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.The Bullhead City Prosecutor's Office is seeking an organized, dependable, and detail-oriented individual to join its team as a Legal Assistant I. This position provides administrative and case support to prosecutors and paralegals handling misdemeanor and municipal-code cases. Duties include maintaining case files, entering and updating information, preparing and processing documents, assisting with court-related materials, communicating with law enforcement, court personnel, attorneys, and members of the public, and providing general office support. Previous legal experience is welcome but not required. If you have solid administrative or office skills, are comfortable using computers, pay close attention to detail, communicate professionally, and are interested in learning about the legal system, we encourage you to apply. This is an excellent opportunity for someone interested in beginning a career in the legal field, criminal justice system, or municipal government.Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: providing general administrative and clerical support to prosecutors, paralegals, and other Prosecutor's Office staff; receiving, reviewing, organizing, scanning, filing, and maintaining police reports, citations, court documents, correspondence, photographs, electronic records, and other case-related materials; entering and updating case information in computerized case-management systems, databases, spreadsheets, and other City applications; assisting with opening, maintaining, tracking, and closing prosecution case files in accordance with established office procedures; assisting in preparing routine correspondence, notices, forms, discovery materials, subpoenas, court filings, and other documents under the direction of prosecutors, paralegals, or supervisory staff; processing incoming and outgoing mail, electronic correspondence, records, reports, and other documents; assisting with the preparation and organization of files and materials for court hearings, trials, pretrial conferences, and other proceedings; tracking court dates, deadlines, case status, document requests, and other time-sensitive information; providing 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; answering and routing telephone calls, responding to routine inquiries, taking accurate messages, and directing individuals to the appropriate staff member or agency; assisting with requests for reports, discovery, case documents, and other materials in accordance with applicable law, City policies, and office procedures; coordinating and exchanging information with the Bullhead City Municipal Court, Bullhead City Police Department, defense attorneys, law enforcement agencies, and other criminal justice partners as directed; maintaining electronic and physical filing systems and ensuring records are accurate, complete, organized, and readily accessible to authorized personnel; performing data entry and assisting with preparation of reports, spreadsheets, statistical information, correspondence, and other office documents; using Microsoft Office applications, Adobe Acrobat, case-management software, email, electronic filing systems, and other computer applications required to perform assigned duties; operating standard office equipment, including computers, scanners, copiers, telephones, and multifunction devices; handling sensitive, confidential, and criminal justice information in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures; providing professional and courteous customer service to internal and external customers; assisting other members of the Prosecutor's Office as workload and operational needs require; participating in training and cross-training to develop knowledge of prosecution procedures, legal terminology, court processes, and office operations; and performing other related duties as assigned.Entry-level knowledge of, or the ability to quickly learn modern office practices, procedures, and equipment; business English, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and professional correspondence; recordkeeping, document management, and filing procedures; Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, and similar office software; general data-entry and database practices; principles of professional customer service; confidentiality and appropriate handling of sensitive information; basic legal terminology, criminal justice processes, prosecution procedures, and court operations; City policies and Prosecutor's Office procedures applicable to assigned duties.The successful candidate must have the ability to maintain a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail; learn legal terminology, court procedures, prosecution processes, and criminal justice information systems; organize and prioritize multiple assignments while meeting deadlines; work effectively in a fast-paced environment where priorities may change throughout the day; enter, retrieve, review, and maintain information accurately using computers and electronic record systems; read and understand routine reports, correspondence, forms, policies, and procedural documents; prepare clear and professional written correspondence using proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicate professionally and effectively, both verbally and in writing; follow written and verbal instructions and established procedures; exercise good judgment and recognize when a matter should be referred to a prosecutor, paralegal, supervisor, court, law enforcement agency, or other appropriate party; maintain confidentiality regarding criminal cases, victims, witnesses, law enforcement information, personnel matters, and other sensitive information; remain professional and courteous when interacting with individuals who may be upset, frustrated, emotional, or involved in stressful circumstances; establish and maintain productive working relationships with prosecutors, paralegals, City employees, court personnel, law enforcement officers, attorneys, victims, witnesses, members of the public, and representatives of other agencies; work independently on routine assignments while functioning effectively as part of a team; accept instruction, feedback, and training and demonstrate a willingness to learn new responsibilities.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.The physical demands described are representative of those generally required to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities. 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.Employees of the City Prosecutor's Office have access to sensitive and confidential information and are expected to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, discretion, and accuracy. The Legal Assistant I does not provide legal advice and must refer requests for legal opinions or advice to appropriate legal staff. The duties listed above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to constitute an exhaustive list of every responsibility, duty, or skill required. Duties and responsibilities may be modified as operational needs change.