Legal Assistant I

Legal Assistant IThe Legal Assistant I provides administrative, clerical, and case-support services to the City Prosecutor's Office. This is an entry-level legal support position responsible for assisting prosecutors, paralegals, and other staff with the day-to-day operation of a busy municipal prosecution office. The ideal candidate is organized, dependable, detail-oriented, comfortable working with computers, and able to communicate professionally with members of the public, law enforcement personnel, court staff, attorneys, victims, witnesses, and other City employees. Prior legal experience is not required. Candidates with strong administrative, customer service, records management, data-entry, or general office experience who demonstrate the ability and willingness to learn legal terminology, procedures, and case-management processes are encouraged to apply. The position requires the ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion, manage multiple priorities, maintain accurate records, and work effectively in a fast-paced professional environment.This position provides administrative and clerical support to prosecutors, paralegals, and other Prosecutor's Office staff. Receives, reviews, organizes, scans, files, and maintains police reports, citations, court documents, correspondence, photographs, electronic records, and other case-related materials. Enters and updates case information in computerized case-management systems, databases, spreadsheets, and other City applications. Assists with opening, maintaining, tracking, and closing prosecution case files in accordance with established office procedures. Assists in preparing routine correspondence, notices, forms, discovery materials, subpoenas, court filings, and other documents under the direction of prosecutors, paralegals, or supervisory staff. Processes incoming and outgoing mail, electronic correspondence, records, reports, and other documents. Assists with the preparation and organization of files and materials for court hearings, trials, pretrial conferences, and other proceedings. Tracks court dates, deadlines, case status, document requests, and other time-sensitive information. Provides appropriate information and assistance to members of the public, law enforcement agencies, court personnel, attorneys, victims, witnesses, defendants, and other governmental agencies while maintaining professional boundaries and confidentiality. Answers and routes telephone calls, responds to routine inquiries, takes accurate messages, and directs individuals to the appropriate staff member or agency. Assists with requests for reports, discovery, case documents, and other materials in accordance with applicable law, City policies, and office procedures. Coordinates and exchanges information with the Bullhead City Municipal Court, Bullhead City Police Department, defense attorneys, law enforcement agencies, and other criminal justice partners as directed. Maintains electronic and physical filing systems and ensures records are accurate, complete, organized, and readily accessible to authorized personnel. Performs data entry and assists with preparation of reports, spreadsheets, statistical information, correspondence, and other office documents. Uses Microsoft Office applications, Adobe Acrobat, case-management software, email, electronic filing systems, and other computer applications required to perform assigned duties. Operates standard office equipment, including computers, scanners, copiers, telephones, and multifunction devices. Handles sensitive, confidential, and criminal justice information in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures. Provides professional and courteous customer service to internal and external customers. Assists other members of the Prosecutor's Office as workload and operational needs require. Participates in training and cross-training to develop knowledge of prosecution procedures, legal terminology, court processes, and office operations. Performs other related duties as assigned.High School Diploma or GED and one (1) year of experience performing administrative, clerical, customer service, records management, data entry, or general office duties; OR any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Previous legal experience is not required. Experience working in a legal office, court, law enforcement agency, government office, or other professional office environment is desirable but not required. Ability to type approximately 50 words per minute is preferred. Valid State Driver's License, if required by the City for this classification. National Incident Management System (NIMS) training as required based on assignment. Must successfully complete any required City, criminal justice information, confidentiality, records management, or job-specific training following appointment. Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certifications being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.The City Prosecutor's Office is particularly interested in candidates who demonstrate: dependability and a strong work ethic; excellent organizational skills; attention to detail; professionalism and discretion; strong computer and keyboarding skills; good written and verbal communication skills; a positive and cooperative attitude; strong customer service skills; the ability to remain calm and professional under pressure; initiative and willingness to learn; the ability to handle confidential information responsibly; an interest in public service and working as part of a criminal justice team. Work is primarily performed in a professional office environment. The position involves frequent use of computers and other office equipment and regular interaction with City employees, court personnel, law enforcement officers, attorneys, victims, witnesses, defendants, and members of the public. Due to the nature of the Prosecutor's Office, the employee may occasionally encounter information, photographs, reports, recordings, or other materials relating to criminal offenses that may be sensitive or disturbing. The employee must be able to maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and appropriate discretion when handling such material. Duties generally require prolonged periods of sitting and computer use; frequent speaking, hearing, typing, and use of hands; occasional walking, standing, reaching, bending, and lifting or moving office files, supplies, or equipment.