Legal Assistant

The District Attorney's Office in the Atlanta Judicial Circuit has an opening for a Legal Assistant. The following duties are normal for this position; other duties may be required and assigned: The purpose of this classification is to provide legal support and assistance to attorneys, judges, the courts, or other legal personnel. Work involves supporting attorneys and judicial functions by conducting legal research and assisting with case preparation, preparing legal documents, maintaining case files, and maintaining calendars. Legal Assistant is distinguished from Legal Specialist in that the former provides a combination of secretarial and paraprofessional legal support, whereas the latter performs more independent paraprofessional and professional legal work. 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. Assists attorneys with preparing cases for hearings and trials: reviews case files and evidence; conducts legal research; analyzes information from legal sources such as statutes and case law; interviews victims, witnesses, or clients; creates graphs, charts, and other exhibits for use in court or case analysis; summarizes case information; prepares trial checklists and notebooks; attends court with assigned attorneys to provide support; and makes recommendations regarding charges, investigations, and other case activities. Prepares a variety of legal documents, reports, and court orders: drafts correspondence, subpoenas, indictments, pleadings, briefs, motions, warrants, or other legal documents; reviews correspondence and documents for correctness and legal compliance; notarizes documents; files pleadings and legal documents with courts; and generates, prints, copies, and distributes legal documents and reports, including GCIC criminal histories. Prepares or requests/receives discovery: compiles, files, and mails discovery packet and responses to discovery requests; processes discovery by copying, recording, and filing information, reports and evidence; and requests or orders further needed information. Maintains computerized and physical case files and information using specialized databases and records systems: initiates case files in specialized databases; locates, collects, and assembles physical case files according to established procedures; inputs and modifies a variety of legal data and information; monitors court appearances and updates case files accordingly; verifies data and information are complete and up-to-date; and closes and archives case files. Coordinates and maintains calendars determines availability of courts, attorneys, litigants, and judges; schedules appointments, conferences, and court dates; makes travel arrangements; monitors calendars, due dates, and open cases; and ensures materials are available for conferences and court dates based on calendars. Serves as initial contact/resource person by screening calls, visitors and mail: receives, reviews, and routes legal documents and correspondence; responds to requests for information and assistance; interprets and explains policies and procedures; researches and gathers information to provide accurate answers and information; and refers more technical questions or issues to appropriate legal staff. 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, attorneys, judges, law enforcement, other employees, clients, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems. Preferred Qualifications: Associate's degree in paralegal studies or a related field required; supplemented by two years of legal support experience; 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: May require certification as a Notary Public. 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. Requires knowledge of legal terminology, judicial processes, and court procedures. Requires knowledge of legal research methods and techniques. #J-18808-Ljbffr