Legal Assistant I (Prosecutor's Office)

Job Coordinator

Under the supervision of the Office Manager(s), provides a wide variety of coordination activities, both technical and administrative, to assist attorneys. Manages documents for case files within the Prosecutor's Office. Activities are varied and complex, often performed under limited supervision, and require creativity and independent judgment. Position may include combined assignment to the Criminal Division of the District Court, or Criminal, Juvenile or Family Divisions of the Circuit Court.

This is a full-time, benefited position working out of the Ottawa County Courthouse located at 414 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI. Typical working hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Essential Job Functions

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Opens new files, evaluates complex and diverse information to determine appropriate course of action and required documentation based on court deadlines and applicable law enforcement procedures. Handles document preparation, document scanning, and file management functions of the case. Assignments occasionally may include some tasks involving difficult and high profile cases.
• Enters and updates case data using multiple computer systems utilized to manage case records, generate documents and reports, and track files. Uses document management software to manage cases via imaged documents, creates e-forms and processes case work within department and with other Ottawa County agencies using workflows.
• Responds appropriately to callers and walk-ins addressing questions and concerns of attorneys, parties, court personnel, law enforcement personnel, victims, families, witnesses and others regarding departmental procedures, schedules, case information and related issues. Requires discretion to adhere to disclosure and confidentiality restrictions.
• Schedules hearings, prepares notices, proofs, files and documents within legal time parameters. Issues subpoenas as needed.
• Manages calendar for assigned court and prepares documentation for attorneys. Prepares for weekly and unscheduled court sessions including motions, hearings, arraignments, trials and pleas.
• Reviews files upon return from court and assists attorneys to prepare necessary case follow-up to ensure accurate and timely processing of case components.
• Processes and follows case/file closure and archival procedures.
• Performs complex clerical and administrative tasks unique to the department.
• Performs a variety of other support tasks which may include organizing and distributing mail and related tasks.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education, Training and Experience

High School Diploma required. Associates or Bachelors degree in related area preferred. A minimum of one to two years related experience in a criminal justice system or similar legal setting preferred. Must be skilled in the use of MS Word and MS Excel. Licenses and Certifications: LEIN certified preferred.

Additional Requirements and Information

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Good working knowledge of court administrative procedures and practices.
• Good working knowledge of legal terminology, documents, style and procedures.
• Fast and accurate keyboarding skills.
• Good working knowledge of document imaging protocols and practices.
• Working knowledge of privacy requirements related to court records.
• Computer literacy including a good working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet and database management applications.
• Good oral and written communications skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and human relations skills.
• Ability to interact positively and professionally with judges, attorneys, prosecutors, law enforcement officers, employees, felony offenders, other parties to litigation and members of the general public with widely divergent socio-economic and cultural backgrounds and varying levels of communication skills.

Physical Requirements: Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations, including, but not limited to, visual and/or audiological appliances and devices to increase mobility. Working Conditions: Work is performed in a normal office environment. Disclaimer: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. Ottawa County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.