Legal Assistant - Non Merit

Job Title

A Non-Merit vacancy exists in the Office of Law.

Examples Of Duties

Under general supervision of the County Attorney, Deputy County Attorney, Office Manager or designee(s), assists with litigation, operational, transactional and administrative matters concerning Baltimore County government.

Essential job functions include producing reports, correspondence, bills, legal opinions, deeds, contracts, affidavits, pleadings, motions, depositions, demurrers, briefs, manuscripts, or other legal documents. Prepares, drafts and processes some legal documents, following the cases through court procedures or administrative settlements. Checks legal references and proofreads legal documents. Welcomes guests and clients by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries. Produces information by transcribing, formatting, inputting, editing, retrieving, copying, and transmitting text, data, and graphics; coordinating case preparation. Conserves attorneys time by reading, researching, reviewing, verifying, and routing correspondence, reports and legal documents; drafting letters and documents; collecting and analyzing information; initiating telecommunications; organizing client conferences, and attorney meetings; scheduling couriers, court reporters, expert witnesses, and other special functions; coordinating preparation of charts, graphs, and other courtroom visuals; preparing expense reports. Maintains attorney calendar by planning and scheduling conferences, teleconferences, dispositions, and travel; recording and monitoring court appearance dates, pleadings, and filing requirements; monitoring evidence-gathering; anticipating changes in litigation or transaction preparation requirements. Accurately file documents with the court ahead of deadlines. Schedule court depositions, hearings, and other meetings. Represents attorney by communicating and obtaining information; following-up on delegated assignments; knowing when to act and when to refer matters to attorney. Maintains client confidence by keeping client/attorney information confidential. Provides historical reference by developing and utilizing filing and retrieval systems; recording meeting discussions; maintaining transcripts; documenting and maintaining evidence. Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products. Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs. Process third party and vendor invoices. May act as clerk in court. May prepare case histories for cases being brought into court. May train or coordinate the work of other secretarial or clerical personnel. May perform receptionist duties. Performs other related duties as required.

Other Job Functions

Thorough knowledge of legal terminology, forms, methods, and procedures. Thorough knowledge of modern office practices and procedures. Thorough knowledge of English spelling and grammar, and arithmetic. Skill in operating office equipment and machinery as listed in essential duties. Ability to use automated office systems. Ability to compose simple letters and memos. Ability to set up and maintain filing systems. Ability to take verbatim notes. Ability to transcribe material from sound recordings. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to type from plain copy at a rate equivalent to 45 WPM. Ability to establish and maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with others (inside and outside the Law Department). Ability to maintain professionalism under pressure. A strong sense of ownership of tasks and responsibilities. Strong interpersonal skills required to work with the public and various agencies. Strong technology skills, including the ability to coordinate and conduct electronic discovery, as well as proficiency with Microsoft Office software and legal research platforms such as Westlaw.

Qualifications

Possession of a high school diploma or an appropriate equivalent plus two years' experience in legal secretarial, legal stenographic, or closely related work, or graduation from an accredited college or university with an A.A. degree in legal secretarial training. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education.) Thorough knowledge of County and departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures governing performance of duties. Skill in using automated office systems. Skill in composing simple letters and memos. Skill in setting up and maintaining filing systems. Skill in taking verbatim notes and in transcribing material from sound recordings. Ability to summarize information. Ability to complete tasks in accordance with established guidelines and deadlines. Ability to work independently. Ability to assign and review the work of others. Applicants are required to submit proof of licenses, certifications and education beyond high school to meet the required and preferred qualifications of the position. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant's major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application. Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from World Education Services, Inc. ( Mail or deliver documents to: ATTN: Legal Assistant - Law - Non-Merit Office of Human Resources Baltimore County Government 308 Allegheny Avenue Towson, MD 21204 You MUST attach your transcript(s) or license(s) to your application. Applicants will be qualified based on an evaluation of their training and experience, as stated on their application. Applicants must state the dates and duties of past and present experience clearly and completely for evaluation purposes.

Conditions Of Employment

Applicants selected for an appointment to a position in Baltimore County must successfully complete an employment background investigation, including, but not limited to a criminal background, education, and fingerprint check.

Employment Benefits For Full-Time, Merit Or Classified Employees

Baltimore County General Government offers the following benefits to full-time,merit or classified employees. Some benefits vary for sworn employees of the Police and Fire Departments. New employees are eligible for benefits upon hire, unless noted otherwise. Baltimore County is an equal opportunity employer and encourages minority, female and disabled applicants. All Baltimore County offices are smoke free. Prospective employees are required to submit to urinalysis drug testing as part of the pre-employment physical examination. Salary - Step increases may be granted on anniversary date based on satisfactory job performance. General Increases - Cost of living increases and adjustments may be granted as legislated. Longevity Increases - In accordance with the specific pay schedule, a full-time merit or classified employee may receive a longevity increase, equivalent to one step, upon completion of a certain number of years of classified service with the County. Our Employee Assistance Program provides confidential and professional assessment and referral assistance for employees and eligible dependents in the household who are experiencing personal problems that may be affecting work performance, job satisfaction, or overall quality of life. Health Insurance benefits elected become effective the first day of the month following the date of hire if the employee has completed online enrollment prior to that date. New employees must enroll within thirty (30) calendar days of hire. Plans offered include: Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision insurance. Opportunity to set aside pre-tax dollars, through payroll deduction, for eligible unreimbursed medical care expenses and/or dependent care costs. Employees may elect basic term life insurance for themselves equal to one time the employee's annual salary, rounded to the next higher $1,000. Employees contribute a portion of the premium through monthly payroll deductions. The County also offers an Additional/Employee paid Life Insurance plan with coverage up to $100,000. Employees are required to participate in the Baltimore County Employees' Retirement System (ERS), with very limited exceptions. Paid benefits listed below vary depending upon the Classification. Sick Leave Vacation Leave Personal Leave Holidays Bereavement Leave Jury Leave Military Leave Membership in Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union offers a full range of savings programs, loans, checking, direct deposit, payroll deduction, savings bonds, and other financial services. Payroll through direct deposit to the financial institution selected by employee is required. 70 to 80 percent tuition reimbursement following successful completion of pre-approved courses related to position. Amount of reimbursement and fiscal year dollar limitations vary with bargaining group. Nationwide Retirement Solutions offers a 457 retirement plan allowing for payroll contributions of tax deferred dollars to investment options of your choice. This is only a summary of benefits and policies in Baltimore County. Any benefit or policy may be changed at any time at the discretion of the administration. This summary does not constitute an express or implied contract, nor does it constitute a guarantee that your employment relationship will continue for any specified period of time or end only under certain conditions.