LEGAL ASSISTANT

LEGAL ASSISTANT

INTRODUCTION
This description outlines the duties and responsibilities for a Legal Assistant in the office of the Chapter 13 Trustee, Southern District of Georgia, Savannah, Georgia. The occupant of the position is expected to perform legal-related functions to include, but not limited to: preparation and processing of pleadings, review of cases, preparation of Orders, and preparing various files and documents for court. Incumbent functions under the direct supervision of the Director of Operations; and works closely with the legal division of the office. Incumbent may be required to perform certain executive secretary functions for the Trustee, only.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
The incumbent of this position is expected to perform numerous tasks associated with assisting the Trustee, the attorneys and others who must prepare for court. The duties are quite varied and include at a minimum those tasks outlined below.

• Conduct case and legal research as assigned by the Trustee and staff attorneys
• Prepare and file objections and motions on cases as assigned by the Trustee and or staff attorneys.
• Responsible for processing all confirmed case orders.
• Process legal pleadings
• Assist Trustee and attorneys in court as determined by the Trustee
• Certify and mail objections to confirmations, objections to exemption, domestic support obligation letters and motions to allow late claims.
• Maintain contact with debtor and creditor attorneys for the purpose of obtaining information on cases (i.e. amendments to schedules, personal injury suits, payment increase approvals on motions to allow late claims, etc.).

FACTOR 1, Accountability:
The person in this position has to remain vigilant in performing the duties associated with the job. The actions and decisions exercised by the incumbent can have some impact on legal operations of the office. Improper decision or mistakes could cause significant delay in the workflow of the office.

FACTOR 2, Educational Requirements:
Associates degree in Paralegal Studies or equivalent experience in paralegal work is preferred. However, equivalent or additional education could be substituted for education and training in Paralegal Studies.

FACTOR 3, Experience and Training Requirements:
Incumbent should have more than six months experience in the field of work. Such experience could be experience with the Chapter 13 process or experience working in a legal office having dealings with Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases. Incumbent should have, or acquire in reasonable time, knowledge of legal terms and knowledge of Code sections relating to Chapter 13.

FACTOR 4, Job Complexity:
The function of this position is quite essential to the legal operations of the office. The person occupying the position is expected to exhibit a high level of independence and be prepared to respond to unscheduled events and circumstances. Involves coordinating work between the legal division and other operations of the office. Incumbent works closely with staff attorneys, attorneys for debtors, creditors and creditor representatives.

FACTOR 5, Decision Impact:
This function of this position is quite essential to the legal operations of the office. The person occupying the position is expected to exhibit a high level of independence and be prepared to respond to unscheduled events and circumstances. In this position, incumbent ascertains certain facts, weighs them, and presents important decisions to superior (Trustee).

FACTOR 6, Relations and Contact:
The work requires close interaction with the Trustee and staff attorneys. Intermittent contact with most of the other staff members is also required. Communication with debtors and attorneys is required to resolve conflicts in cases. Some interaction with court personnel to ensure that all papers are properly filed.

FACTOR 7, Supervisory Requirements:
The position reports directly to the Post Confirmation Team Leader. Position exercises no direct supervision of others.

FACTOR 8, Span of Control:
Errors or omission could cause some delay in the timely and orderly processing of work. While this position is essential to the office, the position does not exercise control that could be devastating to office or its operations.

FACTOR 9, Other
THE INCUMBENT MAY BE ASSIGNED TO PERFORM INTERMITTENT TASKS OUTSIDE OF THIS PRIMARY AREA IN SUPPORT OF THE OVERALL GOALS AND MISSION OF THE OFFICE.