Legal Assistant - Public Defender

This is a full-time, FLSA non-exempt position with Carson City Public Defender's Office. Under general supervision, provides difficult, complex, technical, specialized and/or confidential legal office support in the Public Defender’s Office.

Individuals may choose between the following PERS Retirement plans:

• Employer-Paid PERS Retirement: $25.0175 - 35.0244 hourly / $52,036.40 - 72,850.70 annually
• Employee/Employer-Paid PERS Retirement: $30.1807 - 42.2530 hourly / $62,775.96 - 87,886.24 annually

To learn more about the Nevada Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), click here (Download PDF reader).

In addition to an outstanding retirement plan, this position is afforded the excellent benefits set forth in the Carson City Employees Association labor contract: CCEA Labor Contract.

Please Note:

Human Resources determines whether or not you meet the minimum qualifications for the job based on your experience as you describe it on your application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "See Attached Resume" on your application. We do not review resumes, unless specifically stated on the job announcement. Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education and Work Experience" section of the application. Applicants not meeting these requirements will not be considered for employment. This class specification lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Incumbent(s) may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.

• Performs confidential legal office support work, which may require the exercise of independent judgment, the application of technical skills, or a knowledge of detailed or specialized activities related to the Public Defender’s Office.
• Receives and screens visitors and telephone calls, providing information regarding the particular area of assignment, which may require the use of judgment and interpretation of policies and procedures.
• Processes a variety of legal documents following instructions.
• Drafts pleadings, subpoenas, briefs, and other legal documents and correspondence, memoranda and reports from stenographic notes, brief instructions, dictated tapes or printed materials.
• Uses a computer for word processing and to input or retrieve data and prepare reports.
• Calendars and schedules court dates, meetings, and appointments for attorneys; and files or arranges for the filing of paperwork with the court.
• Researches and compiles a variety of informational materials.
• Initiates specified correspondence independently for signature by appropriate staff; and reviews finished materials for completeness, accuracy, format, compliance with policies and procedures, and appropriate English language.
• Organizes and maintains legal files as directed.
• Relieves attorneys of certain administrative matters by following-up on projects, transmitting information, keeping informed of pertinent activities, and scheduling and arranging for meetings.
• Organizes own work, sets priorities, and meets critical deadlines.
• Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the Public Defender’s Office service to its customers by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active member of a team.
• Provides a variety of general secretarial and office administrative assistance.
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with the public and City staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or GED AND two (2) years of clerical or administrative experience in a legal or court office; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:

• None

Required Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of:

• The use of specified computer applications involving word processing, data entry and/or standard report generation.
• Microsoft Office suite.
• Business arithmetic.
• Office administrative practices and procedures.
• Record keeping principles and practices.
• Correct business English, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Legal office terminology, processes, procedures, and the format for legal documents.
• Techniques for dealing with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the telephone.

Skill in:

• Making accurate arithmetic calculations.
• Establishing, maintaining, and researching office files, composing correspondence independently or from brief instructions.
• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Preparing pleadings and other legal documents from stenographic notes, brief instructions, dictated tapes or printed information.
• Providing varied and responsible legal secretarial and office administrative assistance to one or more attorneys and/or associated staff.
• Using applicable legal office terminology, forms, documents, and procedures in the course of the work.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Organizing, prioritizing, and coordinating work activities and meeting critical deadlines.
• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives, and activities.
• Dealing successfully with the public, in person and over the telephone, often where relations may be confrontational or strained.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

Under General Supervision - Incumbents at this level are given assignments and objectives that are governed by specifically outlined work methods and a sequence of steps, which are explained in general terms. The responsibility for achieving the work objectives, however, rests with a superior. Immediate supervision is not consistent, but checks are integrated into work processes and/or reviews are frequent enough to ensure compliance with instructions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Mobility to work in a typical office setting, use standard office equipment and stamina to sit for extended periods of time; strength to lift and carry up to 20 pounds; vision to read printed materials; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone; exposure to traffic conditions and external environment when traveling from one office to another.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

1. All new employees will serve a probationary period of twelve (12) months. Such employees are not subject to the collective bargaining agreement and may be laid off or discharged during this period for any reason.
2. Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.
3. Employees may be required to stay at or return to work during emergencies to perform duties specific to this classification or to perform other duties as requested in an assigned response position. This may require working a non-traditional work schedule or working outside normal assigned duties during the incident and/or emergency.
4. Employees may be required to complete Incident Command System training as a condition of continuing employment.
5. New employees are required to submit to a fingerprint-based background investigation which cost the new employee $47.00 and a drug screen which costs $36.50. Employment is contingent upon passing the background and the drug screen.
6. Carson City participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates who are offered employment with Carson City must complete Section 1 of the Form I-9 along with the required proof of their right to work in the United States and proof of their identity prior to starting employment. Please be prepared to provide required documentation as soon as possible after the job offer is made. For additional information regarding acceptable documents for this purpose, please contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io or go to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services web page at
7. Carson City is an Equal Opportunity Employer.