management systems to track legal requests from all external and internal users and ensure a timely response by the General Counsel’s Office. Handles the General Counsel’s correspondence, using discretion and independent judgment. Assists in resolving complaints/issues relating to legal affairs, risk management and public records. Assists with research and analysis to support legal decision‑making and preparation of opinions for dissemination College‑wide. Oversees and coordinates public records and litigation discovery requests, including clarification of requests, timely responses, and coordination with departments. Maintains permanent files concerning public records requests, including compliance with retention schedules. Ensures that matters requiring the attention of the General Counsel are timely addressed. Maintains confidential files, answers calls, handles scheduling issues, prepares budget entries and payments, edits documents and provides quality assurance on outgoing material from the General Counsel’s office. Manages complex calendaring of a busy, fluctuating schedule, monitoring time‑sensitive deadlines for claims, litigation, and other legal proceedings. Compiles, reviews, and organizes evidence and other information for litigation and administrative proceedings. Provides support in litigation such as document production and serves as liaison to outside attorneys. Serves as liaison between the General Counsel, executive leadership, staff, representatives of local agencies, and the general public by relaying messages, answering questions, clarifying information, and resolving problems. Prepares agenda items and supporting documentation for meetings of the College Board of Trustees. Manages the purchasing activities of the General Counsel’s Office to ensure availability of funds and compliance with College policies, procedures, and rules. Completes all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

Graduation from an accredited college or university, with at least four (4) to seven (7) years of related work experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position. Proven professional experience in higher education, government, law, non‑profit or other public employer related work experience. Proven ability to work in a professional and collaborative manner with all levels of the institution. Knowledge, or ability to obtain knowledge after hire, of Indian River State Colleges policies and procedures. Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written). Excellent organizational and time management skills. Detail‑oriented and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a high‑volume, fast‑paced environment. Expertise in the use of technology, including proven knowledge of Microsoft Office and Windows‑based computer applications such as Adobe, Excel, PowerPoint, Zoom, and Teams. Flexibility and adaptability. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, be self‑motivated, and take initiative to problem‑solve and follow up on issues and inquiries.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The position requires sedentary work involving lifting no more than 10 pounds at a time and occasionally lifting or carrying items such as docket files, ledgers, and small tools. The role may require some walking and standing.

CLASSIFICATION AND OTHER INFORMATION

Classification: Staff Supervisory: No FLSA Exempt: Yes Employment Type: Regular Compensation: $55,317.49 to $71,912.74 per annum based on qualifications, education, and experience. Open until filled. #J-18808-Ljbffr Indian River State College